3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability with a stylish and streamlined frame. Many of them have a fabric sling seat with an incredibly comfortable lying flat bed and excellent weight distribution that is ideal from birth.
The wheels are bigger and often have suspension to ensure smooth, agile moving on different terrains. The only drawback is that they can be heavier and more bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are remarkably solid - they don't fall over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when traveling in a straight line and you'll find that you can maneuver them more quickly and efficiently. If you stop or turn abruptly, they could lose stability and tip over. To avoid this, some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their three wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also take on off-road terrain using the additional wheel. Be sure to look for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) because they can deal with off-road routes and other surfaces like rocks, sand and mud. They'll also have an adjustable front wheel that locks to add stability over really rough terrain.
Buggies are easy to maneuver and agile thanks to the 360o front swivel wheel. They will also pass the same stability standards globally and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you are looking for a fabric seat they are typically lower in the frame compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's center of gravity will be closer to the ground - instantly ensuring the smoothest ride.
Most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light pushchair and travel system to its product line with the attractive Citylife. The model is designed for urban living and is suitable from birth with a newborn car seat or carrycot for infants. It comes with four wheels and a unique pewter-black aluminium frame that the brand calls'slim and compact. It's smaller at 2cm than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a lot of 3 wheel buggies that can be folded compactly and can be tucked away in smaller spaces. Many of them can be folded using just one hand, and are easy to wipe down. The smallest models will feature an easy handlebar height adjustment, while others may have an adjustable suspension or an extendable 50+ UV canopy. They could also come with large, spacious baskets and a quick-release brake lever.
The best 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeled buggy is usually better equipped to deal with off-road conditions as in comparison to a model with four wheels however both may get stuck in tight corners. However, selecting a model that has larger wheels on both sides can help. This makes them easier to push over rough ground and is often helpful in getting up and down high kerbs.
One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her infant and reported that "it did really well on bumpy surfaces, cobbles and dirt roads, gravel tracks and even a few hills."
Another great alternative is the new all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi which is called Stella. It's suitable from birth when used with the carrycot. It's little bigger than the lightweight 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim frame of 54cm wide) but has big air-filled tyres. It also has 3 recline positions, and a quick one-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity it's compatible with all of the brand's infant car seats and strollers. You can build your own travel system, regardless of whether you're planning to take a a short walk or take a longer stroll, using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres of 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of designs and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For 3 wheeler pushchair , air-filled tyres, offer an easy ride and excellent manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type of tyre you choose will depend on your lifestyle and where it is that you live.
If you intend to travel on unpaved roads or on rough terrain frequently, you might want to consider a three-wheeler with more durable tyres. Consider the type of suspension you require. Strong suspension is useful for handling bumps and humps, however it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.
Another aspect to be considered is tyre size. Knowing how to read the tyre size is important for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewalls of tyres can seem initially, but understanding it helps you understand the tyre's dimensions. A tyre with the size 185/70 R14 for instance indicates that it is a radial tire that has a size of 185/70 and has a 14-inch rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber ones. If you are unsure if a pushchair's tires are rubber or PU, slide the tires on the surface with a smooth surface. If the tires move easily they are made of PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a 3 wheel buggy is a vital aspect to consider as it absorbs the smacks and bumps of rough terrain making it more comfortable for your child. Large wheels that are air-filled, and lockable to ensure stability while jogging is crucial to ensure that your buggy will be capable of maneuvering off road surfaces easily.
There are a variety of buggy styles that will suit any budget and lifestyle. The Mountain Buggy, for example is the first all-terrain vehicle to be developed in three-wheel buggies. The sling seats made of fabric are designed with the perfect geometry and engineering to fit comfortably inside the frame rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This provides an lower center of gravity, and allows it to be placed at the right height to spread weight evenly to conquer the kerbs.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It has a sleek design, a big wheel that's easy to move and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also comes with an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it on an excursion through the rough terrain and she was impressed with how it adapted to the terrain well. She said that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, roads dirt tracks, and makes a light work of going up and down kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off road option and similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a range of colours to match your style. It also comes with a movable handlebar and a spacious basket. You can also pick from a variety of infant car seats that convert the buggy into a pram. This includes the stylishly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a cosy lie flat crib for babies and infants that are up to 12 months old.
3 wheeled pushchairs
Having four wheels makes the pushchair much more stable and less likely to tip, and easier to handle. It is also more secure for your child since the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy has lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to climb over curbs and walk up. The fabric sling seats are built into the frame and not on top as modular seats. This results in a lower seat position and an automobile that is easily pushed.
However, if you'd like to go for a run with your baby then a four-wheeler is better suited since it has a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the rear one to allow you to tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads - just bear in mind not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most are NOT, such as the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception because they come with a suspension system specifically designed for them that's been tested independently across all kinds of terrain.