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Recaro Lexa Elite
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Recaro Lexa Elite

The reversible ultracompact
.eli
see 2 parent reviews

The Recaro Lexa Elite is a more luxurious and newborn-friendly revesible version of the Recaro Lexa, which is design. and features-wise rather similar to the Cybex Eezy S-Twist².

This modern, high-weight-capacity & extendable seat back ultra-compact stroller was made small enough to comply with carry-on measurements and requirements for plane travel while being comfortable even for small babies. The seat reverses by rotating on the pushchair's frame, features a lie-flat recline, an extendable hood with a large mesh peek-a-boo window, and even ventilation mesh seat parts, and you'll also find a flip-flop friendly brake in the lower part of the chassis. The Lexa Elite can be folded one-handedly and weighs only 8 kg. The car seat adapters for creating a travel system, as well as other accessories, are, however, sold separately.

Recaro Lexa Elite Features & Specifications

The Basics

Type
Pushchair (seat and chassis only), Travel system
Stroller weight
8 kg
Unfolded dimensions (h×w×l)
101 cm x 47 cm x 80 cm
Folded dimensions (h×w×l)
55 cm x 47 cm x 26 cm
Chassis material
Aluminum
Country of origin
Germany
Stroller available as a pushchair (seat unit configuration) only; newborn accessories (like a carrycot) need to be purchased separately
Yes

The Seat unit

Maximum weight capacity - seat load
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
No
L-shaped, bucket-type seat unit
No
Reclining backrest
Yes, infinite recline
Full-recline backrest (a bigger-than-a-150-degree-angle to a lie-flat)
No
Backrest recline type
Strap-operated
One-hand backrest recline system
No
Extendable backrest
No
Legrest positioning
Yes, 2 positions
Extendable leg rest
No
Wipe-clean layer on the leg rest
No
Footrest
Yes
Backrest height
52 cm
Width and depth of the sitting surface
30 x 19 cm
Total length of the seat unit
87 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)
No
Fabrics removable for cleaning
Yes
Seat fabrics cleaning
Wipe-clean only
Safety harness type
5-point
Harness padding
Yes
Height-adjustable harness belts
Yes
Ventilation integrated into the seat
Yes
Second seat can be attached (single-to-double convertibility)
No

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
Yes
Removable canopy
Yes
Waterproof canopy
Yes
UV protection in the (canopy) fabrics
Yes
Ventilation integrated into the canopy
No
A pocket integrated into the canopy
Yes
Peek-a-boo viewing window present on the canopy
No
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
Yes
Bumper bar can be purchased separately
Yes
Bumper bar features an extra crotch strap
No

The Wheels

Number of wheels
4
Front wheel(s) type
Rubber-coated wheels
Rear wheels type
Rubber-coated wheels
Front wheels diameter
14 cm
Rear wheels diameter
14 cm
Swivel wheels
Yes
Lockable wheels
Yes
Removable wheels
Yes
All wheels are double wheels
No
All-terrain version of wheels available to purchase separately
No
Wheels equipped with mudguards
No,
Two-wheel mode
No

The Suspension

Suspension
Yes
Wheels with suspension
All
Suspension type
Open springs, Mechanical (internal spring-loaded mechanism)
Adjustable suspension softness
No
Rocking chassis
No

The Brake

Central brake system/type
Push-push pedal brake (flip-flop friendly)
Deceleration handbrake
No,

The Fold

Folding system
Flat (compact) fold
One-hand fold
Yes
Plane-travel-friendly stroller with an ultra-compact fold (suitable as carry-on luggage)
Yes
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
Yes
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
Outward fold (the seat fabrics are on the outside after folding)
No

The Handlebar

Handle height adjustment
No
Handlebar material
Leatherette (PU/eco-leather)
Handlebar height
101 cm
Reversible handlebar (handle can be flipped to the other side)
No
Safety wrist strap
No

The Basket

Shopping basket
Yes
Large shopping basket
No
Basket's weight capacity
5 kg
Closable basket
No
An extra basket can be attached to the frame
No
A pocket integrated into the seat/elsewhere on the stroller frame
No

The Carrycot

Carrycot compatible
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
No

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
No
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
No

Parent reviews of the Recaro Lexa Elite

3.5/5
Add YOUR review
if you own(ed) it, own it ;-)
parents say thx^^

Cheaper, but definitely better

5
  • lie flat position
  • comfortable active sit up position
  • large canopy
  • easy unfold (in bugaboo butterfly wasn’t that easy)
  • surprisingly good suspension!
  • reversible seat unit was a nice bonus
  • magnetic buckle
  • handlebar is included
  • rain cover and mosquito net are not included
  • plastic details could be a little smoother
  • could be a bit lighter

I was surprised that it was quite a problem to find a supercompact strolley that matches all my criteria! Somehow they either recline flat so baby can sleep or offers near to straight angle seat up position, so the baby wouldn’t slide out of the seat, and almost never both of the options.

Not sure if it’s technically too difficult for supercompact or just one thinks it is not necessary. For me, it’s a must. I didn’t like Cybex Twist 2 in the shop cause the seat looked too narrow and wheels too noisy, so I decided to order Lexa Elite blindly. It’s cheaper, but definitely better. It’s not a Bugaboo or Babyzen material quality, but the functionality is much better, and the price is lower of course. My son is 6 months old now, and he absolutely loves it.

I never expected such low comfort from Recaro

2
  • Compact
  • Pretty good design
  • Expensive for the quality (forget the old Recaro days where the quality really matters)
  • There's not too much foam between the steel frame and the baby's body. Typical for a 50€ stroll

I never expected such low comfort from Recaro.

Your questions about the Recaro Lexa Elite

1)

Hi Eli,

Will the Lexa car seat adaptors fit a Nuna Pipa Lite or Next? I’m planning to buy the infant carrier - it would help.

Many thanks

Hey, Leah,

They should, and I believe they do. Officially, though, it's not confirmed, and especially with the newer Nuna car seats, the manufacturer tries to push their strollers and the ring adaptor, so I cannot promise. But the Pipa Lite, I believe, should fit for sure, but you'd do well to try it out in a store or check with Nuna's customer service - if they, in any case, changed something.

.eli - 23 Oct 2023
2)

Dear Eli,

1. Today we tried a Lexa Elite, but even when trying it empty on a smooth apartment floor, it made these squeaky, crackling sounds when steering to the left or right. Do you think this unit was defective and should move silently on smooth surfaces, or is this normal for lightweight models with small wheels? When we tried several buggy models in a retail store, we did not notice anything like this.

2. We were interested in the Lexa Elite because it can be folded in the rear-facing position, which may save some time. How substantial do you think are these time savings really? Is it maybe not worth focusing on?

3. Which rear-facing models would you recommend in general?

4. Why are so many people interested in airplane cabin dimensions? Our understanding is that you can check in any large-size stroller for free, and on board of the airplane, you cannot use it anyway, so why bother about the dimensions? Just out of fear of it being damaged in the luggage compartment of the plane? Or is there another reason?

5. Isn‘t there any model that combines a more or less lightweight design (up to 9kg) with all-terrain wheels and decent durability? It seems that all travel models try to save weight on the wheels, but that does seem like a foul compromise to me. Why skimp on that essential part?

Hey, Peter,

1. It is normal for such small wheels to be a bit rattly and/or squeaky. The model that you tired was tried out by many parents in the store so I guess it was a bit worse but yea, you can't expect smooth ride, especially on bumps, with such a small sized stroller.

2. I would probably not prioritize that, no. Especially with travel strollers, a rear.facing sat means much less space in the seat and more movable parts - will get loose over time.

3. I would go for larger models IF I would need a rear-facing one. I loved the Cybex Mios from those compact ones, it is sturdy, roomier, and very nice to push. Still, it is a bit larger than the Lexa Elite.

4. Because of marketing. I don't think most people need a cabin-sized model. You can check in or take as "baby's luggage" a stroller if needed, but you do need cabin luggage, usually, too, and by that I don't mean a stroller - it does "feel" practical not to check in a stroller, but it is by no means necessary. It's pretty much a trend, but yeah, some parents may have referred it because it sometimes happens that when checked in, the strollers become scratched (or, rarely, worse).

5. In all honesty, no. Less than 9kg, even if they could put a larger wheels on such a frame, will mean the stroller will get loose, squeaky, rattly, or else - you need some substance = weight for it to be really sturdy, stable, to have suspension, etc. Travel strollers need to be small and for that, less suspension, smaller wheels, are essential. There are some tries for a bit bigger wheels ones (Emmaljunga Kite, for example, or the Cybex Eezy S+²), but still, these are NOT all-terrain at all. If you need an everyday stroller and don't want to compromise on comfort (of the ride, space for the kid, rattliness...) - you need a bit larger stroller. You will in any case feel the smaller size.

.eli - 15 Sep 2023
3)

Hi Eli,

I can’t decide between on the Lexa or Kinderkraft Nubi 2 for my 6 month old. I want this as my 2nd stroller for school runs and travel. I want comfort, sturdy frame and the fabric to feel somewhat nice and a long lie flat area as my baby is quite tall. The plus for me with the Lexa is P/facing however as reviews state padding is not that thick. I’ve not seen the Nubi 2 but love all the features but just worried as it’s a budget-friendly stroller the frame might squeak and again padding not comfortable or feels cheap.

Please can you advise? Also would I be able to hang a bag on these strollers?

Hey, Kayu,

I'm afraid that if you need a more roomy, sturdy model, none is actually a good choice, especially for a taller child. These are occasional-use, travel strollers, the Nubi 2 being on the low-end side and not really sturdy much (nor that spacious) while the Lexa Elite with the reversible seat is even more constricted in space, even if a bit better quality.

Personally, I would suggest something light but a bit larger, something like an Oyster Zero, type-wise. I know it is not cabin-luggage-sized, but it is flat and it will be incomparably more comfy for your child as well as for you.

If still you'd want tha occasional-use-,meant travel stroller as a second stroller, look at the Joolz Aer for space, or Ergobaby Metro+ for a bit sturdier frame.

.eli - 01 Jun 2023
4)

Can't decide between the Recaro Lexa, Cybex Eezy Twist or Bugaboo Butterfly. I need a stroller that is cabin approved, comfortable for a 9-month-old, and can be parent-facing.

Thanks!

Hey, Moomin,

Out of the three, the Butterfly doesn't parent face, so I'm guessing if that's a priority you won't want to go for that. Maybe you meant the Bugaboo Ant which can face the parent however is super small in the seat and I wouldn't really recommend it, just not a practical model.

From the Cybex and the Lexa Elite, I think I would go for the Lexa Elite as it is a newer, kind of seems more practical mainly thanks to the wheels. They are, however, really comparable, so you won't do much better or much worse with any of those, so you can decide which design or price you like more out of the two. It is good to know that a parent-facing travel stroller will never be crazy spacious, and will last you a shorter time.

.eli - 21 Apr 2023
5)

Hi,

Can this stroller be a carry-on on an airplane? Is it cabin-sized? The size and the weight is standard for cabin size?

Hey, Mei,

The stroller is, dimensions-wise, very close (and compared to some, smaller), so yes, with many airlines, it should be accepted as cabin luggage when folded. However, each airline has a different set of requirements so you have to check and compare the weight and dimensions with the airline of your choice. Often, cheaper airplane companies have stricter rules, you know.

.eli - 08 Apr 2023
6)

Hello,

I'm thinking between the Ergobaby Metro+ and the Lexa Elite for my 8m old. My husband is 193 cm tall, so the handle must be high. The Lexa Elite seems to me to meet more criteria than Metro+ (reverse direction, longer and adjustable roof, bigger basket). I am worried about the wheels being the same size of 14-15 cm, how they behave on old stone streets. And is it sturdy and good quality. I am not able to see Lexa live; Metro+ I did. First which one of these 2 you recomend, and second, if you have some other idea?

My son is 8m old. 80 cm and 10kg. Budget has no limit. I would like a lightweight stroller, compact in fold, it doesn't have to be too small (we drive 7 seat car, but have 3 child carseats. The city we live in, doesn't have good sidewalks if any, it's an old stone town so the streets are bumpy. And that I can go to store and put some grocery in or on them and they don't brake or turn over.

Thanks for any advice you have.

Hey, Mary,

If you have a larger car and not going traveling with your stroller only, I would, to be honest, look at something a tad larger than these ultra-compacts. They will be incredibly rattly, even more so over time, on cobblestones and bad roads with those wheels. Also, the seats are on the smaller side, even more so with the reversible Lexa Elite. I personally would rather go for the Metro+ if you tried it and didn't hate it - IF you absolutely need such a small stroller, it is a bit sturdier... but I personally would not pick such a small model for the use you describe, especially if you do have some space in the car boot and don't need a cabin-sized fold 100%.

My pick would be something a tad large wheeled - from the Valco Snap Sport with the air-filled wheels through strollers like Oyster Zero (Gravity), Baby Jogger City Mini GT2... something light but more middle-sized.

And something in between to consider - maybe the Cybex Eezy S+2 as a small but a tad larger wheeled stroller. Again, though, you have to count on looser, less sturdy experience with a smaller buggy. Also, I cannot promise a complete comfort for your very tall husband the more the stroller will be smaller - it is just a price to pay for that.

.eli - 04 Mar 2023
7)

Will the Lexa car seat adaptors fit a Cybex Aton B i-Size? I've already got the car seat it would help. Many thanks

Hello, Cibe,

The Recaro adapters, those with the U-shaped attachment, will fit a Cybex car seat, yes.

.eli - 31 Dec 2022
8)

Hi,

I have a newborn with 1 month of age. Do you think its suitable for the Lexa Elite without the babycot?

Hiya, Toy,

To be honest, I think a 1 month old is a bit too tiny for just the harness belts, It might be he or she will be lost and a bit too loose in that place, and occasionally, it would perhaps even be ok, however for more than occasional use, I personally would go for either at least a good footmuff, or a soft insert cot or cocoon for the little baby to feel protected and cozy in a more enclosed environment.

.eli - 30 Dec 2022
9)

Hi,

Will the Lexa car seat adaptors fit a Cybex Cloud Z? They look the same online but the manufacturer can't tell me - and as I've already got the car seat it would help.

Thanks!

Hi, Gee,

The adapters should definitely fit the Cloud Z, as the attachment system is the same. I cannot, however, guarantee how it will sit on that, as this is a small buggy, and the Cloud Z is quite a large, heavy-ish car seat, compared to others.

So - yes, it should fit, but be sure to try it out empty or with a load (without a baby), just to be sure.

.eli - 14 Nov 2022
10)

Hi,

What is the diameter of Lexa Elite wheels (couldn't find it in specs)? I'm wondering because they seem perfect for me (reversible seat, good ventilation, xxl roof, peekabo window, compact and light), but the wheels look small and my everyday walks include large stretches of gravel and I'm wondering if my 3 month old would be comfortable in this stroller going over gravel.

Thank you!

Hiya, Meri,

They are not in the specifications, you are right, as the manufacturer doesn't state their size and I did not yet have a chance to measure them. If an educated guess would help you, however, the wheels seem to be about 15 cm in diameter to me.

YOu will definitely struggle and feel the stroller shaking over gravel, but you will feel that with pretty much any stroller except for those with large (30+ cm) fixed wheels. You can, however, manage it if not going hours and hours over it. Gravel, sand and snow are, by definition, strollers' wheels enemies.

.eli - 30 Oct 2022

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