As the only 3-wheeler tandem on the market to have a 360° front swivel wheel with disc brake, the Jané Powertwin Pro offers ultimate control and safety, particularly on hilly terrain or steep streets. It’s a practical option for active parents who want to get out and about with a newborn and a toddler, or twins.
Spanish company Jané has been making prams since 1932. The Powertwin Pro is currently its best-selling double buggy and has won a host of accolades.
With the Jané Powertwin Pro Review, the rear seat reclines completely and is suitable from birth, while the front seat has two positions and can be used from 3 months and up, making it ideal for transporting children of differing ages. You'll notice the instruction manual says from 6 months for the front seat. This is basically because of the diffences between the UK's BSI 7409 (British Safety Standards), and what exists in Europe, the EN 1888. For example, a pushchair seat could be classified as from birth under the BSI, but under the European standard it may not be - it depends on where the pushchair was made and where it was tested.
Newborn twins can be carried by converting the Powertwin Pro to a travel system, with a choice of one or two car seats. The ‘pro-fix’ system even enables you to attach the car seats using one hand, leaving the other free to hold the baby. And if you have three little ones close in age, the oldest can be accommodated on an optional surfer board.
What we love
With its stylish good looks and smart, soft upholstery, the Powertwin Pro has received a few admiring glances while I’ve been wheeling it around. From his “driving chair” (i.e. the front seat), my 3-year-old, Fynn, declared that it’s “very comfy”. Harry, his 7-month-old brother, seems equally happy in the rear seat. And even Fynn, my little Houdini, can’t escape from the 5-point harness, which is very simple to fasten.
Even with two children on board the buggy is easy to push. Steel ball bearings on the wheels make for a smooth ride, while the shock-absorbing pneumatic tyres and rear-wheel spring suspension add to the comfort. As a tandem, it has the upper hand over traditional side-by-side models and fits neatly through doorways and into lifts.
A unique feature of the Powertwin Pro is the disc brake on the front wheel, which is operated by a lever on the handlebar and is similar to a bicycle handbrake. It’s a boon for coping with the short but steep hill the leads into my local town. The parking brake is sturdy, if a little stiff, but it held firm when we stopped on the hill to reunite Harry’s feet with the socks he’s forever removing.
The Powertwin Pro folds easily and the quick-release wheels are a useful feature. I’m 5ft 9in and have to hunch to push fixed-handle pushchairs, so the adjustable handlebar height is a big plus, too. Another clever addition is the peep-holes in the rain hood, which Fynn loves. They stop his usual trick of lifting up the bottom of the cover and sticking his head out!
What to watch out for
Despite its 100% aluminium oversized oval tubular chassis, the Powertwin Pro is still a weighty machine. It also takes up a lot of space in the car boot. I have to remove the front wheel so it will fit into our small family car, as it doesn’t fold down snugly enough.
The pushchair also feels slightly too long when you’re pushing it, although it doesn’t look ungainly when I see someone else steering. For such a large pushchair, the shopping basket is on the small side and difficult to access. And though the hoods provide good sun and rain protection, the front one obscures Harry’s view. He’s much happier when it’s removed.
Mums online have commented that the pushchair can tip when mounting curbs, though I haven’t experienced this problem yet. A few have also mentioned that the brake system breaks! The Service Manager at Jané says there have been very few complaints about the brakes, although they may require adjustment after time.
Who is the Jané Powertwin Pro best for?
Twin mums after a safe, stylish and practical pushchair that lets them tackle all terrain, from countryside walks to city pavements.
MadeForMums verdict
This attractive, comfortable pushchair combines the freedom of a 3-wheeler with the practicality of a tandem. The Jané Powertwin Pro does take up a lot of boot space, but the wheels will release at the push of a button for quick removal.
