3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are stylish and sleek, and have outstanding maneuverability. A lot of them have an upholstered sling that has a comfortable lay flat bed that is perfect for weight distribution and are suitable for babies from the age of.
The wheels are bigger and typically come with suspensions to allow for smooth, fluid moving on different terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they may be heavier and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies provide lots of stability. They aren't prone to tipping over as easily when you are driving straight. You can also maneuver faster. However, if you attempt to stop or turn suddenly they'll lose their stability and can tip over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel can also help you navigate off-road terrain. Find 3 wheel pushchair that have air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road trails, sand, dirt, as well as other surfaces like rock and sand. They'll also typically have an adjustable front wheel that locks to give stability over rough ground.
The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They will also pass the same stability standards worldwide and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a seat made of cloth, these tend to be less upright in comparison to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly providing an easier ride.
Maxi-Cosi is most well-known for its car seat range 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 four wheels and uses an exclusive pewter black aluminium frame, which the brand claims is 'light and compact' - it's actually only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are many three wheel buggies that can be folded compactly and fit into smaller spaces. Many can be folded with a single hand and are easy to wash down. Some of the smaller models have a simple handlebar-height adjustment, while others have adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. Some models could have a large basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeler will typically be better able to cope with off-road conditions better than a 4-wheel model, but both can be stuck in tight spots. However, choosing a model with bigger wheels on both sides can be beneficial. This will make them easier to push across rough terrain and will often help with moving up and down the high kerbs.
One option is the brand new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath used it with her infant and 3-year-old and said "it is very well-handled over bumpy pavements, cobbles, gravel tracks and dirt roads, as well as on some hills."
Stella, the new all-terrain 3-wheel buggy by Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It can be used from birth, if it is used in conjunction with a carrycot. It's a bit bigger than the 4-wheelers that are lighter, but it features air-filled tires, three recline positions, and an easy fold with one hand.
Its primary selling point is its modularity. It's compatible with all of the brands' car seats and strollers for infants. You can build your own travel system, whether you want to go on shorter walk or take a longer stroll, using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are available in many styles and materials. Each one has its own pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air offer a great performance and a smooth ride, whereas foam-filled tyres last longer. The type you pick will depend on your needs and the location you live in.
For example, if you plan to travel often on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you may want to consider a 3-wheeler with sturdier tyres. Take into consideration the kind of suspension you need. The suspensions that are strong are great for tackling bumps and humps but they can also be heavy, adding to the overall weight.
Another aspect to be considered is the size of the tyre. Knowing how to understand tyre sizing is vital to ensure safety as well as performance and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewall of a tyre can seem confusing initially, but decoding it allows you to understand the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre size of '185/70 R14' means that the tire is a 185/70 radius 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, you can test sliding the tires across a smooth surface and tie them. If the tires slide smoothly they are made of PU. If they do not then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three wheel buggy can make it more comfortable for your child since it will absorb any knocks or bumps that occur from rough terrain. Having large wheels, which are filled with air and can be locked to ensure stability while jogging is crucial to ensure that your buggy is capable of maneuvering off roads with ease.
There are many options for buggy designs to fit every budget and lifestyle. The Mountain Buggy, for example was the first to introduce all-terrain agility with three-wheel buggie. With the perfect geometry and engineering their sling seat made of fabric sits snug inside the frame, in contrast to sitting on top like modular seats, providing the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the right height for the best weight distribution, allowing it to easily take on kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It has sleek design, a huge wheel that is easy to maneuver and comes with a superb suspension. It also has the twist handbrake to facilitate ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it on a walk through rough ground and she found that it was able to handle the terrain well saying that it 'navigates easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, roads dirt tracks, and makes a light work of climbing and descending the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off road option and like the Urban Glide 2, comes in a variety of colors to suit your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar, a large basket, and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also select from a range of infant car seats that convert the buggy to pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm), which is a comfortable, flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns from 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy much more stable, less likely to tip and easier to handle. It also makes it safer for your baby as their weight is distributed more evenly over the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeler is also likely to have a lower centre of gravity and therefore is more easy to roll up and over curbs. The fabric sling seat sits in the frame instead of on top of it like modular seats do, which results in a lower seating position and a lighter buggy that is easily maneuverable.
However, if you'd like to go for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler might be better suited since it will have suspension 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 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most are NOT like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception since they feature an exclusive suspension system that has been tested independently across all kinds of terrain.