Bugaboo Donkey 3
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Bugaboo Donkey 3

The all-time favorite single-to-double side-by-side
.eli
see 3 parent reviews

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

4.3/5
Add YOUR review
if you own(ed) it, own it ;-)
parents say thx^^

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

1)

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.

.eli - 01 Aug 2021
2)

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.

.eli - 28 Apr 2021
3)

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.

.eli - 19 Apr 2021
4)

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/

.eli - 23 Jun 2020

This is your place to ask us a (quick) question about the Bugaboo Donkey 3