3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability, and are a stylish, streamlined frame. Many of these have a fabric sling with a cosy lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution and are suitable starting at birth.
The wheels are larger and, in many cases, come with suspension for agile smooth movement over different terrains. three wheel pushchair to these wheels is that they may be heavier and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are very stable and don't tip over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when they're in a straight line and you'll be able to move them more quickly and efficiently. If you turn or stop abruptly, they could 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.
You can also take on off-road terrain by adding an extra wheel. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road trails and other surfaces like rocks, sand, and mud. They'll also typically include an adjustable front wheel that locks to provide stability on rough ground.
With the right design, engineering and weight distribution, these buggies can be turned on a dime - easy to steer with just one hand; feature 360o front swivel wheels that allow mobility and agility to be effortless and easy to handle. They'll also pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a cloth sling seat, then 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 - instantly delivering a smoother ride and a less noticeable kerb pop (you do not need to apply as much pressure or exertion to get the buggy over and up a curb).
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light pushchair and travel system to its range with the striking Citylife. This 3-in-1 model is designed for urban living and can be used starting at birth with a newborn car seat or carrycot for infants. It has four wheels and a unique pewter-black aluminium frame, which the brand describes as'slim and compact. It's smaller at 2cm than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a wide selection of 3 wheel buggies that fold up to fit in smaller spaces. Many can be folded with a single hand and are easy to wash down. Some of the tiniest models come with a simple handlebar height adjustment, while others have adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. Some models may have large baskets and a brake lever that's quick-release.
The best 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain
A 3-wheeler will typically be more adept at dealing with off-road conditions better than a 4-wheel model, but both can be stuck in difficult places. But, picking a model that has larger wheels both front and back can be beneficial. This makes them easier to push over rough ground and is often helpful in moving up and down the high kerbs.
The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its astonishing agility despite its 3-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her baby and her 3-year-old, and said "it is very well-handled over bumpy pavements, cobbles dirt roads and gravel tracks as well as on a few hills."
Stella, the new all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi, is another option. It is suitable from birth when used with a carrycot. It is slightly larger than the lightweight 4-wheelers, but it features air-filled tires, three recline positions, and a one-handed fold.
Its main selling point is its modularity it's compatible with all the car seats for infants from the brand and strollers. You can create your own travel system, regardless of whether you're looking to go for a a short walk or a longer one by using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres on 3 wheel buggies come in a range of styles and materials, and each has its pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example, offer an effortless ride and superior maneuverability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type of tyre you choose will be determined by your lifestyle and the place you reside.
For instance, if you intend to frequently travel on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you might be interested in a 3-wheeler that has sturdier tyres. Consider the type of suspension you require. The suspensions that are strong are great for tackling bumps and humps however they can be quite heavy and add to the overall weight.
Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is tyre size. Understanding the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewall of a tyre can seem initially, but understanding it will allow you to comprehend the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre size of '185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has a 14 inch rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are less heavy and puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you aren't sure if the tires of a pushchair are rubber or PU, simply slide the tires on the surface with a smooth surface. If they slide easily, then the tires are made of PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three wheel buggy can make it more comfortable for your child as it absorbs any knocks or bumps that occur from rough terrain. Large wheels that are ideally air-filled and lockable for stability during jogging is essential to ensure that your buggy is capable of navigating off road surfaces easily.
Depending on three wheel pushchair of buggie you're seeking, there are options to suit all lifestyles and budgets. For instance the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with the perfect design and engineering to fit comfortably inside the frame rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This provides an lower center of gravity, and allows it to be placed at the right height to distribute weight evenly to conquer bumps.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another great option. It sports an elegant design, a big wheel that's easy to move and comes with a superb suspension. It also comes with a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put the buggy through its tests by going for a ride on a rough terrain. She found that it handled it really well and claimed that it "navigates over bumpy grass, cobbles, sidewalks and dirt tracks, and makes it easy to go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a range of colours to suit your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar and a spacious basket. You can also choose from a selection of infant car seats to transform the buggy into a pram, such as the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a comfortable lie-flat bed for newborns and babies from 12 months to 12 years old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable and less likely to tip over, and more easy to maneuver. It also makes it more secure for your child since the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy has a lower center of gravity, making it easier to pop over curbs and walk up. The fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not sitting on top like modular seats do, which creates a low seating position and a comparatively lighter buggy that is more easily maneuverable.
However, if you want to go out for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler may be better suited since it comes with suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back one to allow you to tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain - just bear in mind not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most aren't like the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been tested by an independent party on all types of terrain.