3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability with a stylish and slim frame. Many of these have a fabric sling with a cosy lay flat bed that is perfect for weight distribution, and are perfect starting at birth.
The wheels are bigger, and they also often have suspensions for smooth movement on different terrains. The only drawback is that they can be more heavy and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are extremely stable and don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when they're in a straight line and you'll find that you can move them more quickly and easily. However, if you try to stop or turn suddenly they'll lose stability and could be prone to tipping over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also tackle off-road terrain using the additional wheel. Look for 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 like rock and sand. These models will also have an adjustable wheel that locks on the front, which will increase stability over rough terrain.
The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you are looking for a seat made of fabric, these tend to be smaller in the frame as compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's center of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly ensuring the smoothest ride.
Maxi-Cosi is a household name for its car seats, but it has recently expanded its product range with the Citylife compact travel system and pushchair. The model is designed for urban living and is suitable starting at birth with a newborn carrycot or infant car seat. It has 4 wheels and a unique pewter black aluminium frame that the manufacturer claims is 'light and compact' - it's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are many 3 wheel buggies that can be folded down to can fit into smaller spaces. Many of them can be folded using just one hand, and are easy to wipe down. The smallest models will have an easy handlebar height adjustment, while others may feature an adjustable suspension as well as an extended 50+ UV canopy. They may also feature an enormous, spacious basket and a quick-release brake lever.
The best 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeler will typically be better able to cope with off-road terrain than a 4-wheel model, but both can get stuck in tight places. But, picking a model with bigger wheels both front and back can be beneficial. This will make them easier to push over uneven ground and can help in moving up and down the high 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 son and reported that "it is very well-handled over bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt roads and gravel tracks and also on some hills."
Stella, the new all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi, is another option. It is suitable from birth, if it is used in conjunction with a carrycot. It's slightly bigger than the lightweight 4-wheelers, however, it comes with air-filled tires, three recline positions, and a single-hand fold.
3 wheeler pushchair is its modularity. It's compatible with all the brands' infant strollers and car seats. This means that you can design your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks using the chassis as a starting point.
Tyres
The tyres on 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of styles and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air, offer an effortless ride and superior maneuverability, while foam-filled tires are more durable. The kind of tyre you pick will be determined by your lifestyle and the place you reside.
If you plan to travel on unpaved roads or in rough terrain frequently you may be interested in a three-wheeler with more robust tyres. Consider the type of suspension you require. A strong suspension is ideal 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. Knowing how to understand tyre sizing is vital to ensure safety as well as performance and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewalls of tyres can be confusing, but once you decode it, you will be able to understand the tyre dimensions. For instance, a tyre size of '185/70 R14 indicates that the tire is a 185/70 radial 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 unsure whether the pushchair you are using has rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires across an even and secure surface. If the tires slide easily and smoothly, they're made of PU. If they do not, then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a three wheel buggy is an important element to look for as it absorbs the smacks and bumps of rough terrain, making it more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are ideally air-filled and are lockable to ensure stability while jogging is also important as this will ensure that your buggy will be able to navigate off road surfaces with ease.
There are a variety of buggy styles to suit every lifestyle and budget. The Mountain Buggy, for example is the first all-terrain vehicle to be developed in three-wheel buggie. With an engineering and geometry that is perfect, their fabrics sling seat rests comfortably within the frame, as opposed to on top like modular seats, offering an lower center of gravity and sitting at the right height to ensure optimal weight distribution to easily tackle the kerb pops.
Another option worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that has a sleek design with a massive, manoeuvrable front wheel, excellent suspension, and a simple twist handbrake. MFM reviewer Kath put the buggy through its tests by walking through rough terrain. She found that it performed admirably, saying that it "navigates over grass, bumpy cobbles, sidewalks and dirt tracks, and allows you to easily go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road choice. It is available in a variety of colours that match your style. It also features an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket, and a 50+ UV hood. You can also pick from a variety of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a comfy lie-flat bed for newborns and babies from 12 months to 12 years old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable, less likely for it to tip over and easier to maneuver. It is also more secure for your child since the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity and is therefore more easy to roll up and over curbs. The seat made of fabric is within the frame, not over it as modular seats. This makes for a low-slung seating position and a comparatively lighter buggy that is more easily maneuverable.
However, if you want to go for an exercise with your child then a four-wheeler is better suited since it comes with a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel so you can tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads Be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most aren't, such as the Phil and Teds). 3 wheel pushchair are the exception, as they have a specially-designed suspension system that's been tested independently across all types of terrain.