3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability, and are a stylish, streamlined frame. Many of these feature an upholstered sling seat that has an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed and a perfect weight distribution that is ideal for babies from birth.
The wheels are larger and usually come with suspensions to allow for smooth, fluid mobility on various terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they may be bulkier and heavier to transport and store.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are extremely stable and don't tip over as easily as pushchairs that have four wheels when they're in a straight line, and you'll find that you can move them more quickly and effortlessly. However, if you try to turn or stop suddenly, they'll lose stability and could be prone to tipping over. For this reason, certain manufacturers add an additional 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. Choose models that have air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road paths, sand and mud, and other surfaces, such as rock and sand. They'll also typically include the option of locking the front wheel to give stability over rough terrain.
With the right design, engineering, and weight distribution, these buggies can be turned on a dime easy to steer with just one hand; have 360o front swivel wheels that allow agility and mobility to be easy and light in handling. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a cloth sling seat, they are typically placed lower in the frame than modular seats, so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the ground and provides a more comfortable ride and less kerb pop (you do not need to apply as much pressure or effort to lift the buggy up and over a kerb).
Maxi-Cosi is best known for its car seat collection however, it recently expanded its product line with the Citylife, a lightweight travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It has 4 wheels and uses a unique pewter black aluminium frame, which the brand claims is 'light and compact' - it's actually only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a wide selection of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to fit in smaller space. Many of these buggies can be folded in one hand, and are easy to clean. Some of the smallest models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, while others feature adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. They may also feature an enormous, spacious basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeled model is typically better equipped to deal with off-road conditions as in comparison to a model with four wheels, though both may get stuck in tight corners. However, selecting a model that has larger wheels both front and back will help. This will make it easier to push them across rough terrain, and can help you get up and down steep curbs.
The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its astonishing ability to move despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it out with her infant and said that "it did really well on cobbles, bumpy surfaces gravel tracks, dirt roads and even some hills."
Stella Stella, the all-terrain 3-wheel buggy by Maxi-Cosi is another great option. three wheel pushchair from birth when used in conjunction with the carrycot and is a smaller than the light 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim 54cm wide frame) but it comes with big air-filled tyres. It also has 3 recline positions and a fast one-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity - it's compatible with all the brands' baby strollers and car seats. This means that you can design your ideal travel system for day-today or longer walks, using only the chassis as a base.
Tyres
The tyres of 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of styles and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide a smooth performance and a smooth ride, whereas foam-filled tyres last longer. The type you pick will depend on your needs and where you live.
For example, if you intend to frequently travel on rough or muddy terrain, you might be interested in an all-wheeler with more durable tires. Take into consideration the kind of suspension you need. A sturdy suspension is helpful for handling bumps and humps, but it can be heavy and increase the overall weight of your pushchair.
The size of the tyre is also crucial. Understanding how to read the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewall of a tyre can be initially, but decoding it will allow you to comprehend the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre size of '185/70 R14' means that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has 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 unsure whether the tires on a pushchair are made of rubber or PU, slide the tires across an even surface. If they slide easily then the tires are made of PU. If not, then 3 wheeled pushchair are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a 3 wheel buggy is an essential aspect to consider as it will absorb the jolts and bumps of rough terrain, making it more comfortable for your child. Having large wheels, which are filled with air and lockable to provide stability when jogging essential to ensure that your buggy is capable of maneuvering off road surfaces easily.
There are a variety of buggy styles to suit every budget and lifestyle. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. With perfect geometry and engineering, their fabrics sling seat is tucked away inside the frame, in contrast to sitting on top like modular seats, providing a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the ideal height to ensure optimal weight distribution, allowing it to easily take on the kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It has a sleek design, a huge wheel that's easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also comes with the twist handbrake to facilitate ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its tests by taking it for a walk through rough terrain. She found that it handled it really well and claimed that it "navigates over bumpy grass, sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks and makes it easy to drive up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas is another popular off road option and similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a range of colours to suit your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar as well as a large basket. You can also pick from a selection of infant car seats to convert the buggy into a pram, including the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a cosy lie flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the pushchair more stable and less likely to tip over and easier to maneuver. It also makes it safer for your baby as their weight is distributed more evenly across the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled buggy has lower center of gravity, making it easier to climb over curbs and get up. The fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not sitting on top like modular seats do, which creates a low seating position, and a lighter buggy that is more easily maneuverable.
If you're looking to run with your child, then a 4-wheeler is the best option. It has an suspension system that allows the front wheel of the buggie to move independently from the rear one. This will allow you to take on rough terrain or bumpy roads. However it is not the case that all four-wheel buggies can be used for running. The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially designed suspension system that has been tested by an independent party on all kinds of terrain.