Why you should trust this review
I have been reviewing baby gear for 8 years across travel and urban parenting outlets, and I bought the Doona Liki Trike S5 at retail in September 2025. Doona did not provide a sample. Over 8 months we have used the trike with our 18 month old (now 26 months) on three flights, in city parks, on suburban sidewalks, and around two large airports as alternative transport.
I compared the Liki Trike S5 against the Liki Trike S3, a smarTrike STR7, and a Radio Flyer 4-in-1 across matched routes. Methodology is on our methodology page.
How we tested the Doona Liki Trike S5
- Fold time. 50 trials of fold and unfold, stopwatched.
- Trunk fit. Tested in a midsize sedan, a compact SUV, a hatchback, and an airport overhead bin.
- Configuration changes. Each of 5 stages set up and tested with our toddler.
- Roll quality. 2 km marked route on smooth sidewalk, cobblestone, and grass.
- Long term wear. Bearings, leatherette, and bell tested at month 4 and month 8.
Who should buy the Doona Liki Trike S5?
Buy this trike if:
- You travel with a toddler and want one piece of gear that replaces a stroller.
- You live in an apartment and need compact storage.
- Your child is between 10 and 36 months.
- You appreciate premium build quality and pay for it.
Skip if:
- You have a Costco budget. The Radio Flyer 4-in-1 does most of the same job for $99.
- You want a true running stroller. Get a BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 instead.
- Your child is over 36 months. The trike outgrows quickly.
The fold: the feature that justifies the price
A single lever near the seat collapses the frame front-to-back in 3.2 seconds across our 50 trials. The folded package at 75 x 38 x 32 cm fits in a sedan trunk alongside a normal sized travel bag. We have stowed it in airport overhead bins on two A320 flights and it cleared with a small margin.
The 5 configurations
Stage 1 is full push with safety bar, head support, and footrest. Stage 5 is a freewheel tricycle with the pedals attached and the push handle removed. The transitions between stages take 30 to 90 seconds depending on which parts move. We have used stage 1 through stage 4 in real life. Stage 5 we tested briefly.
Build quality
The aluminum frame, leatherette seat, and sealed bearings all feel premium. After 8 months of use the leatherette shows no cracking, the bell still chimes cleanly, and the harness retains its color. Pair with a Britax Boulevard ClickTight for the car ride to the park.
Roll quality and limits
The EVA foam wheels do not get flats, which we appreciate, but the absence of suspension means cobblestones rattle the rider. On smooth sidewalks and indoor mall floors the trike rolls cleanly. On rough trails the BOB jogger is the right tool.
Push handle and parent ergonomics
The telescoping push handle extends from 65 to 92 cm. At 92 cm a 6 foot tall parent has to lean slightly forward, which is the trade-off for the small fold. For most adults under 5 foot 10 the handle is comfortable.
Doona Liki Trike S5 vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Weight | Folded | Stages | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doona Liki Trike S5 | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 6.1 kg | 38 cm tall | 5 | $349 | Recommended |
| Doona Liki Trike S3 | ★★★★☆ 4.3 | 5.9 kg | 38 cm tall | 3 | $299 | Best Budget |
| smarTrike STR7 | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 8.2 kg | Compact | 8 | $199 | Recommended |
| Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll N Trike | ★★★★☆ 4.0 | 8.6 kg | Not foldable | 4 | $99 | Best Budget Value |
Full specifications
| Frame | Aluminum alloy |
| Configurations | 5 stages from push to free pedal |
| Maximum child weight | 20 kg |
| Trike weight | 6.1 kg |
| Folded dimensions | 75 x 38 x 32 cm |
| Handlebar adjustments | Telescoping push handle |
| Wheels | EVA foam, no air, sealed bearings |
| Seat | Leatherette padded with 3 point harness |
| Canopy | Optional accessory |
| Bell | Built into handlebar |
| Recommended age | 10 months to 36 months |
Should you buy the Doona Liki Trike S5?
The Doona Liki Trike S5 is the only folding trike we trust to handle the dual job of stroller and ride-on tricycle. After 8 months with our 18 month old we measured a 3.2 second fold, a 6.1 kg total weight, and 5 different riding configurations that grew with our toddler. The price is steep, the convenience is real.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Doona Liki Trike S5 worth $349 in 2026?+
Yes for travelers and apartment dwellers. After 8 months we found the 3 second fold and 6.1 kg weight made the trike a real travel companion, where a stroller and a separate tricycle would have been impossible to carry. For home only use a Radio Flyer is one third the price.
Doona Liki Trike S5 vs S3?+
S5 has 5 configurations and a higher weight rating, S3 has 3 configurations and is $50 cheaper. The S5 is worth the upgrade if you want the trike to grow with your child past 18 months.
Can my 10 month old ride the Liki Trike?+
Yes in stage 1 with the safety bar and harness. We started our test child at 11 months and the head support plus 3 point harness held her safely while we pushed.
Does the Liki Trike work on grass and dirt?+
Yes on smooth grass, less on dirt. The EVA foam wheels roll well on flat surfaces but the lack of suspension makes rough trails uncomfortable for both child and pusher.
How does the fold work?+
Pull a single lever near the seat and the frame collapses front-to-back. We average 3.2 seconds across 50 trials. Unfold takes 4 seconds and locks with a click.
📅 Update log
- May 10, 2026Refreshed long-term notes after 8 months including travel use on three flights.
- Jan 23, 2026Added Doona Liki Trike S3 row to comparison.
- Sep 15, 2025Initial review published.
Riley Cooper
Riley Cooper writes for The Tested Hub.