3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability, and are a stylish, sleek frame. A lot of them come with an upholstered sling seat that has a cosy lying flat bed and excellent weight distribution, perfect from the moment of birth.
The wheels are larger, and they also often come with suspension for agile smooth movements on various terrains. The only drawback is that they could be heavier and more bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies provide a lot of stability. They don't fall over as easily when you are driving straight. You can also manoeuvre more swiftly. If you turn or stop abruptly, they may lose stability and tip over. To avoid this, some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also conquer off-road terrain with the extra wheel. Find models with air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres) that can be used to handle off-road trails, sand, mud, and other surfaces, such as sand and rock. They'll also include the option of locking the front wheel to give stability over rough terrain.
The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 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 fabric that are breathable, they tend to be smaller in the frame as compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly ensuring the smoothest ride.
Maxi-Cosi is best known for its car seats, but it has recently expanded its product line with the Citylife compact travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It comes with four wheels as well as an unique pewter-black frame, which the brand describes as'slim and compact. It's smaller at 2cm than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a good choice of 3 wheel buggies that fold up to fit in smaller space. Many of these buggies can be folded with one hand and are easy-to-clean. Some of the tiniest models come with a simple handlebar height adjustment, whereas others come with adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. Some models could have a large basket and brake levers that are quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeled vehicle is generally better equipped to handle off-road terrain compared to a 4-wheeled model however both can get stuck on tight corners. However, selecting a model with larger wheels on both sides can be beneficial. all terrain 3 wheel stroller will make it easier to push them across rough terrain and will help you get up and down high curbs.
One option is the new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her baby and 3-year-old son and reported that "it is very well-handled over cobbles, bumpy pavements, gravel tracks and dirt roads as well as on some hills."
Stella Stella, the brand new 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It's suitable from birth when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's little bigger than the lightweight 4wheelers (with an impressively slim frame of 54cm wide) but it comes with big, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions, and a quick one-hand fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity it's compatible with all of the brands' infant car seats and strollers. You can build your own travel system, no matter if you want to go on an easy stroll or take a longer stroll, by using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in many styles and materials. Each comes with its own pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air, offer an easy ride and excellent maneuverability, while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you choose will be based on your personal preferences and where you live.
For instance, if you plan to travel often on rough or muddy terrain, you may want to consider a 3-wheeler that has sturdier tires. Think about the kind of suspension you need. A sturdy suspension is helpful for handling bumps and humps. However, it can be heavy and increase the overall weight of your pushchair.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the tyre. Understanding how to read the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the tyre's sidewall might appear confusing however, once you understand it, you can understand the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre size of '185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has a 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure if a pushchair has rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires over a smooth and tied surface. If they slide easily, then the tires are made from PU. If they do not then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a 3 wheel buggy is an important element to look for as it absorbs the jolts and bumps of rough terrain, making it much more comfortable for your baby. Having large wheels, that are air-filled, and can be locked to ensure stability while jogging is also important as this will ensure that your buggy is capable of navigating off road surfaces with ease.
Depending on the type of buggy you're looking for, there are options that will fit all lifestyles and budgets. The Mountain Buggy, for example was the first to introduce all-terrain agility in three-wheel buggies. Their sling seats made of fabrics are designed with perfect geometry and engineering to fit comfortably inside the frame rather than on top, like modular seats. This creates a lower center of gravity, and allows it to be placed at the right height to distribute weight easily to take on bumps.
Another great option is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule which boasts a sleek design with a massive, manoeuvrable front wheel, a great suspension and an easy-to-use twist handbrake. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its tests by walking on rough terrain. She found that it was able to handle it very well and said that it "navigates over bumpy grass, cobbles, sidewalks and dirt tracks, and even allows you to easily go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road model 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 selection of infant car seats that convert the buggy to pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) that is a comfortable lie-flat bed for newborns or babies up to 12 month old.
Safety
Four wheels make the pushchair more stable, less likely for it to tip over and is easier to maneuver. It also makes it safer for your child because the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity, making it easier to lift up and over curbs. The fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not on top of it like modular seats. This creates a low seating position and a lighter buggy that is easily maneuverable.
However, if you want to go out 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 back wheel which allows you to navigate bumpy roads and rough terrain be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most are NOT like the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially designed suspension system that has been tested by an independent party on all types of terrain.