3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are stylish and sleek, with excellent maneuverability. Many of these feature seats made of fabric that have a cosy lay flat bed and a perfect weight distribution that is ideal for babies from birth.
The wheels are larger and typically have suspension to allow for smooth, fluid moving on different terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they can be bulkier and heavier to transport and store.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies provide lots of stability. They don't tip over as easily when moving straight. You can also manoeuvre more swiftly. If you attempt to stop or turn abruptly, they'll lose stability and could tip over. This is why certain manufacturers add an extra wheel to their three wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also tackle off-road terrain using the additional wheel. Find models that have air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that can be used to handle off-road trails, sand, dirt, as well as other surfaces such as sand and rock. They'll also come with an adjustable front wheel that locks to give stability over rough terrain.
The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They also pass the same stability standards worldwide and tests as buggies with four wheels.
If you're looking for a seat made of fabric they are typically lower in the frame compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly providing a smoother ride.
Maxi-Cosi is best known for its car seat range, but it recently expanded its product line with the Citylife, a lightweight travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban life, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It comes with four wheels and an unique pewter-black frame, which the brand describes as'slim' and compact. It's only 2cm wide than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a wide selection of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to fit in smaller space. Many can be folded with one hand and are simple to wash down. Some of the smaller models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, whereas others come with adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. Certain models may come with an enormous basket as well as a brake lever that is quick-release.
The best 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain
A 3-wheeled vehicle is generally better equipped to handle off-road conditions when compared to a four-wheeled model, though both can get stuck on tight corners. A model with larger front and rear wheels will aid. This will make them easier to push across rough terrain and will often help with moving up and down the high kerbs.
The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its remarkable agility despite its 3-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her infant and 3-year-old and said "it handles really well over bumpy pavements, cobbles dirt roads and gravel tracks and also on a few hills."
Another great alternative is the newest 3-wheel buggy that is all-terrain from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi which is called Stella. It can be used from birth if used with a carrycot. It is slightly larger than the 4-wheelers that are lighter, but it has air-filled tires with three recline positions and a single-hand fold.
Its main selling point is its modularity, though - it's compatible with all of the car seats for infants from the brand and strollers. This means you can build your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks using the chassis as a base.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are offered in a variety of styles and types of materials. Each one has its own pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide an effortless ride and superior manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type of tyre you choose will be determined by your lifestyle and the place you reside.
For instance, if you are planning to travel frequently on rough or muddy terrain, you may be interested in a 3-wheeler with sturdier tires. Think about the kind of suspension you need. Suspensions that are strong are ideal for tackling bumps and humps but they can be heavy, adding to the overall weight.
The size of the tyre is also crucial. Understanding the tyre size is important for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewalls of tyres can be initially, but understanding it will allow you to comprehend the tyre's dimensions. For instance, a tyre's size of "185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has 14 inches of 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 a pushchair has rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires across a smooth and tied surface. If they move easily, then the tires are made of PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheeled buggy can make it more comfortable for your child as it absorbs any knocks or bumps that occur from rough terrain. 3 wheeler pushchair that are air-filled, and can be locked to provide stability when running are important. This will enable your buggy to travel on off-road surfaces effortlessly.
There are a variety of buggy styles that will suit any lifestyle and budget. The Mountain Buggy, for example, pioneered all-terrain agility with three-wheel buggie. With perfect geometry and engineering, their fabrics sling seat rests comfortably inside the frame, in contrast to on top like modular seats, resulting in an lower center of gravity and sitting at the ideal height for optimal weight distribution that allows it to easily handle kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It has sleek design, a large wheel that is easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also features an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath really put this buggy to the test by taking it on an excursion through the rough terrain and she found that it was able to handle the terrain well. She said that it 'flies effortlessly over bumpy grass, pavements, cobbles dirt tracks, and makes light work of climbing and descending the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off road option and similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes with a variety of colours to complement your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar as well as a large basket. You can also choose from a range of infant car seats to transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the stylishly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a comfy lie-flat crib for babies and infants that are up to 12 months old.
Safety
Having four wheels makes the pushchair much more stable and less likely to tip, and easier to handle. It can also be safer for your baby as their weight is distributed more evenly across the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled buggy has a lower center of gravity, making it easier to climb over curbs and get up. The sling seat is affixed within the frame, not sitting on top like modular seats. This results in a lower seating position and a lighter buggy that is easily maneuverable.
However, if you'd like to go out for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler may be more suitable as it comes with suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel to allow you to tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain Be aware that not all 4 wheel buggies 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 independently tested across all kinds of terrain.