Valco TriMode Runabout Review

What the reviewers like:
The Valco Runabout TriMode earns good notices from owners and experts for its maneuverability, solid build, storage space and rider comfort, and most say it's a nice-looking three-wheeled all-terrain stroller.

What the reviewers don't like:
We found some complaints from parents about the TriMode's bulk and width. Many say the Valco Runabout TriMode isn't very easy to fold, and at 26-pounds, it's heavy.

Valco TriMode Runabout review highlights

The 26-pound Valco Runabout TriMode receives generally good reviews, but we also read mixed reports. Some say this all-terrain stroller is hard to fold and not compact. Many parents say that it's far too wide and that it doesn't easily fit down store aisles or through doors very easily. When equipped with its optional toddler seat, some parents say it's prone to tipping, and several parents comment that when the seat is fully reclined, the baby's head is lower than his or her bottom. Overall, we found better reviews for the Mountain Buggy Urban (*est. $430).

The Valco TriMode Runabout, an all-terrain three-wheeled stroller, is reviewed by a variety of sources, the best of which a comparative evaluation at an Australian consumer magazine and website, Choice.com.au, where editors test it alongside others for maneuverability, ease of use and durability. The Valco TriMode Runabout is also reviewed at JoggingStroller.com, a retail website that invites user comments. The Valco TriMode Runabout also pops up in a useful thread by parents at StrollersAndPrams.com, in an extremely in-depth review on Epinions by a child car-seat expert.

Also see full report: Jogging Strollers

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Choice.com.au
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Three-wheel strollers
Editors of Choice.com.au
Feb. 2007

This Australian consumer magazine tests about a dozen all-terrain and jogging strollers. The Valco TriMode Runabout receives the lowest scores here, particularly for ease of use. Choice.com.au is one of the most comprehensive reviewers of baby strollers, subjecting each to durability tests, along with practical evaluations.

2. JoggingStroller.com
Valco Runabout TriMode
Editors of (and contributors to) JoggingStroller.com

JoggingStroller.com features detailed, critical descriptions of various strollers, followed by evaluations by parents. The reviewer lauds the Valco TriMode Runabout for its storage space, rider comfort, and car-seat compatibility. Parents generally agree, but some think the Valco is too wide, and say the toddler attachment doesn't work well.

3. StrollersandPrams.com
Valco Runabout TriMode
Contributors to StrollersAndPrams.com

StrollersAndPrams.com doesn't review the Valco itself, but about ten parents here register their experiences. Most say they like it, but some are concerned about its weight and bulk, and the toddler attachment (which turns it into a double stroller) is criticized.

4. Epinions
Valco Runabout TriMode Reviews
Contributors to Epinions

Epinions reviews are usually only a few sentences long, but in this case, an owner of the Valco Runabout TriMode has contributed a long, thorough, multi-section review. He says that the Valco is easy to steer, smooth on different terrains, and folds compactly, but has minor quibbles with harness adjustments and the lack of a cup holder or snack tray.

Also see full report: Jogging Strollers

Valco TriMode Runabout Review