3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look stylish and sleek, with great maneuverability. Many of them have an upholstered sling seat that has a cosy lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution, ideal from birth.
The wheels are larger and typically have suspension to ensure smooth, agile movement on different terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they can be more bulky and heavy to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies provide lots of stability. They don't tip over as easily when you are driving straight. They also allow you to maneuver faster. However, if you attempt to stop or turn abruptly they'll lose stability and can fall over. To avoid this, some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also conquer off-road terrain with the extra wheel. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) because they can deal with off-road routes and other surfaces including rocks, sand and mud. These models will also feature an adjustable wheel that locks in the front to improve stability over rough terrain.
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 4-wheel buggies.
If you are looking for a seat made of cloth 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 ensuring an easier ride.
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an ultra-light travel system and pushchair to its product line with the eye-catching Citylife. The 3-in-1 model was designed for urban living and is suitable starting at birth with a newborn car seat or carrycot for infants. It comes with four wheels and an exclusive pewter-black aluminum frame that is described by the brand as'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 down to can be tucked away in smaller spaces. Many of them can be folded using just one hand, and are simple to wash down. Some of the smaller models come with a simple handlebar height adjustment, while others feature adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. Some models may have large baskets and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be better able to cope with off-road terrain than one with four wheels, however both models can get stuck in difficult places. A model with bigger front and rear wheels can assist. This will make it easier to push them over rough terrain and will aid in getting up and down the steep slopes.
One option is the brand new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly quick handling, despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her child and said that "it was very well-handled on bumpy surfaces, cobbles and dirt roads, gravel tracks and some hills."
3 wheeler pushchair is the new all-terrain 3 wheel buggy made by Maxi-Cosi, a car seat manufacturer, called Stella. It is suitable for babies from birth if used with a carrycot. It's a bit bigger than the lighter 4-wheelers but it has air-filled tires and 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. You can build your own travel system, regardless of whether you're looking to go for a an easy stroll or take a longer stroll, by using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of styles and types of materials. Each one has its own pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a comfortable performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type you pick will be based on your personal preferences and where you live.
If you plan to travel on unpaved roads or in rough terrain frequently, you might want to consider a three-wheeler with more durable tyres. Consider the type of suspension 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.
The size of the tyre is also important. Understanding how to determine the sizing of a tyre is essential for maintaining safety as well as performance and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewalls of tyres can appear confusing, but once you decode it, you can understand the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre having an 185/70 size R14, for example, means that it is a radial tire in 185/70 with 14-inch rim size.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure if the tires on a pushchair are rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires over an even and secure surface. If the tires move easily, they are made of PU. If they don't, then the tires are composed of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a 3 wheel buggy is an essential element to look for as it will absorb the smacks and bumps of rough terrain making it more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are air-filled and that can be locked to ensure stability when running are essential. This will allow your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces effortlessly.
There are many choices for buggy styles that will suit any budget and style of life. For instance, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. The sling seats made of fabric are designed with the perfect geometry and engineering to fit comfortably inside the frame instead of on top like modular seats. This gives an lower center of gravity and allows it to be placed at the right height to distribute weight evenly to take on the kerbs.
Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that has a sleek design with a massive, manoeuvrable front wheel, excellent suspension and an easy-to-use twist handbrake. MFM reviewer Kath put the buggy through its trials by going for a ride on rough terrain. She found that it handled it really well and claimed that it "navigates over grass, bumpy cobbles, sidewalks, and dirt tracks, and allows you to easily go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas is another popular off road option and similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a range of colours to complement your style. It also comes with a movable handlebar as well as a large basket. You can also pick from a range of infant car seats that convert the buggy into a pram. This includes the elegantly 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 the pushchair more stable and less likely to tip over, and more easy to maneuver. 3 wheel pushchair is also more secure for your child since the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheel buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity and therefore is easier to pop up and over curbs. The fabric sling seats are placed inside the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This results in a lower seating position and a buggy that can be easily maneuvered.
If you want to run with your child, an all-wheeler is the best option. It comes with a suspension system that allows the front wheel of the buggie to be independent from the rear wheel. This will allow you to navigate rough terrain or bumpy roads. However, not all four-wheel buggies can be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception because they come with a specially-designed suspension system that's been independently tested across all terrains.