The Bugaboo Gecko, like its sister model, the Bugaboo Cameleon is part of the Bugaboo phenomenon.  As a pram / pushchair it is very similar to the Cameleon with fewer ‘enhanced’ features and a slightly reduced price tag. It is a smart, well designed pushchair for parents who want the performance and flexibility of a larger pushchair but in a more compact, lighter weight model.

The Gecko has a strong but lightweight aluminium frame. Thanks to its small swivel wheels in front, the Gecko is very easy to manoeuvre, ideal for busy towns and crowded shops. As with the Cameleon, the handlebar flicks over to transfer the large wheels to the front which, together with fixed swivel wheels, makes it easy to walk on rough terrain, also with the Bugaboo unique two wheel position you can pull the Gecko through the sand and snow.

Despite not having adjustable suspension like the Cameleon, the suspension is superb and still makes this a pushchair that is a joy to push and one that has suspension superior to most other pushchairs of its kind.

As with all Bugaboos, the pushchair seat can face both ways, ie the direction of travel or the person pushing and the chassis will accommodate a hard based Carrycot, the Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix Car Seat and a pushchair seat from 6m.  

The fact that the brake is positioned on the handle bar as opposed to by the wheels, makes it much easier to operate (especially during the summer months when you may be wearing open toe sandals). Its compact, minimalist design extends to the fact that once you are finished with the Carrycot part of the pram (around 6 months) instead of having a large, hard bodied Carrycot to store, you simply take the Carrycot fabric off the pushchair frame and fold it up and store it in a drawer or under a bed and then use the same frame to form the seat which sees your child through to 4 years.

The Carrycot and seat unit are incredibly lightweight and much lighter than their Cameleon counterparts.  There is no ‘carry handle’ however.  This is replaced by hand grips on the side of the frame which are perfectly practical, but not to everyone's taste (some people prefer to have a traditional handle for portability and like the option to hang toys on the handlebar). As the Carrycot and pushchair utilise the same frame, the absence of the handlebar on the Carrycot also means that there is no Bumper Bar on the pushchair.

As with the Cameleon this pram cannot be folded in one piece, so whether you have a Carrycot, car seat or stroller seat in place, these need to be removed first in order to fold the chassis.  This is something you get used to, but is a turn off for some and makes getting on a crowded bus, almost impossible if you don’t have another adult travelling with you.  Despite being suitable for most terrains and most activities, it is not a pushchair to jog with.  And once again, as with all pushchairs that sport pneumatic wheels, these can, of course, puncture.  However treat them the same as you would a bicycle wheel and, if in doubt, remove the wheel (which requires almost no effort due to a clever quick release spring) and take it to a bicycle repair shop!

The Gecko is available in black, red or green fabric.

How the Gecko compares to the Cameleon:
The Gecko Carrycot is much lighter weight but has hand grips instead of a more traditional carry handle. The pushchair handle bar is not extendible. The recline mechanism is located underneath the seat rather than at the side of the seat, so requires you to crouch down to adjust. Fewer fabric choices. Slightly smaller pneumatic wheels and a slightly shorter Carrycot/Pushchair Seat frame. For enhanced features incorporated on the Cameleon model – see Bugaboo Cameleon.

THE LOW-DOWN

How practical? - A practical main pushchair, great in town, amazing on rough terrain and so easy to manoeuvre
Defining Features? - Flexible, versatile, strong yet lightweight.  All the features of a larger, heavier pram yet practical even for apartment living.  A remarkably lightweight carrycot (has to be lifted to be believed!)
Who is it for? - For either city or countyside dwellers thanks to its functionality. For those who enjoy walking – this is a pram that will enhance that enjoyment.
Car boot size – Medium
Upsides – Lightweight carrycot, the performance and quality of the Bugaboo at a cheaper price than the Cameleon
Downsides – Recline mechanism situated underneath the Carrycot/Seat unit makes it less easy to access. As with the Cameleon, it can not be folded in one piece or used for jogging. Fabric choice is limited
Ease of use – So easy to steer and push, folding and opening is a 2 stage exercise - easy once you know how and the same as the other Bugaboo models
Budget - £469
What does it include? – Comes complete with a carrycot / pushchair frame with accommodating carrycot and stroller seat fabrics, Aerosleep mattress, under-seat shopping bag, pushchair hood, rain cover, mosquito net and User Guide
Optional accessories – Fleece footmuff (any of the colours, including those suitable for the Cameleon can be chosen), CabrioFix Car Seat adaptors, transport Bag, breezy sun canopy and sunshade or parasol, diaper bag, maintenance kit, cup holder and Wheeled Board