Umbrella strollers typically have small wheels which gives you a lightweight, compact stroller. What you loose in order to get the lightweight form factor is comfort and safety. Our children typically feel every bump when strolling with hard plastic wheels. And parents’ hearts skip a beat when their stroller starts to tip – due to the small wheel diameter.
Joovy, a stroller manufacturer from Dallas Texas, has come up with a unique approach to solving these problems. They took a lightweight aluminum frame and built a very attractive ‘cool’ looking stroller and they slapped large removable wheels on it. And even though the wheels on the Kooper stroller are still plastic, the large wheels give you a comfortable and stable ride and because the wheels are removable, the Kooper stroller becomes quite compact for storage and transportation. This functionality is standard on much larger, more expensive jogging strollers – but you won’t find removable wheels on other umbrella strollers.
The Kooper stroller is easy to push – you can push the stroller with one hand. And even though the Kooper has plastic wheels, it provides a smooth comfortable ride. In addition to your child’s comfort, parents can stroll comfortably too, the Kooper stroller has ergonomically designed, foam padded, handles.
In addition to the removable wheels another feature that sets the Kooper stroller apart from umbrella strollers is the infinite position reclining seat. The seat does not recline into a fully-flat position but it does recline enough to let your little one nap on your long stroll. The seat sports a 5-point safety harness that can be adjusted to accommodate growing children.
Above the seat, you can’t miss it, you will find a huge canopy that will protect your little one from the wind and from the direct rays of the sun. This canopy is secured to the stroller frame with Velcro… you can easily remove the canopy or you can rotate it 180 degrees… which gives you and your child an optimum view. i.e., moms and dads can rotate the canopy to keep a watchful eye on their napping children.
The Joovy Kooper, though it sets itself apart from umbrella strollers, has umbrella stroller capabilities when it comes to folding, transport and storage. To close your Kooper stroller you simply pull up on the rear locking mechanism and you push down and forward on the stroller’s handlebars. To lock the Kooper stroller in its folded position you simply hook a rubber strap over a locking button. Because you have to do this last step manually (several parents complained about this), you can’t call this a one-hand fold process… but overall, folding and unfolding the Kooper stroller is quite easy.
Additional Features
- Four quick release removable wheels
- All aluminum frame
- Front suspension
- 1680D high luster fabric
- Cushioned shoulder pads with reflective stripe
- 5-point harness with reflective stitching
- Two mesh pockets in seat for toys, gear, etc.
- Huge, removable canopy
- Two cup holders and zippered pocket
- 1680D high luster fabric
- One-step link parking break
- One-hand, multi-position reclining seat
- Large, easy to get to basket
- Ergonomically designed, foam covered handles
Optional Features
- Kooper Rain Cover
- Protects your child from wind and rain
- Custom made for the Kooper stroller
- Ventilated for breathability
- Convenient storage bag
- Easily hooks onto the Kooper stroller
- Kooper Travel Bag
- Durable 600D fabric
- Custom made for the Kooper stroller
- Inner storage pocket securely stores swivel wheels
- Adjustable padded shoulder strap
Dimensions & Construction
- Weight – 18 lbs.
- Folded Height – 13”
- Folded Width – 13.5”
- Folded Length – 45”
- Height – 40”
- Width – 21”
- Length – 31.5”
- Max weight capacity – 50 lbs.
√ Pros
- Large removable wheels
- Maneuverability
- Huge canopy
X Cons
- No automatic locking mechanism when the stroller is folded
- Stroller handles are not height adjustable
- At 18 pounds the Joovy Kooper stroller is pretty heavy for an umbrella stroller
Recommendation
Joovy builds strong and durable strollers and the Kooper stroller is a great example of how Joovy can blend strength, durability and great looks into a stroller. As with all Joovy products, The Stroller Shop highly recommends the Joovy Kooper strollers for parents who need a little more out of their portable stroller.
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