Bugaboo Donkey 3
.eli
The Bugaboo Donkey 3 is the third generation of one of the most popular side-by-side single-to-double strollers of all time. The Donkey 3 is released in 2020. Thanks to the chassis width of 74 cm, the tradition of versatility in either the Mono, the Duo, or the Twin mode will continue. The Donkey 3 features three clips that help you to adjust the chassis depending on your needs very quickly.
One of the Donkey 3's innovations is the improved - lighter and more maneuverable - wheels resulting in a weight reduction by nearly half a kilogram (compared to the previous version). Another improvement is the new design of the extendable hood - the latest version features two extra-large viewing windows that help with ventilation too. The side shopping basket/bag has also been redesigned - it is now equipped with a larger pocket with a zipper closing. After closing the bag, you can even place some small, light items on top of it. Talking about details, it is worth mentioning the removable leatherette handle covers.
You can add the bucket-type seat units to the chassis in both directions, and adjust their recline by tilting as you wish. The Donkey 3 also allows for a seat unit - carrycot combination (the fabrics of the carrycot have to be attached to the frame of the seat), while the seat can be in any direction. You can also pair the carrycot or the seat unit with a car seat. Alternatively, two car seats (with adapters) can be added - however, you need to bear in mind that thanks to the adapters, the width of the Donkey 3 with car seats is going to increase (with one car seat to 80 cm, with two to 86 cm).
This stroller is available in various configurations. The Mono is designed for one child and features one chassis, a carrycot, a seat unit, and a shopping basket on the side. The Duo is for siblings with an age gap and comes with two seat frames, one set of textiles for a carrycot, and a side-shopping basket included. The Twin is designed for twins and includes two frames with two carrycot sets, a pair of seat units, and a shopping basket for the side. In addition, you can also purchase a separate Donkey 3 chassis and create any desired combination depending on your needs.
The Bugaboo Donkey 3 is the third generation of one of the most popular side-by-side single-to-double strollers of all time. The Donkey 3 is released in 2020. Thanks to the chassis width of 74 cm, the tradition of versatility in either the Mono, the Duo, or the Twin mode will continue. The Donkey 3 features three clips that help you to adjust the chassis depending on your needs very quickly.
One of the Donkey 3's innovations is the improved - lighter and more maneuverable - wheels resulting in a weight reduction by nearly half a kilogram (compared to the previous version). Another improvement is the new design of the extendable hood - the latest version features two extra-large viewing windows that help with ventilation too. The side shopping basket/bag has also been redesigned - it is now equipped with a larger pocket with a zipper closing. After closing the bag, you can even place some small, light items on top of it. Talking about details, it is worth mentioning the removable leatherette handle covers.
You can add the bucket-type seat units to the chassis in both directions, and adjust their recline by tilting as you wish. The Donkey 3 also allows for a seat unit - carrycot combination (the fabrics of the carrycot have to be attached to the frame of the seat), while the seat can be in any direction. You can also pair the carrycot or the seat unit with a car seat. Alternatively, two car seats (with adapters) can be added - however, you need to bear in mind that thanks to the adapters, the width of the Donkey 3 with car seats is going to increase (with one car seat to 80 cm, with two to 86 cm).
This stroller is available in various configurations. The Mono is designed for one child and features one chassis, a carrycot, a seat unit, and a shopping basket on the side. The Duo is for siblings with an age gap and comes with two seat frames, one set of textiles for a carrycot, and a side-shopping basket included. The Twin is designed for twins and includes two frames with two carrycot sets, a pair of seat units, and a shopping basket for the side. In addition, you can also purchase a separate Donkey 3 chassis and create any desired combination depending on your needs.
Bugaboo Donkey 3 Features & Specifications
The Basics
- Type
- 2in1 stroller system, 3in1 stroller system, Chassis-only, Double sibling stroller (side-by-side)
- Stroller weight
- 12.5 kg (alt. 15.5 kg)
- Unfolded dimensions (h×w×l)
- 106 cm x 60-74 cm x 114 cm
- Folded dimensions (h×w×l)
- 93 cm x 74 cm x 52 cm
- Chassis material
- Aluminum
- Country of origin
- Netherlands
- Only available as a stroller system
- Yes
The Seat unit
- Maximum weight capacity - seat load
- 22 kg
- First seat's maximum weight capacity
- 22 kg
- Recommended age range (best to use with a child of)
- 0-36 months
- Reversible seat unit
- Yes
- Easy-release memory button(s) on the seat or the carrycot
- Yes
- L-shaped, bucket-type seat unit
- Yes
- Reclining backrest
- Yes, 3 positions
- Full-recline backrest (a bigger-than-a-150-degree-angle to a lie-flat)
- Yes
- Backrest recline type
- Rear-located recline mechanism (e.g., lever-operated)
- One-hand backrest recline system
- Yes
- Extendable backrest
- No
- Legrest positioning
- No
- Extendable leg rest
- No
- Wipe-clean layer on the leg rest
- No
- Footrest
- Yes
- Backrest height
- 49 cm
- Width and depth of the sitting surface
- 27 x 23.5 cm
- Total length of the seat unit
- 93.5 cm
- A higher seat unit's position on the chassis
- No
- Height-adjustable seat
- No
- Seat unit's proper attachment indicator
- No
- 2in1 convertible carrycot/seat unit (pramette travel system)
- Yes
- Fabrics removable for cleaning
- Yes
- Seat fabrics cleaning
- Machine washable
- Safety harness type
- 5-point
- Harness padding
- Yes
- Height-adjustable harness belts
- Yes
- Ventilation integrated into the seat
- No
- Second seat can be attached (single-to-double convertibility)
- Yes
The 2nd Seat unit
- Full-size second seat
- Yes
- Second seat's maximum weight capacity
- 22 kg
- Recommended age range for the second seat (best to use with a child of)
- 0-36 months
- Second seat unit's reversibility
- Yes
- L-shaped, bucket-type second seat unit
- Yes
- Second seat's reclining backrest
- Yes, 3 positions
- Full-recline second seat's backrest (a bigger-than-a-150-degree-angle to a lie-flat)
- Yes
- Second seat's backrest recline type
- Rear-located recline mechanism (e.g., lever-operated)
- Second seat features a one-handed backrest recline
- Yes
- Second seat features a leg rest
- Yes
- Second seat features a footrest
- Yes
- Second seat unit's backrest height
- 49 cm
- Second seat's width x depth of the sitting surface
- 27 x 23.5 cm
- Total length of the second seat unit
- 93.5 cm
- Second seat unit equipped with a canopy/hood
- Yes
- Second seat's equipped with a bumper bar
- Yes
- Usable also in single-child configuration
- Yes
The Canopy (Hood)
- Seat unit equipped with a canopy/hood
- Yes
- Extendable canopy/hood
- Yes
- The canopy/hood features a sun visor
- No
- Floating, follow-the-sun canopy
- No
- Height-adjustable canopy
- No
- Removable canopy
- Yes
- Waterproof canopy
- No
- UV protection in the (canopy) fabrics
- Yes
- Ventilation integrated into the canopy
- Yes
- A pocket integrated into the canopy
- Yes
- Peek-a-boo viewing window present on the canopy
- Yes
- Peek-a-boo window can be closed/covered
- Yes
- Quiet (magnetic/no velcro) peek-a-boo window
- Yes
- Reinforcing side clasps present on the canopy
- No
The Bumper bar
- Bumper bar
- Yes
- Bumper bar type (style)
- Bar
- Removable bumper bar
- Yes
- Gate-opening (swing-away) bumper bar
- No
- Height-adjustable bumper bar
- No
- Bumper bar features a fabric (non-wipe-clean) cover
- No
- Bumper bar features an extra crotch strap
- No
The Wheels
- Number of wheels
- 4
- Front wheel(s) type
- Foam-filled tires (puncture-free)
- Rear wheels type
- Foam-filled tires (puncture-free)
- Front wheels diameter
- 25 cm
- Rear wheels diameter
- 30 cm
- Swivel wheels
- Yes
- Lockable wheels
- Yes
- Removable wheels
- Yes
- All wheels are double wheels
- No
- Wheels equipped with mudguards
- No,
- Two-wheel mode
- Yes
The Suspension
- Suspension
- Yes
- Wheels with suspension
- All
- Suspension type
- Mechanical (internal spring-loaded mechanism)
- Adjustable suspension softness
- No
- Rocking chassis
- No
The Brake
- Central brake system/type
- Push down-lift up pedal brake
- Deceleration handbrake
- No,
The Fold
- Folding system
- Flat (compact) fold
- One-hand fold
- No
- Plane-travel-friendly stroller with an ultra-compact fold (suitable as carry-on luggage)
- No
- Folds with the (forward-facing) seat attached
- Yes
- Folds with the rearward-facing seat attached
- Yes
- Self-standing fold
- Yes
- Auto-lock feature of the folded chassis
- No
- Folded stroller can be pulled behind like luggage
- No
- Stroller folds and/or unfolds by itself
- No
- Equipped with a carry strap/carry handle
- No
- Folds with both seats attached
- Yes
- Outward fold (the seat fabrics are on the outside after folding)
- No
The Handlebar
- Handle height adjustment
- Telescopic
- Handlebar material
- Leatherette (PU/eco-leather)
- Handlebar height
- 84-104 cm
- Reversible handlebar (handle can be flipped to the other side)
- No
- Safety wrist strap
- Yes
The Basket
- Shopping basket
- Yes
- Large shopping basket
- Yes
- Basket's weight capacity
- 10 kg
- Closable basket
- No
- An extra basket can be attached to the frame
- Yes
- A pocket integrated into the seat/elsewhere on the stroller frame
- No
The Carrycot
- Carrycot compatible
- Yes (without adapters)
- Internal dimensions of the carrycot - mattress measurement
- 78.5 x 28 cm
- Carry handle on the carrycot
- Yes,
- Inclining carrycot mattress
- No,
- Foldable carrycot
- Yes,
- Rocking-base carrycot
- No
- Ventilatilated carrycot base (bottom ventilation system)
- Yes,
- Carrycot installable in the car instead of a group 0+ car seat (Auto carrycot)
- No,
- Carrycot positioned high on the frame
- No
The Car seat
- Car seat compatible
- Yes (with adapters)
- Car seat sold separately
- Yes
- Maxi-Cosi/Cybex car seat attachment-type adapters available
- Yes
- Britax Römer car seat attachment-type adapters available
- Yes
- Two car seats at the same time compatibility
- Yes
The Accessories & Extra features
- Parent tray/organizer on the handlebar (included)
- No
- Cup holder can be attached
- Yes
- Reflective elements
- No
- No pushchair mode/seat-unit configuration available
- No
- Rain cover included
- Yes
- Mosquito net included
- No
- Leg cover (apron) included with the seat unit
- No
- Seat liner/insert included
- No
- Changing bag included
- No
- Carry bag/transport cover for the folded stroller included
- No
- Motorized/Baterry-powered
- No
- LED light(s)
- No
- Built-in audio speakers
- No
- A storage/bag can be attached instead of a seat
- Yes
Best Deals for Bugaboo Donkey 3
Parent reviews of the Bugaboo Donkey 3
Great small improvements and the fit into any door is just incredible. Believe it or not, I thought the side basket (when I only drive the smaller one in our Donkey) would be kind of useless for me, but I got used to it so much I am using it all the time. And even though our older son is not that much in the stroller anymore, I don't want to change our Donkey for anything lesser ;-) It's really a 'donkey,' and I can put all I need in (on) it - two kids, all my things, all their things, and more :-D (aaand the new canopies have windows, woohoo)
- canopies!!!
- design
- versatility+convertibility
- child(ren) comfort features
- parent comfort features
- fits standard doorways
- one point down for bulkiness in the car
- price, I'd say - but you will sell it at one point anyway, so it's actually not that bad
The best single-to-doube, as always. Those prolonged canopies are just incredible - I am even using the same on my single pushchair - the Cybex Balios S (now called Lux). You do need the wires and attaching clips from the Donkey as well, but the comfort of the kid(s) with such canopies is just perfect! I love it and recommend it to everyone, except maybe for those with a very small car boot.
Super expensive (my husband almost killed me :-D ) and takes up a lot of space folded; otherwise, I got nothing to complain about.
Your questions about the Bugaboo Donkey 3
Will this go through a standard door?
Hello, there!
Yes, the Donkey 3 WILL fit any standard (= 80 cm / 31.5 inch wide) doorway. The only way it WON'T fit a standard door is when equipped with two car seats (capsules) since the stroller is wider than that in such configuration.
Hi,
I have ordered a Donkey3 Twin and would like to know what size carrycot sheets I need to get, please.
Thank you
Chloe
Hello there,
I did answer a similar question about mattress covers for the Bugaboo Donkey3 here in the BGB Donkey3 Questions section already 😊
The Donkey carrycot mattress size was not changed since the older generations, so the cover dimensions should be the same and fit the same sheets as before, meaning 76 on 30 cm mattress size measurements.
It is a rather average, or let's say, a little above average-sized mattress, so actually, any average sheet meant for bassinets should work just fine, to be honest.
Hello. Is the hood height adjustable on the Donkey 3 - and if so, how do you raise it? We’re finding it a bit tight for our 20 months old :(
I’ve read a few comments that say the hood height is adjustable but can’t figure out how to raise it.
Hello, Jenn,
I will disappoint you - but no, the sun canopy is not adjustable on the Bugaboo Donkey 3 (nor on any other Donkey or any Bugaboo strollers for that matter). It is a double stroller - and a very nicely narrow one (for a side-by-side), so yes, it is rather normal that the seats are less roomy than those on single models. Mums needing reversible seats usually are ok with a bit of lack of space in the seat for the older kids - it's the 'price to pay'. The best to do is either to not open the canopy or detach the canopy altogether if you're still going to use it. In summer, and with a hat, it might be ok with your toddler. There even are pushchairs (tandems) that offer a bench kind of seat (like a Quinny Hubb - read more in the Quinny Hubb stroller review) for older children, so there's no hood to push on their head from the top.
Another approach is to get a side-by-side with a non-reversible seat; those are usually wider and more spacious. Think Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double.
Why are the dimensions of the bassinet mattress as I’m wanting to make covers for them?
Hello there, it was not changed since the older generations, so the mattress dimensions should be the same and fit the same covers as before. It was 76 x 30 cm. I, however, recommend having it made after you receive the bassinets - to have it made not only by dimension but truly to send it to the tailor to be fitted perfectly - since mattresses tend to be slightly wider in the upper part. Check this websites for reference: https://www.bugaboo.com/us-en/parts/bugaboo-donkey-2-mattress-MI000562.html / https://www.thelittlegreensheep.co.uk/natural-carrycot-mattress-to-fit-bugaboo-donkey/