I want to start off with a disclaimer – I bought a used Zoe XL double stroller off of Marketplace so this review is based on that old XL model of the Zoe double. It’s not a new stroller, and I have heard that the newest model (V2) is better overall. I cannot comment on that, though, as my only experience with a Zoe stroller is with this XL.
I have a stroller obsession. I love strollers! I want a different stroller for every occasion. So I do a lot of research before buying a stroller. We have an upcoming trip to Disney World and started looking into renting strollers. We rented a double side by side Bob stroller last year when we went to Disney World and my husband hated how heavy and bulky it was for folding and carrying on/off Disney transportation. So I started wondering if it would be better for us to just buy a used stroller off of Marketplace, or buy a new stroller altogether to take with us. I had been eyeing the Joovy RS2, but was nervous about taking a brand new stroller on the plane, and wasn’t sure if it would be much easier to carry than the Bob. So then I thought about a stroller I have been intrigued by since my first double stroller research began back in 2018… the Zoe. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and it’s marketed as like the Disney stroller. I was nervous, though, because it looked like a cheap stroller with the price tag of a luxury stroller. I didn’t want to buy this thing new unless I could try it out first. I don’t like paying for return, restock, or shipping fees of any kind and Zoe doesn’t sell on Amazon! So I turned to Marketplace.
I found an older model that looked like it was in good condition and went for it. I was hoping to try it out a bit in the parking lot during my meet up with the seller, but it was POURING rain! So I took a chance.
My Expectations
I expected to like how lightweight and easy it is to fold/unfold and carry, but I figured that it wouldn’t be my favorite or even go-to stroller. I figured it would be great for Disney World and cheaper than renting one for the week, but I probably wouldn’t use a ton after that. I decided that unless I fell in love with this thing I’d try to resell it once we got back from Disney.
First Impressions
I wasn’t wrong. My expectations were exactly how I felt about this stroller – I loved how easy and lightweight it was, but not much else. I absolutely hated the push on this thing. It was like trying to push a car! And it wouldn’t even make it over little bumps or cracks in the sideway. So then I started to freak out – did I just spend money on this stroller for no reason? At this point, I didn’t even want to take it to Disney World because of how difficult it was to push and steer! I was used to my Joovy Qool that I can push with one hand while all three kids are riding in some configuration! Daniel loved how lightweight it was, though, so wanted to take it to Disney and resell it once we got back.
All Terrain Wheels
Zoe sells all terrain wheels that you can purchase separately which are surprisingly compatible with even the old models like mine. After a few days of research and asking in stroller groups, Daniel and I decided to take a risk and purchase the all terrain wheels in hopes that the stroller would end up being at least a great Disney stroller.
I bought the wheels and put them on the very next day. It made a huge difference! It was much easier to push and steer and made it over those bumps and cracks in the sidewalks easier, too. So in my opinion, the all terrain wheels were worth the purchase/cost. Even with buying the wheels, it was still about the same amount I would have spent on renting a stroller for the week, but at least now I either got another stroller, or I could resell and get back some of my money. And we now had a stroller for the airport which is always super nice.
Pros (XL model)
- Lightweight
- Easy to fold/unfold
- Easy to carry around
- Small without feeling small – fits through regular doorways, but my kids don’t feel squished either
- Nice sunshade canopies
- Two independent canopies
- Has a lock for when it’s in the folded position
Cons (XL model)
- Unless you purchase the all terrain wheels, I really don’t know if the stroller is worth the price tag. Yes, the newer models come with slightly better wheels, but from the stroller groups I belong to, everyone just buys the all terrain wheels. So I personally would never buy this stroller brand new unless they made major upgrades to the wheels that come with the initial purchase, or the price drops quite a bit
- Still not the easiest to push/steer
- It really does feel cheap compared to other strollers within the same price range
- Not the best basket storage – this was also upgraded with newer models, but I’m not sure if it’s roomier at all or just better fabric. I’m assuming it’s just better fabric
- Does not stand upright
- The handlebar is not adjustable which is annoying when you’re taller, or have a tall spouse like I do. The all-terrain wheels gave it a bit of a lift so Daniel isn’t completely hunched over while pushing it, but it’s still pretty short which is fine for me, but I’m 5’0″!
Overall (XL model)
Overall, I like this stroller but do not love it. If I had bought it brand new, I’d be disappointed. I just think it’s a glorified umbrella stroller and the price tag is too much for what it is. I truly believe even if I bought the newest V2 model, I’d still be disappointed. The push/steer on the stroller alone is enough to lose a few points in my book. However, having bought it used, I’m glad I purchased it. It will serve its purpose as a Disney stroller well for us, and then after that? We’ll see. Will I keep it? I don’t know. I think I’d like to keep it just because it is so lightweight, but I’d rather have my Joovy for everyday use, and I still want to buy another stroller for places like the zoo. So then I’m not sure what I would honestly use the Zoe for. I didn’t really care for it for our zoo trips (although, to be fair, our zoo is built on the side of a mountain and is either all uphill or downhill which makes a jogging stroller much nicer). I’d rather use my Joovy for trips to the doctor or store because it’s so easy to push and has better storage and I just like it better. So maybe I’d use the Zoe for things like trips to the aquarium which we only do at most once a year? Maybe it will become our travel stroller because of how lightweight and nice it is to carry around? We don’t travel that often, though. I like enough about this stroller that I really want to keep it, but I just don’t know if I’ll use it enough to justify keeping it. The stroller-obsessed woman inside me wants to keep it, but the rational woman that must reside somewhere inside me says, “No, resell this thing when you get back from Disney.” Only time will tell which lady will win 😛
Here are some pictures of the stroller and how I’ve used it so far!
P.S. The irrational, stroller-obsessed lady will probably win – HAHA! I don’t hate it, I just don’t love it. But I like it. I’ve never been more conflicted about a purchase before.
Fearless Joy 