3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability, and are a stylish, streamlined frame. Many of them have seats made of fabric that have an incredibly comfortable lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution, ideal for babies from birth.
The wheels are larger and, in many cases, include suspension to allow for smooth movement on a variety of terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they can be heavier and bulkier to transport and store.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies have plenty of stability. They aren't prone to tipping over as easily when going straight. You can also maneuver more swiftly. If you stop or turn abruptly, they can lose stability and even tip over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
The extra wheel also helps you to tackle off-road terrain. Find models that have air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres), which can handle off-road paths, sand and dirt, as well as other surfaces like rock and sand. They'll also come with an adjustable front wheel that locks to provide stability on rough ground.
The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 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, 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 ensuring a smoother ride.
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light travel system and pushchair to its product line with the eye-catching Citylife. This 3-in-1 is perfect for urban life, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It comes with four wheels as well as a unique pewter-black aluminium frame, which the brand describes as'slim' and compact. It's just 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a lot of three wheel buggies that can be folded in a compact way to can be tucked away in smaller spaces. 3 wheeler pushchairs can be folded with one hand and are easy to wipe down. Some of the tiniest models have a simple handlebar-height adjustment, while others have adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. Some models may have large baskets and a brake lever that's quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rocky terrain
A 3-wheeler will typically be more able to deal with off-road terrain than one with four wheels, however both can be stuck in tight spots. However, choosing a model that has larger wheels both front and back can be beneficial. This makes it easier to push them over rough terrain, and can assist you in climbing up and down the steep slopes.
One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its quick handling, despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her infant and 3-year-old son and reported that "it handles really well over bumpy pavements, cobbles gravel tracks and dirt roads and also on a few hills."
Stella Stella, the all-terrain 3-wheel buggy by Maxi-Cosi, is another option. It can be used from birth, if it is used in conjunction with a carrycot. It's slightly 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 of the brands' baby strollers and car seats. You can design your own travel system, regardless of whether you're looking to go for a shorter walk or a longer one using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of styles and types of materials. Each comes with its own pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a comfortable ride and manoeuvrability, while 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 unpaved roads or rough terrain often, you might think about a three-wheeler equipped with more robust tyres. You should also consider the type of suspension that you need. Strong suspension is useful for handling bumps and humps. However, it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.
The size of the tyre is crucial. Understanding the tyre's size is essential for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on a tyre's sidewall can be confusing initially, but understanding it will allow you to comprehend the tyre's dimensions. A tyre that has the size 185/70 R14, for example, means that it is a radial tire in 185/70 with 14-inch rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure whether the tires on a pushchair are made of rubber or PU, simply slide the tires across the surface with a smooth surface. If the tires move easily they are 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 jolts and bumps of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your child. A large wheel that are air-filled, and are lockable to ensure stability while jogging is essential to ensure your buggy is capable of navigating off road surfaces with ease.
Depending on the type of buggie you're seeking, there are choices to fit every lifestyle and budgets. The Mountain Buggy, for example, pioneered all-terrain agility in a three-wheel buggies. With an engineering and geometry that is perfect, their fabrics sling seat is tucked away within the frame, as opposed to sitting on top like modular seats, providing a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the ideal height for the best weight distribution to easily tackle the kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another great option. It features a sleek design, a big wheel that is easy to maneuver and is paired with an impressive suspension. It also has an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath took this buggy to the test by taking it on a walk through rough ground and she found that it handled the terrain really well. She said that it 'flies effortlessly over bumpy grass, cobbles, pavements, dirt tracks and even makes a light work of getting up and down the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off road option and like the Urban Glide 2, comes in a range of colours to complement your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also choose from a range of infant car seats to transform the buggy into a pram, such as the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a cosy lie flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns up to 12 months old.
Safety
Having four wheels makes the buggy more stable, less likely to tip, and easier to maneuver. It also makes it safer for your child as the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheel buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity and therefore is more easy to roll up and over curbs. The seats made of fabric are placed inside the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This results in a low seating position and buggy that is easily maneuvered.
If you're looking to run with your child, then a 4-wheeler is the ideal option. It comes with an suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently from the rear one. This allows you to navigate rough terrain or bumpy roads. However it is not the case that all four-wheel buggies can be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception since they feature a specially-designed suspension system that's been tested by an independent expert across all terrains.