3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are stylish and sleek, and have outstanding maneuverability. Many of these feature an upholstered sling seat that has a comfortable lying flat bed and excellent weight distribution, ideal for babies from birth.
The wheels are larger, and they also often include suspension to allow for smooth movement on various terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they can be bulkier and heavier to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies have a lot of stability. They aren't prone to tipping over as easily when you are going straight. You can also maneuver them more quickly. If you turn or stop abruptly, they may lose their stability and fall over. This is why some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their three wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also conquer off-road terrain using the additional wheel. Be sure to look for models with air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road paths and other surfaces like rocks, sand, and mud. These models also come with an adjustable wheel that locks in the front to improve the stability of the vehicle over rough terrain.
With the correct design, engineering and weight distribution, these buggies can turn on a dime and are easy to steer using just one hand; have 360o front swivel wheels that allow agility and mobility to be easy and light in handling. They will also pass the same stability standards worldwide and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a fabric seat 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 ensuring an easier ride.
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light pushchair and travel system to its line-up with the striking Citylife. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It has 4 wheels and an exclusive pewter black aluminium frame that the manufacturer claims is 'slim and compact'. It's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a good choice of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to 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 a simple height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others may feature an adjustable suspension or an extendable 50+ UV canopy. Some models could have a large basket and brake levers that are quick-release.
The most reliable 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be more able to deal with off-road terrain than a 4-wheel model, but both models can get stuck in difficult spots. But, picking a model with larger wheels both front and back can be beneficial. This allows you to push them over rough terrain and will help you get up and down high curbs.
The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its astonishing ability to move despite its three-wheeled design. three wheel pushchair tested it with her baby and 3-year-old and said "it is very well-handled over bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt roads and gravel tracks, as well as on a few hills."
Stella Stella, the all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi is another great option. It can be used from birth if used with a carrycot. It's slightly bigger than the 4-wheelers that are lighter, but it has air-filled tires and three recline positions and an easy fold with one hand.
Its main selling point is its modularity it's compatible with all of the car seats for infants from the brand and strollers. You can build your own travel system, whether you want to go on a short walk or a longer one, by using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres on 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of designs and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide an easy ride and excellent manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you pick will depend on your needs and the location you live in.
If you intend to travel on unpaved roads or rough terrain often, you might be interested in a three-wheeler equipped with more robust tyres. Take into consideration the kind of suspension you need. A sturdy suspension is helpful to handle bumps and humps, but it can be heavy and add to the overall weight of your pushchair.
The size of the tyre is also important. Knowing how to read the tyre's size is essential for safety, performance and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewalls of tyres may be confusing initially, but decoding it helps you understand the tyre's 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 lighter and more puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you're not sure if a pushchair has rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires over an even and secure surface. If they move easily, then the tires are made from PU. If they don't then the tires are composed of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a 3 wheel buggy is an essential component to look for because it absorbs the jolts and bumps of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are air-filled and can be locked to provide stability when running are crucial. This will enable your buggy to travel on off-road surfaces effortlessly.
There are many choices for buggy styles to suit every lifestyle and budget. For example, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. The sling seats made of fabric are designed with the perfect geometry and engineering that fits comfortably inside the frame rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This creates a lower center of gravity, and is placed at the perfect height to distribute weight evenly to take on kerbs.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another great option. It has a sleek design, a large wheel that is easy to maneuver and comes with a superb suspension. It also comes with an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath tested the buggy its tests by taking it for a walk through rough terrain. She found that it performed admirably and claimed that it "navigates over bumpy grass, cobbles, sidewalks, and dirt tracks, and makes it easy to drive up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes with a variety of colours to suit your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar and a large basket. You can also pick from a variety of infant car seats that will transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm), which is a comfortable, flat mattress for babies and infants from 12 months old.
Safety
Having four wheels makes the pushchair much more stable, less likely to tip, and easier to maneuver. It also makes it safer for your child as the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheel buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity and therefore is more easy to roll over curbs and up the stairs. The seats of the fabric sling are placed inside the frame, not on top like modular seats. This results in a lower seat position and an automobile that is easily pushed.
However, if you'd like to go for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler may be better suited as it will have a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back one to allow you to tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain Be aware that not all 4 wheel buggies 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 across all kinds of terrain.