The trails are calling, but you forgot to pack a change of clothes? Next thing you know, you’re soaking wet and covered in mud, sitting right on the driver’s seat. What about using an old towel or a shower curtain? Usually not the best solution. That’s where the Scuvvers car seat cover comes in handy.
A family from Queensland, Australia, developed a simple yet clever way to protect car seats – the perfect solution for mountain bikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who regularly brings dirt to and into their car. Seat + cover = Scuvver! But it’s not just about practicality: the seat cover is made from over 90% recycled materials and durable polyester fabric, the same kind found in camping chairs and other outdoor gear.
Whether you’re driving a luxury sedan or a camper van, nobody wants to sit in the aftermath of a mudfest. But does this € 60 cover really deliver, or is a bag of spare clothes still the better option? We tested the Scuvver to find out!
Scuvvers Car Seat Cover On Test
We put our muddy bottoms on several car seats – of course, with the Scuvvers car seat cover underneath. And since our dentist loves biking too, and also spends lots of time with his (always muddy) kids, we let him test it, too.
The seat cover consists of three parts:
- Headrest Strap: Attaches to the headrest with Velcro.
- Storage Pouch: Connected to the headrest strap via a small plastic slider – used to store the cover when not in use.
- Seat Cover: Secures to the inside of the pouch with Velcro.
There’s also a microfiber fleece on the outer side of the pouch, which is positioned at head level for extra comfort. When packed away, the cover is about the size of a road map – you know, old schoolmaps that never fold back properly.
To install the cover on the seat, simply attach the headrest strap with Velcro, clip the storage pouch onto it using the plastic slider, and adjust the strap height to ensure full coverage. Now you can secure the seat cover itself to the inside of the pouch with Velcro.
The pouch hangs on the back of the headrest, meaning that the cover is always accessible and ready to go whenever you need it. Convenient – but for aesthetic reasons, we usually kept it in the glove compartment. 😉
The headrest strap comes in two sizes:
- M (44–74 cm): for bigger headrests
- S (32–50 cm): for more compact models (e.g., rear seats)
Scuvvers also offer the headrest strap with a pouch separately for around € 32, allowing you to set up multiple headrests and simply attach the seat cover wherever you need it – for example, when your soaking wet dog takes the passenger seat while you managed to stay dry.
With four color options available, there’s plenty of choice to match any car interior. The only limitation is if the headrest is permanently connected to the seat, as is the case with bucket seats – here, you’ll need to find another place to attach the cover. There’s also a special ISOFIX version that is designed to make it easier to use with child seats.
On the way home from a muddy ride, your seats are protected in seconds: 1.18 m long and 59.5 cm wide, with two cutouts between the backrest and seat to thread through the seatbelts – perfect! It also works great on the back seats when the kids come back from the woods covered in dirt (and not just on their faces). The non-slip backing ensures everything stays in place, even on winding roads. Seat heating still works with the cover on, though it’s slightly less powerful – but you won’t be freezing.
Once home, the small Velcro tabs in the corners make it easy to fold the cover: simply fold it in half, roll it up like a burrito, and secure it in the pouch.
Or you can simply throw the cover straight into the washing machine. The manufacturer recommends a gentle 30°C cycle – so just toss it in with your muddy bike gear, and voilà, it comes out looking like new. In our water test, we soaked the cover with water for an entire day – not a single drop got through. Impressive!
Conclusions about the Scuvvers Car Seat Cover
The Scuvvers seat cover delivers on its promise! While at € 59.95, it’s not exactly a bargain, it’s undeniably practical. Waterproof, durable, and quick to use – as long as you don’t forget it at home. While it’s not the most stylish accessory to hang on your headrest, it also fits nicely in the glove compartment or trunk. If it ever goes on sale, our dentist with his kids is all in. Until then, we’ll stick with a shower curtain – or just embrace the naked truth.
Tops
- Keeps car seats reliably clean
- Waterproof
Flops
- Not the best look on the headrest
Find more information at scuvvers.com.
Words: Robin Ulbrich Photos: Julian Schwede
About the Author
Robin Ulbrich
Robin Ulbrich is a specialist in urban mobility and technical product management at 41 Publishing. As a master craftsman in vehicle interior equipment, he brings a profound understanding of material science to the editorial team, with saddles and ergonomic interfaces being his particular speciality. For DOWNTOWN and E-MOUNTAINBIKE magazine, the passionate cyclist analyses current city and off-road riding trends. In addition to his editorial activities, he utilises his manual skills for in-depth material analysis and practical product testing.
