3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer excellent maneuverability with a stylish and sleek frame. A lot of them have an sling made of fabric with an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution, and are perfect from birth.
The wheels are bigger and often have suspensions for smooth movement over various terrains. The only drawback is that they may be more heavy and bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are extremely solid - they don't fall over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when traveling in a straight line, and you'll notice that you can move them more quickly and easily. If you attempt to stop or turn suddenly, they'll lose stability and could tip over. This is why certain manufacturers add an extra wheel to their three wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel also allows you navigate off-road terrain. Look for models with air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road paths, sand and mud, and other surfaces, such as rocks and sand. They'll also usually include the option of locking the front wheel to give stability over rough ground.
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 looking for a cloth sling seat, then these tend to be placed lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the ground - instantly delivering a smoother ride and less kerb pop (you do not need to apply the same amount of pressure or exertion to get the buggy up and over the kerb).
Most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight travel system and pushchair to its line-up with the striking Citylife. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban life, and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It has four wheels and has an exclusive black pewter frame that the manufacturer claims is 'light and compact' - it's actually only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are many three wheel buggies that can be folded compactly and can be tucked away in smaller spaces. Many of these buggies can be folded in one hand, and are easy to clean. The smallest models will have a simple height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others could have an adjustable suspension or an extendable 50+ UV canopy. Some models may have an enormous basket as well as brake levers that are quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be more able to deal with off-road terrain than a 4-wheel model, but both can be stuck in tight spots. But, picking a model that has larger wheels both front and back can help. This will make them easier to push across rough terrain and can help in moving up and down steep kerbs.
One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly responsive handling despite its three-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her infant and 3-year-old and said "it is very well-handled over bumpy pavements, cobbles, gravel tracks and dirt roads, as well as on a few hills."
Another great option is the latest 3-wheel buggy that is all-terrain from Maxi-Cosi, a car seat manufacturer, called Stella. It's suitable for babies when used with the carrycot. It's little bigger than the lightweight 4wheelers (with an impressively slim 54cm wide frame) however it has large, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions, and a swift one-hand fold.
Its main selling feature is its modularity. It's compatible across all the brand's baby strollers and car seats. This means you can build your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks using the chassis as a foundation.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of styles and types of materials. Each comes with its own pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres offer a great performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type you choose will depend on your needs and the location you live in.
If you plan to travel on unpaved roads or on rough terrain frequently, you might want to consider a three-wheeler that has more robust tyres. 3 wheeler pushchair pushchairsandprams.uk should also think about the type of suspension that you require. The suspensions that are strong are great to tackle humps and bumps but they can be heavy and add to the overall weight.
Another aspect to be considered is tyre size. Understanding the tyre's size is essential for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre sidewall may be confusing however, once you understand it, you can understand the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre having an 185/70 size R14 for instance indicates that it is a radial tire in 185/70 with a 14-inch rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also less heavy and puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you're not sure if the pushchair you are using has rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires across an even and secure surface. If they slide easily then the tires are made from PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a three wheel buggy is an important element to look for as it will absorb the jolts and bumps 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 while jogging are important. This will enable your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces easily.
Based on the type of buggie you're seeking, there are options to suit all lifestyles and budgets. The Mountain Buggy, for example, pioneered all-terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. With an engineering and geometry that is perfect, their fabrics sling seat sits snug within the frame, as opposed to sitting on top like modular seats, offering a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the perfect height for the best weight distribution that allows it to easily handle kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It sports a sleek design, a huge wheel that is easy to maneuver and is paired with an impressive suspension. It also has an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath tested the buggy its paces by walking on a rough terrain. She was impressed with how it was able to handle it very well, saying that it "navigates over bumpy grass, sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks and makes it easy to drive up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. It comes in a range of colors that match your style. It also features an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket and a 50+ UV hood. You can also select from a variety of infant car seats that will transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm), which is a comfortable lie-flat bed for newborns or babies until 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the pushchair more stable and less likely to tip over, and more easy to maneuver. It is also safer for your baby as their weight is distributed more evenly over the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeler is also likely to have a lower centre of gravity and is therefore more easy to roll up and over curbs. The seats of the fabric sling are positioned inside the frame, not on top like modular seats. This creates a low seat position and buggy that is easily moved.
However, if you'd like to go for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler may be better suited as it has a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back one so you can tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most are NOT like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception, as they have a suspension system specifically designed for them that's been independently tested across all types of terrain.