In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Dream On Me Coast Rider Review

Interesting and potentially fun scooter for older toddlers but the stroller is clunky and awkward to use
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Dream On Me Coast Rider Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $120 List
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Manufacturer:   Dream On Me
By Wendy Schmitz and the BabyGearLab Review Team  ⋅  Dec 16, 2021
50
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Weight/Folded Size - 35% 7.0
  • Ease of Use - 30% 1.9
  • Maneuverability - 25% 6.5
  • Quality - 10% 4.0

Our Verdict

The Dream on Me Coast Rider is a riding scooter and lightweight stroller combination. The scooter looks fun for little ones, and we can see how this product would engage older children into transporting themselves. However, it is not the best quality, the stroller components are hard to use, and the seat is uncomfortable compared to the competition. We suspect little one will balk at spending much time in this stroller with no canopy, no recline, and insufficient padding for napping. It is noteworthy that even the company website only has pictures of this product being used by a child as a scooter. All of its photos set up as a stroller show an empty seat. Overall, we think this “bulky when folded” option is a poor lightweight stroller, given the lack of features that make a travel stroller useful. However, if you want a riding toy, it might fit the bill.
REASONS TO BUY
Converts to scooter
Less expensive
Relatively lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Harder to use
Complicated fold
Lower quality
Editor's Note: The Dream on Me Coast Rider review was updated on December 16th, 2021, with additional stroller comparison and thoughts on what we would recommend purchasing.

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Dream on Me (DOM) Family is a collection of brands, including Dream On Me, Evolur Baby, and Slumber Baby. The company launched in 1988 and focuses on creating safe, quality products for families. The line of products includes strollers, baby cribs, baby walkers, a bassinet that appears in our best bassinet review, and more.

Performance Comparison



dream on me coast rider - the coaster is on the smaller side when folded, but the wheels and...
The Coaster is on the smaller side when folded, but the wheels and bulky overall design mean it will be hard to stow just anywhere.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight and Folded Size


While the fold of the Coast Rider might be weird, it does make for a relatively small and lightweight package compared to the competition.


This stroller weighs 12.8 lbs and folds into a package that is 4,788 cubic inches. These measurements put it squarely into the easier-to-transport category, but if you look at the final product, it is oddly bulky, had to lift, and may not fit everywhere.

dream on me coast rider - the dream on me is one of the hardest strollers to use in this review.
The Dream on Me is one of the hardest strollers to use in this review.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Coast Rider is one of the hardest-to-use options in the review.

Folding the Coaster is a convoluted process more akin to taking it...
Folding the Coaster is a convoluted process more akin to taking it apart than a straightforward fold.
With so many parts to remove to fold the Coaster it isn't something...
With so many parts to remove to fold the Coaster it isn't something you can do quickly.

Fold and Unfold


This product has an awkward fold, and it isn't much smaller even when you manage to compact it. It is almost like taking it apart as opposed to folding it. During testing, we needed two hands and a foot to unfold it. It does automatically lock, but it doesn't self-stand, nor can you pull it like luggage. Compared with the fold of the Zoe Traveler, the Coast is miserable.

dream on me coast rider - the coaster has double action brakes that require setting two pedals.
The Coaster has double action brakes that require setting two pedals.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Brakes


The brakes on the Coast Rider are hard to set but easier to release. It is a double-action brake, meaning you must press two pedals (one on each side of the rear axle) to fully set the brakes. We worry some parents might forget to set both sides or feel one side is “good enough” and leave the other side open. Once the brakes are set, there is some play in the wheels, but it didn't feel significant enough to be dangerous during testing.

Storage


The Dream on Me does not include any storage. As a result, you'll need to carry all your supplies in a diaper bag or backpack. Even a spare diaper and wipes will require some sort of tote.

Sunshade


The Coast Rider does not have a sunshade, so little ones will be exposed to all elements, including the sun, which could result in a burn or make it hard to nap. You'll definitely need one of the best sunscreens for babies with this stroller.

dream on me coast rider - the buckle on the coaster is somewhat stiff but the real problem...
The buckle on the Coaster is somewhat stiff but the real problem lies in the slick straps that loosen over time when wearing and the impossibly long crotch strap.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


The Coast Rider has a 5-point harness in stroller mode and no harness in scooter mode. It has a ridiculously long crotch strap that hindered our ability to get a proper and snug fit on our little testers. None of the straps are padded, but the material is smooth and somewhat slippery. It is more comfortable, but it also quickly untightens. Rethreading the shoulder height is relatively easy, but the buckle button is stiffer than average.

Seat


The seat for the stroller is upright only, with no option to recline, and has minimal padding. There is no footrest for smaller riders which means legs could be uncomfortable dangling off the edge. There is no leg rest or recline, so it is not designed for comfortable napping.

Car Seat Compatibility


There is no car seat compatibility with this stroller, and it is only appropriate for older babies and toddlers.



Ease of Setup


This stroller takes between 5-10 minutes to put together. It comes in a well-packed box, but almost all of the parts need to be assembled, unlike most of the competition. The instruction manual is clear, with good detail in both words and pictures. While it wasn't difficult to build, it took more time and felt like it should have come more assembled.

dream on me coast rider - the coaster did perform better for maneuverability than much of the...
The Coaster did perform better for maneuverability than much of the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Maneuverability


The Coast is surprisingly easier to push and turn than many competitors, though none of the products in this category are excellent. It can manage sharp turns, but the center handle is on the low side and might be uncomfortable for taller parents to push for long distances. While we could push this product one-handed on flat surfaces, it is much easier with two once the road gets uneven. This unit managed grass and carpet better than much of the competition, but deep gravel was a struggle.

dream on me coast rider - the overall fit and finish of the coaster are sub-par compared to...
The overall fit and finish of the Coaster are sub-par compared to the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


This stroller is less expensive than much of the competition; however, we'd still expect better quality than what it delivers with a price over a hundred dollars. While the materials feel durable and sturdy, they lack comfort and consideration for the passenger. There is thin padding, and it all feels very minimal to simply “get the job done.” The frame has an awkward look, and it rattles when you turn with joints that do not feel solid compared to the competition. This stroller also offers no suspension, and it looks somewhat sloppy all around. The seat fabric does not stay folded down over the corners; there are exposed buckles and straps all over the place.

Should You Buy the Dream On Me Coast Rider?


While the Coast Rider can be a fun product for older kids, it is only functional in specific situations and is not very practical for frequent use. It is not comfortable for kids to ride in or for adults to push, and while it rolls smoothly on hard surfaces, the small wheels limit its use even further. The biggest downfall, in our opinion, is the lack of useful features like a sunshade or basket. This item feels more like a toy than a helpful piece of baby gear, and we don't recommend it for most families.

What Other Umbrella Strollers Should You Consider?


There are many other strollers we would recommend over the Coast Rider. If you want a barebones product that is super light and relatively affordable, we encourage you to look at the Zoe Traveler. With a price tag that is only slightly higher, you get a basket, a sunshade, an easier fold, and a smoother ride. We think it is a great tradeoff all around and will be a better product for you and your baby.

Manufacturer Video



Wendy Schmitz and the BabyGearLab Review Team