3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are elegant and sleek, with outstanding maneuverability. Many of these have an sling made of fabric with a comfortable lay flat bed that is perfect for weight distribution and are ideal for babies from the age of.
The wheels are larger and often have suspensions for smooth movements on various terrains. The only downside is that they can be heavier and bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies have a lot of stability. They aren't prone to tipping over as easily when you are moving straight. You can also maneuver more swiftly. However, if you try to stop or turn suddenly, they'll lose stability and may fall over. For this reason, certain manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
The extra wheel also helps you tackle off-road terrain. Look for models that have air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that can be used to handle off-road routes, sand and dirt, as well as other surfaces, such as rock and sand. These models will also feature an adjustable wheel that locks in the front to improve stability over rough terrain.
With the right design, engineering and weight distribution these buggies can turn at a moment's notice - easy to steer with just one hand; have 360o front swivel wheels that allow agility and mobility to be easy and easy to handle. They also meet the same stability standards globally and tests as buggies with four wheels.
If you're in search of a fabric sling seat, they tend to be set lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's center of gravity is closer to the floor which means a smoother ride and less kerb pop (you don't need to apply the same amount of pressure or effort to lift the buggy over and up a Kerb).
Maxi-Cosi is a household name for its car seats, but it recently expanded its product line with the Citylife, a lightweight travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 model is designed for urban living and can be used from birth with a newborn carrycot or infant car seat. It has 4 wheels and has an exclusive black pewter frame, which the company claims is 'light and compact' - it's actually only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a good choice of 3 wheel buggies that fold up to fit into smaller spaces. They can be folded with just one hand, and are simple to wash down. The smallest models will feature a basic handlebar height adjustment, while others may have an adjustable suspension as well as an extendable 50+ UV canopy. They may also feature an enormous, spacious basket and a quick-release brake lever.
The best 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeled buggy is usually better equipped to handle off-road conditions in comparison to a model with four wheels, though both may get stuck in tight corners. However, choosing a model that has larger wheels both front and back can help. This will make it easier to push them across rough terrain and will assist you in climbing up and down high curbs.
One option is the brand new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its responsive handling despite its three-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath has tested it with her infant and said that "it handled really well on bumpy surfaces, cobbles and gravel tracks, dirt roads, and some hills."
Another great alternative is the new all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi, a car seat manufacturer which is called Stella. It is suitable for babies from birth if used with a carrycot. It is slightly larger than the lighter 4-wheelers however, it comes with air-filled tires with three recline positions and a one-handed fold.
Its main selling feature is its modularity - it's compatible across all the brand's car seats and strollers for infants. You can create your own travel system, no matter if you're looking to go for a a short walk or take a longer stroll, using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in a range of styles and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air offer a great performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres last longer. The type you select will be based on your personal preferences and the location you live in.
If you plan to travel on roads that are not paved or rough terrain often, you might want to consider a three-wheeler equipped with more robust tyres. Consider the kind of suspension you need. The suspensions that are strong are great to deal with humps and bumps but they can be heavy and add to the overall weight.
Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is the tyre's size. Knowing how to determine the sizing of a tyre is essential to ensure safety as well as performance and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewalls of tyres may be initially, but understanding it will allow you to comprehend the tyre's dimensions. A tyre having an 185/70 size R14 for instance, means that it is a radial tire that has a size of 185/70 and has a 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you are unsure if the tires of a pushchair are rubber or PU, simply slide the tires on the surface with a smooth surface. If they move easily, then the tires are made from PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheeled buggy makes it more comfortable for your child because it will absorb any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. Large wheels that are filled with air, and that can be locked to ensure stability while jogging are crucial. This will enable your buggy to travel on off-road surfaces with ease.
There are many choices for buggy designs to fit every lifestyle and budget. For instance, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a 3-wheel buggies. With an engineering and geometry that is perfect their fabric sling seat rests comfortably within the frame, as opposed to sitting on top like modular seats, providing a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the perfect height for the best weight distribution, allowing it to easily take on the kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another great option. It has an elegant design, a huge wheel that's easy to move and is paired with an impressive suspension. It also has a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it on a hike through rough terrain and found that it adapted to the terrain well. She said that it 'flies effortlessly over bumpy grass, pavements, cobbles dirt tracks, and makes light work of climbing and descending kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road choice. It is available in a variety of colors that will match your style. It also comes with 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 transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) which is a comfortable lie-flat bed for newborns or babies up to 12 month old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable, less likely for it to tip over and is easier to maneuver. It can also be safer for your baby as their weight is distributed more evenly over the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled vehicle has a lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to get over curbs and walk up. The fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not on top of it like modular seats do, which creates a low seating position, and a lighter buggy that can be easily manoeuvred.
However, if you'd like to go out for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler may be better suited as it comes with a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back one so you can tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads 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 a specially-designed suspension system that's been tested by an independent expert across all types of terrain.