3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer excellent maneuverability, and are a stylish, sleek frame. Many of these have an sling made of fabric with an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed, which is ideal for weight distribution, and are perfect from birth.
The wheels are larger and typically have suspension to ensure smooth, swift moving on different terrains. The only drawback is that they can be more heavy and bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are very stable - they don't tip over as easily as pushchairs that have four wheels when going in a straight line and you'll notice that you can manoeuvre them much more quickly and effortlessly. If you attempt to turn or stop suddenly they'll lose their stability and may tip over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
The extra wheel also helps you navigate off-road terrain. Be sure to look for models with air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road paths and other surfaces including rocks, sand, and mud. They'll also usually have a lockable front wheel to add stability over really rough ground.
The buggies are simple to maneuver and agile with 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.
If you are in the market for a seat made of fabric that are breathable, they tend to be smaller in the frame as compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly providing a smoother ride.
Popular for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight pushchair and travel system to its line-up with the attractive Citylife. This 3-in-1 is perfect for urban living and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It comes with four wheels as well as an exclusive pewter-black aluminum frame that the brand calls'slim' and compact. It's smaller at 2cm than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a lot of 3 wheel buggies which can be folded compactly and can be tucked away in smaller spaces. A lot of these buggies can be folded in one hand and are easy-to-clean. Some of the tiniest models come with a simple handlebar height adjustment, while others feature adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. They may also have large, spacious baskets and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rocky terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be more adept at dealing with off-road conditions better than a 4-wheel model, although both can get stuck in difficult spots. However, choosing a model with larger wheels on both sides can be beneficial. This makes them easier to push over uneven ground and is often helpful in getting up and down high kerbs.
One option is the brand new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly responsive handling despite its three-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her child and reported that "it did really well on cobbles, bumpy surfaces, gravel tracks, dirt roads, and some hills."
Another alternative is the new 3-wheel buggy that is all-terrain from Maxi-Cosi, a car seat manufacturer which is called Stella. It is suitable from birth, if it is used in conjunction with a carrycot. It's a bit bigger than the lightweight 4-wheelers, however, it comes with air-filled tires, three recline positions, and a one-handed fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity. It's compatible with all the brands' baby strollers and car seats. This means you can build your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks, using only the chassis as a foundation.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are available in many styles and materials. Each has its own pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air offer a great ride and manoeuvrability, while foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type of tyre you select will be determined by your lifestyle and the place you live.
If you intend to travel on unpaved roads or rough terrain often, you might want to consider a three-wheeler equipped with more robust tyres. 3 wheel buggy should also think about the type of suspension you require. The suspensions that are strong are great to tackle humps and bumps but they can be heavy and add to the overall weight.
Another aspect to be considered is tyre size. Understanding the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewalls of tyres may be confusing initially, but decoding it allows you to understand the tyre's dimensions. 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 unsure whether the tires of a pushchair are rubber or PU, simply slide the tires on the surface with a smooth surface. If the tires slide smoothly they are made of PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a three wheel buggy is a vital element to look for as it absorbs the smacks and bumps of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are air-filled and are able to be locked to provide stability while jogging are crucial. This will enable your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces with ease.
There are many choices for buggy styles that will suit any budget and style of life. The Mountain Buggy, for example was the first to introduce all-terrain agility with three-wheel buggie. The sling seats made of fabric are designed with the perfect design and engineering to fit perfectly inside the frame instead of on top like modular seats. 3 wheeler pushchair creates an lower center of gravity and allows it to be placed at the right height to distribute weight easily to conquer the kerbs.
Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that has a sleek design with large highly manoeuvrable front wheel, a great suspension and an easy-to-use twist handbrake. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it on a hike through rough terrain and she found that it adapted to the terrain well. She said that it 'flies effortlessly over bumpy grass, cobbles, roads, dirt tracks and even makes a light work of getting up and down kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off road option and like the Urban Glide 2, comes in a variety of colors to match your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also pick from a range of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a cosy lie flat crib for babies and infants that are up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable and less likely to tip over and easier to maneuver. It can also be more secure for your baby since their weight is distributed more evenly throughout the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled vehicle has a lower center of gravity, making it easier to get over curbs and climb up. The seat made of fabric is in the frame instead of on top of it like modular seats do, which results in a lower seating position and a comparatively lighter buggy that is more easily maneuvered.
However, if you'd like to go out for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler might be more suitable as it will have suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back one to allow you to tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most are NOT, such as the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially designed suspension system that has been tested independently on all terrains.