3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability, and are a stylish, streamlined frame. Many of them have an upholstered sling seat that has an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed and a perfect weight distribution that is ideal from the moment of birth.
The wheels are larger and often come with suspensions to allow for smooth, agile movement on different terrains. The only drawback is that they may be heavier and more bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are remarkably stable - they don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when traveling in a straight line. Also, you'll be able to move them more quickly and efficiently. If you turn or stop abruptly, they could lose their stability and 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 out for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) because they can deal with off-road paths and other surfaces like rocks, sand and mud. They'll also usually come with an adjustable front wheel that locks to give stability over rough ground.
With the correct geometry, engineering and weight distribution these buggies can be turned on a dime easy to steer with just one hand; have 360o front swivel wheel that allows mobility and agility to be effortless and light in handling. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a fabric sling seat, then these tend to be placed lower in the frame than modular seats, so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the ground - instantly delivering a smoother ride and a less noticeable kerb pop (you do not need to apply as much pressure or effort to lift the buggy over and up the Kerb).
Most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight travel system and pushchair to its product line with the attractive Citylife. This 3-in-1 model is designed for urban living and can be used for newborns with a car seat or carrycot for infants. It comes with four wheels as well as an exclusive pewter-black aluminum frame that the brand calls'slim and compact. It's just 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are many 3 wheel buggies which can be folded in a compact way to can be tucked away in smaller spaces. Many can be folded with one hand and are simple to wash down. Some of the tiniest models have 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's quick-release.
The most reliable 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain
A 3-wheeled buggy is usually better equipped to handle off-road conditions compared to a 4-wheeled model but both may get stuck in tight corners. However, selecting a model that has larger wheels both front and back can help. This makes them easier to push across rough terrain and will often help with getting up and down high kerbs.
The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its remarkable agility despite its 3-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her child and reported that "it was very well-handled on bumpy surfaces, cobbles and dirt roads, gravel tracks and a few hills."
Stella Stella, the all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi, is another option. It can be used from birth when 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 single-hand fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity. It's compatible with all the brands' baby strollers and car seats. This means you can build your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks using the chassis as a starting point.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are offered in a variety of styles and types of materials. Each one has its own pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a smooth performance and a smooth ride, whereas foam-filled tyres last longer. The type of tyre you select will be determined by your lifestyle and where you live.
For instance, if you plan to travel often on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you might be interested in a 3-wheeler with sturdier tires. You should also consider the type of suspension that you need. Suspensions that are strong are ideal 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 the size of the tyre. Understanding how to read the tyre's size is essential for safety, performance and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewall of a tyre may be confusing initially, but understanding it helps you understand the tyre's dimensions. For instance, a tyre size of '185/70 R14 indicates that the tire is a 185/70 radius with 14 inches of rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are lighter and more puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you are unsure if a pushchair's tires are rubber or PU, simply slide the tires across a smooth surface. If the tires slide easily and smoothly, they're made of PU. If they don't, then the tires are composed of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a 3 wheel buggy is an important element to look for as it absorbs the smacks and bumps of rough terrain making it more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are air-filled and are able to be locked to ensure stability when running are essential. This will enable your buggy to navigate off-road surfaces effortlessly.
There are many options for buggy styles that will suit any lifestyle and budget. The Mountain Buggy, for example is the first all-terrain vehicle to be developed in three-wheel buggies. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with perfect geometry and engineering to fit snugly inside the frame, rather than 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 the kerbs.
Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that has a sleek design with large highly manoeuvrable front wheel, excellent suspension and an easy-to-use twist handbrake. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its tests by going for a ride on a rough terrain. She found that it handled it really well and said that it "navigates over bumpy grass, sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks, and even makes it easy to go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. 3 wheeler pushchairs is available in a variety of colours that will match your style. It also comes with a movable handlebar and a spacious 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) which is a cosy lie flat bed for newborns and babies up to 12 months old.
Safety
The presence of four wheels makes a buggy much more stable and less likely to tip and easier to maneuver. It can also be more secure for your child as their weight is distributed more evenly throughout the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeler is also likely to have a lower center of gravity and therefore is more easy to roll over curbs and up the stairs. The fabric sling seats are placed inside the frame, not on top like modular seats. This results in a low seat and an automobile that is easily pushed.
If you're planning to run with your child, then a 4-wheeler is the best option. It has a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently from the rear. 3 wheeled pushchair will allow you to take on rough terrain or bumpy roads. However 3 wheeler pushchairs is not the case that all four-wheel buggies can be used for running. The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been tested by an independent party across all kinds of terrain.