3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is perfect for rough terrain providing a smooth ride for your infant. They are also easier to push and maneuver than a four wheel buggy especially those equipped with fabric slings or modular seat units, which are positioned tightly in the frame to provide the most efficient shape and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled vehicles are very stable, making them an excellent option for off-road walks (especially when they are equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). They often feature oversized front wheels, which can cope well with bumps and kerbs and rough ground. Some models even come with a lockable front wheel to give extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than models with four wheels and this can mean that they topple over more easily. But, the top 3-wheel buggies have the an ideal geometry and design to make them very solid in all conditions. They must be able to pivot at a single click and be able to steer with one hand, and have the front wheel rotate 360o that makes them great for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
For surfaces that are extremely challenging you should look for an air-filled model also known as pneumatic tyres, which are designed to handle non-paved tracks and are able to deal with rocks, mud, and so on. Many all-terrain buggies come with an swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked to provide added stability when tackling very rough terrain.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great choice for those who run or enjoy walking fast uphill. This is particularly true if you are planning to connect a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It has a flat-reclining seat with 5-point harness and plenty of storage space to keep all your equipment (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It is lightweight, compact, and suitable to use from birth. It can be used in conjunction with the car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging, but is not intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that will take on tricky terrain then you want one with large wheels. They will be able to handle grass, cobbles, and dirt tracks while providing a smooth ride for anyone. They are also great for jogging as they have a suspension built-in and are easy enough to climb up and down kerbs. However, the drawback is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy for use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels with an swivel wheel lockable to the front making it extremely maneuverable. It comes with air tyres that require occasional pumping and can hold a child until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler enjoyed the shape of the seat, and she found it easy to steer even with her 3-year-old on the board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is an alternative that is also a great choice. It comes with a movable handlebar, a top-quality hood that offers 50+ UV protection as well as a high quality hood. It is also easy to move up and down kerbs and fits in a the car's boot space in a small size. It can be used as a stroller along with baby carriers or toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed inside the frame and not on top of the frame like modular seats. This design has a lower centre of gravity at the ideal height. It is easier to push, and is lighter to kerb-pop (you can't underestimate the number of times you'll do that as a brand new parent!).
Seating
There are many alternatives for seating options in 3 wheelers. For newborns, there is the option to use the included carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lie flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can use the parent-facing or world-facing seat unit that is roomy and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to fully recline, but they can be lowered to the lowest point. This should still give your child plenty of headroom and space.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It has the advantage that it is positioned inside the frame, instead of on top as a modular seat. This results in a lower centre of gravity with perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this style of seat dealt with the obstacles.
This type of buggy has an enormous basket, along with other useful features, such as an extended hood with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal and a few innovative lights for visibility that can be positioned on the front of the passengers to ensure safety when riding on rough terrain.
Alternatively, if you are seeking a single stroller that can expand with your family There's the new sport(tm) that is the first of its kind to take a single newborn from day dot and then change to take two or even three once your little ones have grown, all within the footprint of one buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy much more sturdy to push one-handed and also perfect for handling rough terrain. However, it also means that the shopping basket can't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A top-quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres, and padding for the handle to ensure your convenience. It is also equipped to carry car seats and a carrycot so you can use it from the time you are born.
MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't fit through all the doors of their homes or small car booties - make sure you know the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before buying for those who are concerned about space.
It's worth looking for an SUV with three wheels that can fit 2 (or even 3!) This is the most suitable option for your child's future and will save you money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most popular. It can be used as early as day dot as a single buggy, and later converted into twin buggies once your baby begins walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres have been designed to give your child an easier ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. You'll find these on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath discovered to provide "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also noted that its grippy tyres made it easy to tackle cobbles and kerbs.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and will need to have their air pressure maintained regularly. These tyres are prone to punctures, and you should always carry a repair kit as well as an spare inner tube when you're out and about.
PU tyres are found on a lot more pushchairs than air-filled tyres but they're still as robust. 3 wheel pushchair can tell PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft feel. They also slide over flat and tidy surfaces.
It's usually possible to discern the distinction between air-filled and PU tyres by running your hand over them, if it feels hard then it's made of rubber, If it slides, then it's a PU. You can also check whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres sliding them onto a flat, clean surface. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are able to withstand the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. The drawback is that the foam could shrink and make your buggy appear less stable because it loses its springy nature. Additionally, these kinds of tyres can typically be noisy because they create a lot of noise when you turn and navigate your way through town.