3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look stylish and sleek, with outstanding maneuverability. Many of these have a fabric sling with 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 have suspension to allow for smooth, swift movement on different terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they can be heavier and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are remarkably stable and don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when going in a straight line and you'll find that you can maneuver them more quickly and effortlessly. If you attempt to stop or turn abruptly they'll lose stability and may fall over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also take on off-road terrain by adding an extra wheel. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road routes as well as other surfaces such as rocks, sand and mud. These models will also feature an adjustable wheel that locks on the front, which will increase stability on rough terrain.
Buggies are easy to maneuver and agile thanks to the 360o front swivel wheel. They also pass the same global stability standards and tests as buggies with four wheels.
If you are looking for a fabric seat, these 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 ensuring a smoother ride.
Maxi-Cosi is best known for its car seat range however, it has recently expanded its product line with the Citylife compact travel system and pushchair. The model is designed for urban living and is compatible starting at birth with a newborn carrycot or infant car seat. It comes with 4 wheels and has an exclusive pewter black aluminium frame that the manufacturer claims is 'slim and compact' - it's just 2cm larger than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a variety of 3 wheel buggies that can be folded compactly and can fit into smaller spaces. A lot of these buggies can be folded with one hand and are easy-to-clean. Some of the tiniest models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, while others feature adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. Some models could have a large basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most reliable 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be better able to cope with off-road conditions than a 4-wheel model, although both models can get stuck in difficult spots. But, picking a model with bigger wheels on both sides will help. This allows you to push them over rough terrain and will help you get up and down the steep slopes.
The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its astonishing agility despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her baby and 3-year-old son and reported that "it does really well on cobbles, bumpy pavements, dirt roads and gravel tracks as well as on a few hills."
Another option is the latest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy made by car seat brand Maxi-Cosi, called Stella. It can be used from birth, if it is used in conjunction with a carrycot. It is slightly larger than the lighter 4-wheelers but it features air-filled tires, three recline positions, and an easy fold with one hand.
Its main selling point is its modularity, though it's compatible with all the car seats for infants from the brand and strollers. This means that you can design your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks using the chassis as a base.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are offered in a variety of styles and materials. Each comes with its own pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres offer an easy ride and excellent maneuverability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you choose will depend on your needs and where you live.
For example, if you plan to travel often on rough or muddy terrain, you might think about a 3-wheeler that has sturdier tyres. You should also consider the type of suspension that you require. Strong suspension is useful to handle bumps and humps, but it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.
Another aspect to be considered is the size of the tyre. Understanding how to determine the sizing of a tyre is essential for maintaining safety, performance, and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the tyre's sidewall might seem confusing however, once you understand it, you'll be able to comprehend the dimensions of the tyre. For example, a tyre size of "185/70 R14 indicates that the tire is a 185/70 radius with a 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure whether the tires on a pushchair are made of rubber or PU, slide the tires on a smooth surface. If the tires move easily and smoothly, they're made of PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a three wheel buggy is an important aspect to consider as it will absorb the smacks and bumps of rough terrain making it more comfortable for your child. Large wheels that are filled with air, and that can be locked to provide stability when running are essential. This will enable your buggy to navigate off-road surfaces with ease.
There are many options for buggy styles to suit every budget and style of life. The Mountain Buggy, for example is the first all-terrain vehicle to be developed with three-wheel buggies. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with the perfect geometry and engineering that fits perfectly inside the frame rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This creates a lower center of gravity and is placed at the perfect height to distribute weight easily to take on kerbs.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. 3 wheel pushchair pushchairsandprams has an elegant design, a huge wheel that is easy to maneuver and comes with a superb 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 walk through rough ground and found that it was able to handle the terrain well. She said that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt tracks and even can be a breeze getting up and down kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, like the Urban Glide 2, comes with a variety of colours to match your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar, a large basket and a 50+ UV hood. You can also choose from a range of infant car seats that will convert the buggy to pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm), which is a comfortable lie-flat bed for newborns or babies from 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the pushchair more stable, less likely for it to tip over, and more easy to maneuver. It can also be more secure for your baby since their weight is distributed more evenly across the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled vehicle has a lower center of gravity, making it easier to pop over curbs and climb up. The seat made of fabric is in the frame instead of over it as modular seats do, which creates a low seating position and a comparatively lighter buggy that can be easily maneuvered.
However, if you want to go out for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler might be better suited as it will have suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel 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 like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception, as they have an exclusive suspension system that has been independently tested across all types of terrain.