3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability with a stylish and sleek frame. A lot of them have an upholstered sling that has a cosy lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution, and are perfect starting at birth.
The wheels are bigger, and they also often have suspensions for smooth movements on various terrains. The only downside is that they can be heavier and bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are remarkably stable and don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when going in a straight line and you'll notice that you can move them more quickly and efficiently. If you attempt to turn or stop suddenly, they'll lose stability and may be prone to tipping over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
The extra wheel also helps you tackle off-road terrain. Choose models with air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres), which can handle off-road trails, sand, mud, and other surfaces such as rock and sand. These models will also have a lockable wheel on the front, which will increase the stability of the vehicle over rough terrain.
The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile with 360o front swivel wheel. They will also pass the same global stability standards and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you are looking for a seat made of cloth, these tend to be less upright in comparison to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground - instantly providing an easier ride.
Maxi-Cosi is most well-known for its car seats however, it has recently expanded its product line with the Citylife lightweight travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living, and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It has 4 wheels and a unique pewter black aluminium frame, which the brand claims is 'slim and compact'. It's actually only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a lot of three wheel buggies that can be folded compactly and can be tucked away in smaller spaces. A lot of these buggies can be folded with one hand and are easy-to-clean. The smallest models will have a simple height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others may feature an adjustable suspension as well as an extendable 50+ UV canopy. Certain models may come with large baskets and a brake lever that's quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be better able to cope with off-road conditions than one with four wheels, however both can be stuck in tight spots. A model with larger front and rear wheels can assist. This makes them easier to push over rough ground and will often help with moving up and down steep kerbs.
One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its responsive handling despite its three-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her infant and 3-year-old son and reported that "it does really well on bumpy pavements, cobbles, gravel tracks and dirt roads and also on a few hills."
Another alternative is the newest 3-wheel buggy that is all-terrain from Maxi-Cosi, a car seat manufacturer which is called Stella. It's suitable from birth when used with the carrycot. It's slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim frame of 54cm wide) but it comes with big, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions, and a quick one-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity - it's compatible with all of the brands' baby strollers and car seats. You can build your own travel system, no matter if you want to go on shorter walk or a longer one using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of styles and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a smooth performance and a smooth ride, whereas foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type you select will depend on your needs and the location you live in.
For example, if you are planning to travel frequently on rough or muddy terrain, you might be interested in a 3-wheeler that has sturdier tires. Consider the type of suspension you require. Strong suspensions are useful for tackling bumps and humps however they can be quite heavy, adding to the overall weight.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the tyre. Knowing how to determine the sizing of a tyre is essential for maintaining safety as well as performance and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the tyre's sidewall might seem confusing however, once you understand it, you will be able to understand the tyre's dimensions. A tyre having an 185/70 size R14 for instance indicates that it is a radial tire with a diameter of 185/70 and has a 14-inch rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also lighter and more puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure whether the tires on a pushchair are rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires across a smooth and tied surface. If the tires slide easily, they are made of PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a 3 wheel buggy is a vital element to look for as it absorbs the smacks and bumps of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your baby. A large wheel that are ideally air-filled and can be locked to provide stability when jogging also important as this will ensure that your buggy will be able to navigate 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 was the first to introduce all-terrain agility in three-wheel buggie. With an engineering and geometry that is perfect, their fabrics sling seat is tucked away within the frame, as opposed to sitting on top like modular seats, resulting in a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the right height to ensure optimal weight distribution that allows it to easily handle the kerb pops.
Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that has a sleek design with a large, highly maneuverable front wheel, a great suspension and an easy-to-use twist handbrake. MFM reviewer Kath put the buggy through 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 grass, bumpy sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks, and even makes it easy to drive up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, like the Urban Glide 2, comes with a variety 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 that will transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) that is a comfortable, flat bed for newborns or babies until 12 months old.
Safety
The presence of four wheels makes the pushchair much more stable, less likely to tip over and easier to handle. It is also safer for your child as the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheeled vehicle has a lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to pop over curbs and get up. The fabric sling seat sits in the frame instead of on top of it like modular seats. This creates a low seating position and a lighter buggy that is more easily maneuvered.
If you want to run with your child, then a 4-wheeler is the ideal option. It has a suspension system which allows the front wheel to be independent from the rear wheel. This allows you to take on rough terrain or bumpy roads. However there are some limitations to 4 wheel buggies can be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception, as they have a specially-designed suspension system that's been tested by an independent expert across all kinds of terrain.