Discover the 7 differences in the Bee generation: Bee, Bee Plus, Bee 3, Bee 5, Bee 6... The Bugaboo Bee series was launched in 2007. Imagine, the first child who sat in a Bee stroller might have graduated from high school this year! Oh, how time flies...
But back to the topic. Are you looking for – or perhaps selling – a Bugaboo Bee, but you're not sure if you have a Bee or a Bee Plus in front of you? Or a Bee 3? Maybe it's a Bee 6?
Don't worry, we're here to help. In this article, we'll share our experiences with all the refurbished Bee strollers from our workshop.
Since its first production, there have been five different models: Bee, Bee Plus, Bee 3, Bee 5, and finally Bee 6, the latest model. In this article, we'll give you tips on how to identify which model you have.
Let's start with the Bee. It was designed from the beginning for high maneuverability and comfort in the city. Even the basic Bee model is of high quality and a safe investment.
The developments up to version 6 are mainly aesthetic, comfort-related, and practical in nature. For example, the original Bee is more like a mini-tank, while the Bee 6 has a lighter and more refined aesthetic. But honestly, do you really need a "beautiful stroller"? You can find the discussion on this below in the comments.
Comfort has also steadily improved, from the suspension to the quality of the seat fabric. Practically speaking, folding has evolved from version to version, as has the adjustment of the handlebar and sun canopy.
If you have the model in front of you and still have the label with the model name, month and year of manufacture, and the unique product reference, then simply turn the stroller over.
Otherwise, let's proceed chronologically and examine the differences more closely.
Bee and Bee Plus
So, the Bee is the first in the long line and the oldest in the family. Since its introduction in 2007, it has impressed with its agility and versatile adjustment options. Couldn't decide between red and yellow? Back then, "take both" was the selling point. Today, 15 years later, we realize that one is enough, and the environment is probably grateful for that 😊.
With the success of the first Bee, Bugaboo dared to continue the series until today. For further development, the product had to be slightly redesigned. When the Bee Plus came out, a clear difference could be seen.
The sun canopy: This is quite obvious: You recognize your Bee by the shape of its characteristic sun canopy.
Left, the characteristic sun canopy of the Bee; right, the sun canopy of the Bee Plus. It's also easier to open.
The wheels:
This is a bit more subtle, but still noticeable. Look at the wheels of your stroller. The Bee stroller has solid rubber tires. With the Bee Plus, Bugaboo chose a different aesthetic with open wheels, similar to bicycle tires.
See for yourself:
Left, the solid rubber tires of the Bee; right, the wheels of the Bee Plus. Less plastic, less dirt, and in our opinion, more aesthetic.
Summary:
Bee Plus and Bee 3: Now let's take a closer look: At first glance, there are no obvious differences as before. But your trained eye will notice the details.
The harness system: The harness system of the Bee Plus is a 3-point harness. This means the strap runs from the shoulders to the crotch. Unfortunately, the child can slide down the side of the stroller after an uncontrolled drift. Not ideal for "Fast and Furious" drivers, but that wasn't the goal 😊.
For the Bee 3, in the pursuit of progress, the manufacturers developed a 5-point harness system. This harness offers additional safety, as in addition to the shoulder straps, two more tensioning straps extend from the hips, and everything comes together at the crotch. So you can drift in peace, your child is safe.
See for yourself: (Photo to follow)
The seat: Now let's look at the back of your stroller. On the Bee Plus, you'll see white buttons to release the harness.
On the Bee 3, these buttons are no longer visible for aesthetic reasons.
See for yourself: Top, the back of a Bee Plus seat; bottom, the back of a Bee 3 seat.
The sun canopy: Another small change concerns the sun canopy. This time it gets bigger.
If you look at your sun canopy at seat height and see a zipper, you can extend your sun canopy. From this, you also know that it's not a Bee Plus, because that model doesn't have a zipper.
The basket: The shopping basket of the Bee Plus can hold up to 16 liters. That wasn't enough for Bugaboo. To reduce what you have to carry on your shoulder, Bugaboo added 6 liters to the basket, making it one of the largest on the market, with great depth and easy access.
See for yourself: Left, a shopping basket of the Bee Plus; right, a shopping basket of the Bee 3.
Extra bonus: Here are some additional benefits that are not immediately visible but are still pleasing: The Bee 3 is even more customizable – and above all, there is an optional carrycot that you can use!
Summary
Bee 3 and Bee 5
This time we're taking a close look at the Bee 3 and Bee 5. The differences are really subtle now, but don't worry, we'll show you all of them!
The sun canopy and the basket don't change. But we still have some differences that you can spot.
The handlebar:
The handlebar of the Bee 3, like previous models, is made of foam. Practical, so you don't come into direct contact with the cold aluminum frame. But Bugaboo went one step further with the Bee 5 and now uses a faux leather handlebar! It not only feels great but also looks stylish.
See for yourself:
Top, a Bee 3 handlebar; bottom, a Bee 5 faux leather handlebar.
The harness system:
Like the Bee 3, the Bee 5 also uses a 5-point harness system. But with the Bee 5, they've improved it even further! Now it's adjustable so you can perfectly adapt it to your child's size. Safety comes first, after all!
The basket:
The basket of the Bee 5 is even better than its predecessor. The maximum capacity remains the same (already impressively large!), but they've added an extra pocket. Super practical for carrying documents without your tomatoes spilling their juice in the poor stroller's basket.
The seat:
The seat of the Bee 5 is truly an upgrade. More comfortable and cozier than ever!
And here's the trick: If you can count to 5, you'll see the difference! Bee 3 - 3 stripes. Bee 5 - 5 stripes.
Pure coincidence? We don't think so.
See for yourself:
Top, a Bee 3 seat; bottom, a Bee 5 seat.
Summary:
Bee 5 and Bee 6: The last two models compared. Thanks to its longevity, the Bee has found its final form. Now it's about the small details that make the difference.
The wheels: The Bee 5, like its predecessors, has a diameter of 15 cm. With the Bee 6, the wheels are larger, with a diameter of 18 cm. Experts are still debating whether this will get you to your destination faster.
The sun canopy: Most strollers today are designed so that the child faces forward. But this means you can't see your child. The new sun canopy of the Bee 6 solves this problem. A plastic panel is integrated, so you can always glance at your child, even if they're sleeping.
See for yourself: The sun canopy of the Bee 6.
Extra bonus: An assistant foot.
Summary: That's it! You're now a real pro at distinguishing Bee strollers (we hope you're proud, because there aren't many of us 😁).
Have you noticed any other differences? Let us know in the comments! Your feedback is important to us!