The Benefits and Drawbacks of a 3 Wheeled Pushchair
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for those who regularly walk on rough terrain or run. These are the best for those who need a buggy to handle any terrain from busy streets to forest tracks.
To make your ride more maneuverable, look for a design with swivelling or lockable front wheels. Larger wheels, both front and back also offer a more comfortable ride over different surfaces.
Manoeuvrability
A 3-wheel pushchair is a fantastic option for those who wish to be able to maneuver easily. The wheels are set close together allowing the chassis to rotate and turn more easily than a standard four wheel pushchair, making them ideal for busy streets and shopping. Some models have smaller front wheels that are locked and swivelled for additional maneuverability. The Roma Atlas, for example has two wheels placed closely together at the front, and an innovative lock that swivels to give it all the maneuverability of three wheels, with added stability.
Many of our most loved 3 wheelers can be converted from pram, stroller, car-seat and toddler seats as your child grows. This is a great option if you intend to travel with your family, or make frequent visits to the shops. The Baby Jogger Nipper is a excellent illustration. It comes with Hauck airwheels XL, a 360-degree swivel lockable wheel, and a suspension which lets it be used on all terrains.
The ickle bubbling Nipper is a different option. It's an all-terrain stroller that has large puncture-proof tyres as well as a great suspension that allows it to be used for both off-road excursions and smooth city pavements. It's suitable from birth (in the seat unit that is reversible or with a carrycot compatible) and features a handy quick fold that can be folded with one hand to store your boot and for airport travel.
The right wheels for your pushchair is essential dependent on the location you'll be using it most. Moulded wheels are fine for urban use, but they won't perform well on more rough terrain. If you intend to move your pushchair off the roads, you should consider pneumatic tyres. They are able to handle rough terrain.
If you're in search of a pushchair designed to be used in both rural and urban settings, then check out our top-rated Bugaboo Fox 5 All Terrain pushchair. 3 wheel buggy has all the suspension and big wheels you'd expect from an all-terrain pushchair but it's also a city pushchair that's extremely light and has the option of locking the front wheel.
Stability
You can increase the stability of your vehicle by searching for certain features. Certain models have an swiveling front wheel that can be locked to provide additional stability when driving on rough terrain. This can be especially useful for those who will be using your pushchair off-road or for running as it gives you the confidence to take off on different surfaces easily.
Another good stability feature is suspension - this will make your baby's buggy more comfortable to ride in for both baby and parents especially on uneven terrain. Some brands offer the option to alter the tyres of their pushchairs so that they can be adapted to the terrain you'll be using it on.
You should consider investing in a three-wheeled pushchair that has air-filled tires If you are looking for a pushchair that is able to handle any terrain. These wheels provide a smoother ride on bumps and are less likely to break than solid wheels. These wheels will permit you to ride your buggy on surfaces that are not paved and can be used on a variety of surfaces such as grass or sand, as well as mud.
All-terrain strollers are generally larger than standard strollers however there are several excellent options that don't sacrifice on maneuverability or stability. One of our favourites is the UPPAbaby Ridge which has an array of amazing features that make it suitable for both off-road walking and running (once your child is old enough). These include large, foam filled never-flat tyres as well as an adjustable suspension, and a quick one-handed folding.
The Bugaboo Fox 5 is another excellent all-terrain stroller. It's got similar features to the UPPAbaby and is equipped with great suspension, large puncture-proof tires, and a single hand fold. It is compatible with many car seats, and can also accommodate a carrycot. It can be slightly heavier than some of the other 3-wheelers, but it's a great option for parents who want to use their pushchair on any terrain.
Weight
The disadvantage of 3 wheeled strollers is that they're heavy, especially when you need to maneuver through bumpy terrain or kerbs. The bigger rear wheels on a 3-wheeler add up to a greater overall weight than 4-wheelers which means you'll need more strength to lift them, especially when folding.
All-terrain models are an excellent choice if you need a pushchair to handle rough terrain or the tarmac that is rocky. They typically have features, like a sturdy suspension and large puncture-proof tyres. Brands are increasingly designing all-terrain strollers equipped with tyres which are filled with foam or gel to stop them from becoming flat.
UPPAbaby's Ridge all-terrain pushchair offers an excellent selection of parent-friendly features that allow it to tackle many types of terrain easily. The Ridge all-terrain pushchair has many features for parents, including the ability to lock the front wheel, an easy one handed fold and a large basket and adjustable handlebar. MFM reviewer Becky found that the Ridge was "very good on walks in woodlands with gravel tracks, as well as market town cobbles".
Another brand to offer an all-terrain pushchair range is iCandy. Their latest all-terrain model the Core is suitable for use from birth and can be used with a carrycot as well as car seat adaptors. The iCandy Core has a host of features that will make it a fantastic all-terrain stroller, including big foam-filled, never-flat tyres as well as a fantastic suspension system. The Core is a bit heavier than other pushchairs for all-terrain use, but it's still lightweight enough to maneuver on more rough terrain.
Folding
If you're looking for a pushchair that can withstand the toughest of terrain, you might be interested in an all-terrain model. This kind of pushchair will come with large wheels both front and back to help tackle rough terrain off-road. Often they'll have more robust suspension as well as more puncture-proof tyres that can prevent them from getting clogged up with sticks, grass or mud.
A good example of this type of pushchair is the Mountain Buggy Ridge. This all-terrain pushchair comes with numerous impressive features, like a the smooth suspension, the spacious basket, one handed steering, and a fast, one-handed folding. It's also compatible with a carrycot as well as a car seat (with adaptors) which means it can be used from birth, or as early as six months, with the world-facing seat unit.
Other all-terrain pushchairs include Bugaboo Fox 5, which is a 3-wheeler with some seriously impressive off-road features. It has a massive 10kg basket that can be folded in one hand. The handlebar can also be adjusted with just one hand. It also comes with the option of locking the front wheel as well as tyres that are filled with foam and never flat so you don't have to worry about punctures on uneven terrain.
Lastly, the GB Maris is a new stylish, attractive all-terrain stroller that was launched recently at the Kind + Jugend trade fair. It is designed for children with moderate to light mobility needs. It has soft, adjustable components with a reclining seat as well as an array of colors. The front wheel can be locked and has a footbrake for safety and control.
Whether you're shopping for a pushchair with 3 wheels or 4-wheeler, we have an array of styles and features to fit your family. Many of the models we sell feature hard-wearing, durable frames and tough wheels that last for a long time and provide excellent storage solutions for all of your baby's items. They can be folded and stored in the car's boot or under the steps of your car when they are not in use. You'll be ready for your next family trip.