3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for off-roading and provides a smooth ride for your baby. They are also simpler to push and maneuver than a four wheel buggy especially those equipped with slings made of fabric or modular seat units, which are positioned tightly in the frame and deliver the most efficient geometry and distribution of weight.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent stability, which is the reason it's a good option for off-road walking (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat unit). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some even have a lockable front wheel for extra stability on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have lower centers of gravity than 4-wheeled versions, which could mean they are more likely to fall over. However, the most reliable 3-wheel pushchairs have perfect geometry and engineering to ensure they are stable in all conditions. They must be able to pivot at a single click, be easy to steer with one hand, and feature a 360o swivelling front wheel which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating challenging terrain.
For really tricky surfaces, look out for models with air-filled tyres which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres, which are designed to handle roads that are not paved and can deal with rocks, mud, and so on. Many all-terrain buggies include a swivelling wheel on the front which can be locked for extra stability when you're dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheel pram is also a good option for runners or those who like to walk fast and uphill, especially in the event that you're planning to connect an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It features the flat-reclining seat, a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space to store all your equipment (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It is lightweight and compact, and is suitable for use from birth. It can be used with a car seat or carrycot. It can also handle a bit of light jogging but isn't intended for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that can handle difficult terrain, then you'll need one with big wheels. These are designed to handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks easily and still provide an enjoyable ride. They are also ideal for jogging, as they have built-in suspension and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. The trade-off is that they are quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheeler has 16 rear wheels, and a lockable swivel front wheel making it extremely maneuverable. It has tyres with air that require pumping regularly. It can accommodate children as young as the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler enjoyed the design of the seat and found it easy to steer even with her three-year-old child on the board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It has an adjustable handlebar, a hood made of high-end materials that offers 50+ UV protection as well as a high quality hood. It is also easy to move kerbs upwards and downwards and fits into a the car's boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a pram, with an infant car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric slings are set in the frame and not on top as modular seats. This design provides a lower center of gravity and a perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you should never think about how often you'll be doing this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are a variety of different options to pick from. The included carrycot plus is ideal for a newborn (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfy and cozy lie-flat bed that can be used both in and out of the buggy). Older infants and toddlers will appreciate the spacious and comfortable seat unit that has adjustable ventilation. It's important to note that these seats do not recline completely however, they can be adjusted to the lowest setting that will still allow your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.
A fabric sling is also available. It has the advantage that it is placed inside the frame rather than on top as a seat that is modular. This results in a lower centre of gravity, with a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this type of seat handled the obstacles.
In addition to a big shopping basket, this kind of buggy usually has quite useful features, such as an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal and some games-changing visibility lights that appear from the handlebar and can be placed in front of the passengers to ensure their safety when traversing difficult terrain.
If you're seeking a buggy that will grow along with your family, the sport(tm), a world-first designed to accommodate a newborn and then be modified to accommodate two or three children as they grow, all within a single footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy much more sturdy to push one-handed and also perfect for handling difficult terrain. However, it means that the shopping basket doesn't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A top-quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned to ensure your ease. It will be able to accommodate a carrycot or a car seat, so you can use it right from the time of birth.
The MFM reviewers noted that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't pass through their doors at home or car boot. If you're worried about space, make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it is folded before purchasing.
Choose a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the most suitable option for your future and will save you money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most well-known. It can be used from day dot as a single buggy and later converted into twin buggies after your baby begins walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are made to give your child an easier ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They are commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an amazing ride for my toddler". She also mentioned that the grippy tires of the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easier for her to maneuver around the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain and will need to have their air pressure maintained regularly. These tyres are more prone to punctures, which is why you should always carry a repair kit and spare inner tube when you're out and about.
PU tyres are typically used on pushchairs since they are a cheaper option than air-filled tyres but are just as robust. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide well on uneven and tied surfaces.
You can usually discern the distinction between air-filled and PU tire by running your fingers over them, if it feels hard then it's made of rubber, If it slides, then it's a PU. You can also confirm that your buggy has PU tyres by sliding the tyres onto a clean, flat surface They'll be able to roll easily and fit snugly in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are often utilized in high-performance buggies and Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain that's associated with this type of pushchair. 3 wheel pushchair could make your buggy less stable because the foam loses its springy nature. Additionally, these kinds of tyres can frequently be noisy, as they create a lot of noise when you turn and navigate your way through the town.