In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Bumbleride Speed Review

Great maneuverability doesn't make up for the higher price
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Bumbleride Speed Review
Credit: Bumbleride
Price:  $569 List
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Manufacturer:   Bumbleride
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & BabyGearLab Team  ⋅  Aug 30, 2019
66
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Ease Of Use - 45% 6.0
  • Maneuverability - 30% 8.0
  • Weight/Folded Size - 15% 5.0
  • Quality - 10% 7.0

Our Verdict

The Bumbleride Speed is a nice looking jogging style stroller with enough features to be a potential primary stroller as well. We like the unique two angle locking option for the front wheel and the more substantial rubber tires that make pushing and turning the stroller a breeze. This stroller has adequate storage, a giant canopy, and an adjustable handlebar. Unfortunately, it is heavier and more expensive than much of the competition, and it isn't as easy to use. Pulling double duty could make the higher price seem like a bargain, but there are several joggers that cost less with better performance. All of this makes the Speed an interesting choice and one to watch going forward, but currently, it pales in comparison to the competition.
REASONS TO BUY
Great maneuverability
Cozy seating
Quality materials
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy and large
Harder to carry
Higher price
Update — 2024
The Bumbleride Speed was updated in 2024. We have not tested the new version and the information contained in this review is based on our test results of the 2017 model, which has been discontinued.

Our Analysis and Test Results

Bumbleride Speed 2017 vs. 2018 vs. 2024


The Speed has been updated at least twice since our testing of the 2017 model. We have not tested the 2024 model and cannot remark on how it compares to competitors or the version we tested.

Hands-on Gear Review


bumbleride speed - the bumbleride speed is a step up from previous bumbleride options...
The Bumbleride Speed is a step up from previous Bumbleride options with unique features and impressive maneuverability.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

In 2004, Bumbleride was started by Matt and Emily Reichardt. Inspired by the birth of their first baby, this San Diego based family decided to create gear for families with active lifestyles. This company is committed to safe products using OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Class I textiles and the environment with 100% recycled polyester made from post-consumer water bottles. Bumbleride is partnered with a family-based manufacturer in Taiwan.

Performance Comparison



bumbleride speed - the speed's storage bin is only accessible from the back and has...
The Speed's storage bin is only accessible from the back and has mesh sides that leave contents open to potential dirt and water.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Bumbleride is easy enough to use but only performed about average compared to the competition.

The Speed fold is initiated by simultaneously pulling up on the...
The Speed fold is initiated by simultaneously pulling up on the unlock slides on the sides of the stroller frame.
The Speed has an automatic lock that keeps the folded stroller closed.
The Speed has an automatic lock that keeps the folded stroller closed.

Fold and Unfold


The Speed is easy to fold using two hands with an automatic lock and self-stand. Once the belly bar is down, there are only two steps to folding the Speed but the self-stand requires the handlebar to be the right height or it won't work.

bumbleride speed - the longer brake pedal on the speed makes it easy to set but it...
The longer brake pedal on the Speed makes it easy to set but it isn't as foot-friendly on open-toed shoes as we'd like.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Brakes


The brakes are single action and wholly average. The design is not sandal foot friendly but workable if need be.

bumbleride speed - the speed's basket has a 10 lbs maximum limit and with some...
The Speed's basket has a 10 lbs maximum limit and with some wiggling, we were able to fit our large diaper bag inside.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Storage


The storage bin has a maximum weight capacity of 10 lbs and fits our large diaper bag. It only has access from the back, but space is wide open and easy to use if the seatback isn't reclined. The Speed has two mesh pockets on the seatback, a zippered pocket on the canopy back, and one passenger stow pocket inside.

bumbleride speed - the speed has a large canopy with a nice peek-a-boo window that is...
The Speed has a large canopy with a nice peek-a-boo window that is easy to see through.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Sunshade


The Speed's sunshade is a large canopy and has a useful peek-a-boo window. The window is mesh but has a cover with magnet closure. A panel of the shade zips off for more ventilation on hotter days.

bumbleride speed - the speed buckle requires putting in each of the four straps...
The Speed buckle requires putting in each of the four straps separately which makes for a convoluted buckling process.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


The harness on the Bumbleride is 5-point and easier to put on and take off than adjust. Adjustment needs to be done for each strap individually, and the buckle has a button on the back you need to press simultaneously with the front to open. Neither feature is hard, just more involved than much of the competition.

bumbleride speed - the plastic toggle on the speed is easy to squeeze and operate with...
The plastic toggle on the Speed is easy to squeeze and operate with one hand.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Seat


The Bumbleride seat reclines almost flat for comfortable napping and the canopy opens wide enough to offer a dim place to sleep out of the spotlight. The plastic toggle for recline is easy to use with infinite settings.

Car Seat Compatibility


The Bumbleride can accept some infant car seat carriers with the purchase of adapters, including Graco, Chicco, Maxi Cosi, Cybex, and Nuna. We tested our Speed using the adapter for the Chicco Keyfit 30. The adapter has two screws to attach it to the frame, and you need to remove the canopy of the stroller to connect the car seat to the adapter. The seat is about average to install and remove, and it requires the second strap attachment we don't like. You can install this incorrectly if you skip the straps and we worry parents will as if feels somewhat stable without them.

Ease of Setup




We found the Speed to be more challenging to set up than competitors, taking over 13 mins to put together. Despite the longer set up time, the manual is nice and you can assemble the stroller using mostly photos. Some of the competition took closer to 5 minutes, making them better choices if an assembly isn't your thing.

The Speed is very easy to push and turn with only a few strollers...
The Speed is very easy to push and turn with only a few strollers outperforming it in this metric.
The Speed has a variable locking wheel with two possible lock...
The Speed has a variable locking wheel with two possible lock positions. This feature is unique to the Speed and helps it stand out in a crowd.

Maneuverability


The Speed is a nice mover with impressive maneuverability. It has a locking swivel front wheel with two locking locations with is unique. The swivel and shorter footprint help it navigate smaller spaces with tighter turns. This stroller also performs relatively well on rougher terrain thanks to larger rubber tires and the three-wheel design.

The Bumbleride has suspension on all three wheels and an adjustable handlebar with a rubber cover. The seat is a sling style with adequate padding for a comfy ride for passengers and pushers.

bumbleride speed - the speed is heavy for a full-size stroller and larger when folded...
The Speed is heavy for a full-size stroller and larger when folded than some of the competition. While normal for a jogging style stroller, it outweighs fulls-size options and many of the strollers that work well with infant car seats.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight and Folded Size


The Speed is comparatively heavier and larger than some of the competition. It weighs about 27lbs and is bigger than most when folded. Only five of the competing options are heavier than this stroller which means there are lighter strollers available. It is also larger than average, though it doesn't come close to the largest stroller that is over 17,000 cubic inches.

bumbleride speed - with a deep recline and large canopy, the speed seating area makes a...
With a deep recline and large canopy, the Speed seating area makes a cozy napping space.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


Bumbleride price indicates a higher level of quality that the Speed delivers with a slightly lower performance than we expected compared to the competition. However, only three strollers performed better in this metric. The materials are nice, the frame is sturdy, and they all come together in a nice design with limited flex and pleasing looks. The fabric is a little rough, and the joints are plastic, but overall this stroller puts forth a good effort.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD & BabyGearLab Team