Jun
2007
Bugaboo Knockoff: First Wheels City ‘Elite’
While on a recent trip to Toys R Us I noticed a stroller on display and was instantly impressed that the mega baby store was now carrying Bugaboo. Upon closer inspection, I realized that the stroller I was admiring was not a Bugaboo, but a ‘First Wheels’ City Elite.
This thing looked so much like a chameleon that I stood there and went over it for at least 10 minutes. In the end, one of the only differences that I could find was the price. This stroller was priced well lower than it’s famous counterpart which immediately made me thing of a knock off handbag.
It would be one thing to design a stroller that loosely incorporates some of the great features of your competition, but another to completely copy almost every detail down to the wheel size.
I put together this chart to compare the two strollers. Some of the information is not available for the Bugaboo and I wasn’t able to get a picture of the seat facing the same direction on both strollers.
First Wheels City Elite |
 Bugaboo Cameleon |
|
|---|---|---|
| reversible seat |  |
 |
| reclining seat | |
|
| 3 seat positions | |
|
| height adjustable push bar | |
|
| lockable front swivel wheels | |
|
| easily manoeuvrable | |
|
| comfort-ride suspension | |
|
| aluminium lightweight frame | |
|
| compact folding system | |
|
| folded frame can stand independently | |
|
| rain cover included | |
|
| possible to place car seats on the frame with the adaptor set | |
|
| size unfolded (length x width x height) |
89cm x 59cm x 106cm 35″ x 23″ x 42″ |
24 in |
| size folded (length x width x height) |
84cm x 59cm x 28cm 33″ x 23″ x 11″ |
85cm x 60cm x 30cm 33.1″ x 23.6″ x 12″ |
| size carry cot (bassinet) (length x width x height) |
80cm x 39cm x 25cm 32″ x 15″ x 10″ |
35.5″ |
| weight stroller | 11 kg (26 lbs) | 9.5 kg (21 lbs) |
| weight carry cot | 4 kg (9 lbs) | 3,5 kg (8 lbs) |
| material seat, carry cot and accessories | 600 Denier nylon | 1000 Denier nylon |
| front tire size | 17cm (6.7″) | 15.24cm (6″) |
| rear tire size | 30,5cm (12″) | 30,5cm (12″) |
| tire pressure | 28PSI/ 2.0 bar | unknown |
The First wheels stroller would be perfect for moms who want a nice ride without the steep bottom line.
Trendy, need-to-be-seen moms will still choose the Bugaboo because of it’s strong name and reputation.
The Cameleon comes ahead in the comparison with it’s higher quality canvas fabric, roomier bassinet and extensive colour choices.
At the end of the day every parent has their own list of deal breakers and most of the time it’s price. The average person won’t go through the hassle of doing an indepth comparisson on both strollers before buying, they will choose the one that fits into their budget.
Comment by Anonymous on 11 June 2007:
I too was impressed with the Firstwheels City Elite – Couple of points worth mentioning. The Firstwheels City Elite is available in 10 Colours (babiesrus.ca lists all the colours) and I found the seat on the Firstwheels Stroller to be longer than the Bugaboos seat. I have heard that many toddlers are actually outgrowing the seats on the Bugaboo….All in all – you get the same type of stroller without the hefty price tag.
Comment by dhana on 2 June 2008:
Great, thanks for the info. WHat are the prices though?
Comment by eliza on 19 December 2008:
I read your review I am actually looking into getting this carriage and I am having a hard time finding it to be shipped to the u.s. I looked on babies r us.ca and didn’t even find it.I saw the real bugaboo any idea where I can get it and for how much
Comment by ana on 23 January 2009:
Firstwheels also offers a twin version which bugaboo doesn’t.
Eliza, try contacting jollyjumper.com who is th canadian distributor maybe they can help you out.
Comment by Jaz on 6 February 2009:
I have to say Firstwheel Stroller rocks. I have the twin version and loved it(so are my sons, 22 months @ 7months)-this twin stroller fits on a regular door, the seat can be facing each other or one facing me and one facing outward. Since my 2nd one is so young I also have the carry cot. I have to say Firstwheel really is great so as the Bugaboo (cameleon) which I also (still) have with my first son. I both loved them and nice to have them both when I only need to bring one child with me. Eliza, unfortunately, you will not be able to get it in US even if you call jollyjumper (where located in NY)bec. it’s not yet approved in US standard–whatever that means. I ordered mine from Canada -and I was told that Bugaboo and First Wheel have the same designer -I don’t know if that is true but it sure feels like it bec. I can use some of the bugaboo accessories with it. Good luck.