CYBEX e-Gazelle S mum review: “CYBEX are leading the way with this modern and sleek pushchair!”

We love the CYBEX Gazelle S, which offers fantastic adaptability for all families, and now CYBEX have launched the e-Gazelle S, an innovative travel system compatible pushchair which promises to make getting out and about with your little one easier than ever.

Luke Burns, General Manager for Cybex in the UK and Ireland, says, "the new CYBEX e-Gazelle S is a game changing product within its category, which I am particularly excited about. The e-Gazelle is targeted at those having their first baby, those with a growing family or twins, and has the functionality to make parents lives easier. The e-technology is the perfect example of innovation being at the heart of everything CYBEX does. We live in a generation of new parents where technology is part of their everyday life meaning we always need to innovate and adapt."

The e-Gazelle S is CYBEX's first electric pram as part of their Gold Line Portfolio and makes parents' lives even simpler with some exciting features such as a motorised hill assist plus rocking feature, combined with the impressive adaptability we've come to expect from the CYBEX Gazelle.

Testing the CYBEX e-Gazelle S

We were excited to put this innovative pushchair to the test, and our tester Liv, a first time mum-to-be was thrilled by the features promised by this electric pram. Here's how she got on putting the e-Gazelle S through its paces.

As a first time mum-to-be, the world of pushchairs has been eye opening with so many choices, brands and styles. The electric assistance appealed to me due to my environment and lifestyle. The key factors for me to consider when choosing a pushchair was the flexibility and longevity of the item. I knew this CYBEX pushchair would be great up to the age of 4 years old and support a growing family beyond the first child. I have weighed up the benefits of having the electric aid against any issues this also poses against other pushchairs on the market.

Key features

The main unique selling point to the CYBEX e-Gazelle S double pushchair is the electronic assistance it offers. As I live in the countryside, having a pushchair that copes with all terrain and requires little effort is a key factor for me. Having tested this on uneven stoney surfaces and grassy hills, it glides along with ease and little work is required by the user (apart from steering). It is simple to start and it cannot accidentally run away as it requires the user to start the move and control it with the push bar. The same can be reiterated when stopping with the electronic aid; you just let go of the push bar. There are very little e-prams or e-pushchairs on the market so this feature definitely makes the e-Gazelle S stand out from other brands. The electric pushing support does only have one speed – so having a couple of speed options or speed control could be a nice addition to this already impressive pushchair.

The other key feature to the e-Gazelle model was its hands-free electric rocker to soothe baby to sleep. I was a bit disappointed with this element to the pushchair as it’s very jolty and not a smooth motion in the slightest, so not something I think I'll be using.

The e-Gazelle S pushchair came with the ergonomic seat (that can be used up until the age of 4 years old) and offers a lie flat position when naps are needed as well as upright for the child to see their surroundings. The footplate moves to either support them when they are tiny or can be dropped down as they need more space the bigger they get. I was pleased it included the matching rain-cover, bumper bar and has a large sun canopy that is SPF50 protected.

The shopping basket was also part of the bundle and the large storage basket underneath the pushchair is a great space for storing all those additional items when out and about. Granted, the shopping basket is not the main feature to the pushchair, however, I was not keen on the configurations when it was incorporated with a seat that the basket was prioritised up high and the child’s seat was clipped further down the frame. The basket has a different clip system and not compatible with the lower clips so currently impossible to use underneath the seat. Other users might be fine with this, I personally would have preferred both options. (Additionally, due to weight distribution this might not be possible and I have factored this in on the review.)

I also tried out the additional carrycot for when the baby arrives as this offers more flexibility in those early stages. I was impressed with the carrycot’s space, mattress and covers to protect them when out in the cold environment. I have yet to wash the fabric covers but according to the instructions they can be put in a 30 degree wash which is ideal to keep the items clean.

Other accessories to this pushchair can be purchased separately e.g. cup holders, footmuffs, parasol and kid boards. I was happy you could pick and choose what you wanted to create the exact pram/ pushchair for you; including six colour options. Some of the extra items do not suit my lifestyle or environment and would have taken up valuable storage unnecessarily.

Usability

The assembly of this pushchair was very straightforward and the online video instructions were great assistance. The shopping basket was the hardest part to master which surprised me. I have practiced the fold away and set up this pushchair; change between seat options; and trialed both seats together for when the family could potentially expand on the double frame. All of these things were easy to pick up and with time will become second nature, no doubt.

I am currently using both hands to fold the frame away but I know it is do-able with one. Whilst pregnant, I managed to get this in and out of the car boot and it fits perfectly including the shopping basket and 1 x seat. The frame is on the heavier side compared to other models on the market – this is due to the frame being bigger as it can be used as a double and the electric elements are within the frame. The additional weight might be an issue for some.

I was thoroughly impressed that it had an adjustable handlebar for the user. As tall parents this was something that was vital when deciding on our pram/ pushchair. There are three height options for attaching the seat(s) and basket onto the frame too. The ease of changing these was a dream and I have tested most of the 20 various configurations offered for this model. In contrast to the frame, the seat and carrycot are so light this will definitely help the transportation of baby from one place to another.

Performance

As previously mentioned, I was delighted the fabric covers can be put in the washing machine. The frame itself can be wiped down too with every section accessible. The style and design of the e-Gazelle S is sleek and I will be proud pushing this item along with my new baby placed securely in it.

Regardless of using the electronic assistance, this pushchair was easy to manually use on pavements in town as well as on country walks with the various landscapes. The wheels on this pushchair are larger than average so this really helps keeping the device as smooth as possible for baby and pusher. The performance of this pushchair grows with the baby/ child with the adaptable seats and versatile frame that is offered from CYBEX. This shows the longevity in its design and I am pleased it can double up with two seats (including 1 x carrycot and 1 x pushchair seat) so any expanding family will not have to purchase an additional device.

When testing the e-Gazelle S I wanted to make sure the performance of the raincovers and the sun canopy for both seat and carrycot fully enclosed and protected the baby from the wet and hot environments. I was pleased both elements were better than other models on the market.

This model is compatible with the CYBEX car seat we also own, the Cloud T i-Size. This is brilliant as it gives us the further option and advantage of adding this seat to the frame if baby has fallen asleep in the car and we do not need to transfer to another device. Additional clips need to be purchased for this adaptation onto the frame and can be found with the other extra accessories on the CYBEX website or selected retailer.

Final verdict

The e-Gazelle S pushchair is a high end product that offers so much versatility with seat options, double or single occupancy, accessories, and height adjustments for both the child’s seat and frame for the user. The price of this item is on the higher end of the market, however, it's a premium product and has the feature of the electric assistance it offers, so understandably that comes with a price tag. CYBEX has little competition on the market regarding electronic options and they are definitely leading the way with this modern and sleek pushchair creation.

As mentioned previously, the weight of the frame could be an issue for some users – it might be possible as technology develops and advances in years to come to make this lighter. It's also a shame the electric rocker is so jolty as I could imagine that is a key feature for advertising this item on the pushchair market.

If you can look beyond this and have no issue with the frame weight, like myself, the other benefits to the e-Gazelle S far outweigh any suggested improvements. Having colour choices adds to the appeal of this product. I will definitely be recommending this item to my fellow expectant friends and cannot wait to start using it properly when the baby arrives.

More about the e-Gazelle S

Even with the best pram, getting up and down hills with a baby, and maybe even a sibling too, can be tiring but the e-Gazelle S will change that because it is motorised and parents will be able to control the power they need using the paddle integrated on the handle, meaning they can go up and down hills with ease.

An e-powered stroller will also come in handy for carrying all those baby essentials, and with the e-Gazelle S, you will be able to hold a lot of essentials. It features an impressively spacious basket which can carry up to 23kg so you will be able to carry all you need, but without the strain of pushing a heavy pram around all day.

It's not all about going up and down hills, we also know that it can be hard pushing prams on different terrains, but the e-Gazelle S uses surface support to ensure it can tackle the toughest of terrains making it perfect for all types of adventure whether in the town or country and ideal for days out with all the family.

It offers over 20 possible configurations too with a carry cot, seat unit and car seat available to purchase which can all be used as part of a travel system. Plus, it is compatible with CYBEX car seats. For families with more than one little passenger, the e-Gazelle S can comfortably accommodate a second child, making it the perfect solution for families of all sizes.

It might be spacious for your little one, and for holding all your baby gear, but it has a compact fold too and can fit in most car boots. Plus it has an additional detachable shopper basket.

After a busy day out, you all deserve a rest and with the e-GAZELLE S you won't need to worry because it features a rocking mode which will rock your little one to sleep leaving you hands free to relax (hopefully).

What does an electric pram do?

An electric pram, such as the e-Gazelle S, has a motor which can be started whenever needed. It will provide extra power to help push the pram up a hill or over rough terrain. Plus it is useful if you are pushing two children in the pram, which can be a challenge, or if you are pushing a pram with a buggy board (and toddler) attached!

The e-Gazelle S is available in Moon Black, Seashell Beige, Almond Beige, Stormy Blue, Stone Grey and Ocean Blue.

Laura Healy is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. She is a mum-of-two girls and loves writing about all things parenting, she is particularly interested in the toddler years and eco-friendly baby products, as well as children’s literature. She has a PhD in Creative Writing and has published short stories in the UK and Ireland, as well as previously writing freelance for her local paper.