3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability, and are a stylish, slim frame. A lot of them come with an upholstered sling seat that has a cosy lying flat bed and excellent weight distribution, ideal from birth.
The wheels are larger and often have suspension to allow for smooth, swift moving on different terrains. The only drawback is that they can be heavier and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies provide plenty of stability. They don't fall over as easily when you are moving straight. They also allow you to maneuver faster. If you turn or stop abruptly, they may lose stability and tip over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs in order to increase the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel also allows you tackle off-road terrain. Choose models with air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road routes, sand and dirt, as well as other surfaces such as rocks and sand. These models will also feature a lockable wheel in the front to improve stability on rough terrain.
The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile with 360o front swivel wheel. They also pass the same global stability standards and tests as buggies with four wheels.
If you're in search of a fabric sling, then they tend to be set lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the floor and provides a more comfortable ride and a less noticeable kerb pop (you don't have to exert the same amount of pressure or effort to get the buggy over and up the Kerb).
Popular for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight travel system and pushchair to its line-up with the eye-catching Citylife. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. 3 wheel pushchair has 4 wheels and a unique pewter black aluminium frame that the manufacturer claims is 'slim and compact' - it's just 2cm larger than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold up to fit into smaller space. Many can be folded with one hand and are easy to wash down. Some of the smallest models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, while others feature adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. Certain models may come with a large basket and a brake lever that's quick-release.
The best 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain
A 3-wheeler will typically be better able to cope with off-road conditions than a 4-wheel model, but both can be stuck in tight places. However, choosing a model that has larger wheels both front and back can help. This makes it easier to push them over rough terrain and will aid in getting up and down high curbs.
The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its astonishing agility despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her baby and her 3-year-old, and said "it does really well on bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt roads and gravel tracks, as well as on some hills."
Stella Stella, the 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi, is another option. It is suitable for babies from birth when used with a carrycot. It's a bit bigger than the lightweight 4-wheelers, but it features air-filled tires with three recline positions and a one-handed fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity, though - it's compatible with all of the brands' infant car seats and strollers. You can create your own travel system, regardless of whether you're planning to take a an easy stroll or take a longer stroll, by using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres of 3 wheel buggies come in a range of styles and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example provide a smooth ride and great maneuverability while foam-filled tires are more durable. 3 wheeler pushchair of tyre you pick will be determined by your lifestyle and where it is that you live.
For example, if you plan to travel often on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you may want to consider a 3-wheeler with sturdier tyres. Take into consideration the kind of suspension you need. A sturdy suspension is helpful to handle bumps and humps. However, it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.
The size of the tyre is crucial. Understanding how to read tyre sizing is crucial to ensure safety, performance, and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on a tyre sidewall may be confusing however, once you understand it, you can understand the tyre dimensions. For instance, a tyre's size of '185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radius with a 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're not sure if the pushchair you are using has rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires across a smooth surface and tie them. If the tires move easily and smoothly, they're made of PU. If they don't then the tires are composed of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a three wheel buggy is an essential aspect to consider as it absorbs the bumps and knocks of rough terrain making it more comfortable for your child. Large wheels that are air-filled, and are able to be locked to ensure stability when jogging are also important. This will allow your buggy to travel on off-road surfaces with ease.
There are many choices for buggy styles that will suit any budget and style of life. The Mountain Buggy, for example was the first to introduce all-terrain agility with three-wheel buggies. With the perfect geometry and engineering their fabric sling seat is tucked away inside the frame, in contrast to being on top of modular seats, offering an lower center of gravity and sitting at the ideal height for optimal weight distribution to easily tackle the kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It features sleek design, a large wheel that's easy to move and comes with a superb suspension. It also has a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put the buggy through its paces by taking it for a walk through rough terrain. She was impressed with how it performed admirably, saying that it "navigates over grass, bumpy sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks and makes it easy to drive up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a range of colours to match your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar, a large basket and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also select from a selection of infant car seats to convert the buggy into a pram, such as the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a comfy lie-flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns that are up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the buggy more stable, less likely to tip and easier to handle. It also makes it safer for your child because the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheel buggy also tends to have a lower center of gravity, making it more easy to roll over curbs and up the stairs. The seats made of fabric are built into the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This creates a low seat and a buggy that can be easily moved.
If you're looking to go for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler might be better suited as it will have a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the rear one so you can tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most aren't like the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been tested independently on all terrains.