The Improved Donkey 3 is Here!
Bugaboo has always had the pinpoint focus of improving the lives of parents and their children. Furthermore, Bugaboo strollers are not only stylish, but they are also performance-driven strollers. And, the new Bugaboo Donkey 3 is the latest version of the popular Donkey series of strollers. The improvements are subtle; yet make a world of difference.
Adjustable Handlebar
The height of handlebars can be pleasant or an uncomfortable experience. It’s even more so the case with a double stroller. With the added weight of the stroller and two children, it’s imperative to be able to find the sweet spot for your arms. Thankfully, the Donkey 3 handlebar has an adjustability range of nearly eight inches. Whether it’s mom, dad, or a caregiver, everyone should find a comfortable position.
Seating
First of all, Bugaboo’s seat design is unique and space-saving. The child seat and bassinet share the same structural ring- it’s just a matter of swapping the seating and bassinet fabrics. Therefore, you won’t have to figure out where to store multiple seats; the seating fabrics can be tucked away in a closet or drawer.
Equally important, the capability to customize the configuration of the seats is a huge plus. Regardless if you have twins or a baby and a toddler, the Donkey 3 stroller has you covered.
Canopy
Regardless of the price point, nearly every stroller on the market has a peek-a-boo window. Oddly, until now, the Donkey strollers weren’t equipped with a peek-a-boo window. But, they’ve made up for it in a big way; Bugaboo has added a massive peek-a-boo and ventilation panel, figuratively and literally. You’ll easily be able to keep an eye on your child, and when it’s warm, the ventilation panel will allow a large volume of air to flow.
Storage
With the combination of the extra-large under-seat storage basket and side luggage bag, you’ll easily be able to store all the essentials for one or two children. Furthermore, the storage basket and luggage bag can each carry 22-pounds (9.98-kg). Ironically, with the amount of storage available, the stroller should be called the Mule instead of the Donkey.
Steering, Suspension, and Wheels
Side-by-side strollers are notorious for being difficult to push and steer. Notably, the weight of two children and the width of the stroller contributes to the difficulty. With this in mind, Bugaboo created a light frame by using durable aluminum, shortened the wheelbase, employs an all-wheel suspension system, and utilizes puncture-proof foam-filled wheels. As a result, the Donkey 3 can efficiently be pushed with one hand and turns in a tight radius.
Brakes
We know brakes on a stroller aren’t glamorous, but it is one such feature that ranks near the top when safety is concerned. The brakes on the Bugaboo Donkey 3 are simple- it’s a push or flick of your toes to lock or unlock the brakes. And, when the stroller’s brakes are engaged, the brakes firmly hold the stroller in place.
Folding
As incredible as the Donkey 3 stroller is, the folding process is where many parents struggle. Specifically, these parents state that the folding process takes practice. Not only that, unlike some other strollers, this stroller does not fold in two steps or seconds.
Double strollers are infamous for their large folded size, and the Donkey 3 is no different. Honestly, there isn’t a double stroller on the market that folds compactly- it just comes with the territory of owning a double stroller. Also, make sure this stroller will fit in your vehicle or trunk space.
Finally, the Donkey 3 is self-standing, but don’t get too excited. It’s probably not what you envisioned in your head. In the self-standing configuration, the stroller still has a large footprint. Frankly, you can’t stow it away in your hallway or by your front door without it getting in the way.
Travel System
The Donkey 3 is available in three variants, so naturally, they’d offer nine variations of the travel system. Whether you require one or two infant car seats, Bugaboo has you covered. At the same time, Bugaboo only offers the Turtle One by Nuna® infant car seats. If you know anything about Nuna car seats, you’ll know they are super lightweight, safe, and comfortable.
If you prefer a different car seat, we understand, and so does Bugaboo. That’s why they have car seat adapters for other brands. They include the following:
- Chicco® KeyFit
- Chicco® KeyFit 30
- Maxi-Cosi® Mico 30
- Maxi-Cosi® Mico AP
- Maxi-Cosi® Max 30
- Nuna® PIPA
- Nuna® PIPA Lite
- Nuna® PIPA Lite LX
Accessories
Out of the box, the Donkey 3 is already parent-friendly and comfortable for your children. However, to make your life easier, Bugaboo has a wide array of accessories.
- Cupholder
- Organizer
- Snack Tray
- Adapters
- Seat Liners
- Foot Muffs
- Newborn Inlay
- Sun Canopy
- Breezy Sun Canopy
- Rain Cover
- Mosquito Net
- Wheeled Board
- Parasol
Pros
- The stroller fits through most standard doors
- Easily steers and pushes it can be pushed with one hand
- Configuration of different seating
- Three different variants are available
- 100 Day Trial (If purchased from Bugaboo directly)
Cons
- The price
- Folding the stroller takes some practice
- The self-standing fold takes up a lot of space
Important Specifications
- Stroller Weight: 33-pounds
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 48.5-pounds (per seat)
Donkey 3 Bundles
If one day you plan to grow your family, or you have two children, or you have twins on the way, there’s a perfect Donkey 3 stroller for you! Below is the breakdown of each stroller variant.
- Stroller
- Seat frame with bassinet and seat fabrics
- Sun canopy
- Side luggage bag
- Rain cover
- Wheel caps set
Note: The mono variant requires the duo extension set to equip the stroller with two seats
- Stroller
- Seat frame with bassinet and two sets of seat fabrics
- Two canopies
- Side luggage bag
- Two rain covers
- Wheel caps set
- Stroller
- Two seat frames, two bassinet fabrics, and two seat fabrics
- Two sun canopies
- Side luggage bag
- Two rain covers
- Wheel caps set
FAQ
Most of the features remain the same. However, functionality and ease of use have been improved.
- New peek-a-boo window and ventilation panel
- Improved wheels with shock absorbing foam
- A sleeker side luggage basket
- The belly bar now rotates out of the way instead of having to remove it
Yes, all fabrics are machine washable at 86F (30C).
Yes, you can! However, it is limited to the color of the canopy, style set, and frame.
What Parents Have to Say
Final Words
First, the Bugaboo Donkey 3 is unlike any double stroller out there- it can transform from a single or double stroller. Second, with the Donkey 3, your two children do not have to be close in age. Whereas; many other double strollers on the market are not capable of handling an infant and toddler.