3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are elegant and sleek, with excellent maneuverability. Many of them have an upholstered sling seat that has an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed and a perfect weight distribution that is ideal for babies from birth.
The wheels are larger and usually have suspension to ensure smooth, agile movement on different terrains. The only downside is that they may be heavier and more bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies offer a lot of stability. They don't tip over more easily when driving straight. They also allow you to maneuver more swiftly. If you attempt to stop or turn suddenly they'll lose stability and could be prone to tipping 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 with the extra wheel. Look for models with air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres), which can handle off-road trails, sand, mud, and other surfaces such as rock and sand. They'll also have a lockable front wheel to add stability over really rough terrain.
With the right design, engineering, and weight distribution, these buggies can turn on a dime and are easy to steer with one hand; have 360o front swivel wheels that allow mobility and agility to be effortless and light in handling. They also pass the same stability standards globally and tests as buggies with four wheels.
If you are looking for a fabric seat they are typically less upright in comparison to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly providing the smoothest ride.
Popular for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light travel system and pushchair to its range with the attractive Citylife. The 3-in-1 model was designed for urban living and is compatible from birth with a newborn car seat or carrycot for infants. It has four wheels and an exclusive pewter black aluminium frame, which the brand claims is 'light and compact'. It's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are many three 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 smaller models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, while others have adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. Certain models may come with large baskets and brake levers that are quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rocky terrain
A 3-wheeled vehicle is generally better equipped to handle off-road conditions in comparison to a model with four wheels, though both can get stuck on tight corners. A model with bigger front and rear wheels will aid. This will make it easier to push them over rough terrain and can aid in getting up and down high curbs.
The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its astonishing agility despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it out with her infant and said that "it handled really well on cobbles, bumpy surfaces gravel tracks, dirt roads and even some hills."
Another great option is the latest 3-wheel buggy that is all-terrain from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi which is called Stella. It's suitable from birth when used with the carrycot and is a little bigger than the lightweight 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim frame of 54cm wide) but it comes with big air-filled tyres, three recline positions, and a swift one-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity. It's compatible with all the brands' infant strollers and car seats. This means that you can design your ideal travel system for your day-to-day or longer walks, using just the chassis as a starting point.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of styles and materials. Each one has its own pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example offer a smooth ride and great maneuverability, while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you pick will depend on your needs and the location you live in.
If you intend to travel on roads that are not paved or in rough terrain frequently, you might think about a three-wheeler with more robust tyres. You should also think about the type of suspension that you require. Suspensions that are strong are ideal for tackling bumps and humps however they can be quite heavy, adding to the overall weight.
The size of the tyre is also important. Knowing how to read the tyre's size is essential for safety, performance and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewalls of tyres can seem initially, but understanding it will allow you to comprehend the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre that has an 185/70 size R14 for instance indicates that it is a radial tire with a diameter of 185/70 with 14-inch rim size.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you aren't sure if a pushchair's tires are rubber or PU, slide the tires across the surface with a smooth surface. If they slide easily, then the tires are made from PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three wheel buggy can make it more comfortable for your child as it will absorb any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. A large wheel that are air-filled, and are lockable to ensure stability while jogging is also important as this will ensure that your buggy will be capable of maneuvering off road surfaces easily.
There are many choices for buggy styles that will suit any budget and style of life. The Mountain Buggy, for example, pioneered all-terrain agility in three-wheel buggie. With perfect geometry and engineering their sling seat made of fabric is tucked away inside the frame, in contrast to on top like modular seats, offering a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the right height for the best weight distribution, allowing it to easily take on kerb pops.
Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule which boasts a sleek design with a massive, manoeuvrable front wheel, excellent suspension, and an easy-to-use handbrake with a twist. MFM reviewer Kath really put this buggy to the test by taking it for an excursion through the rough terrain and she was impressed with how it handled the terrain really well, stating that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, pavements, dirt tracks and even can be a breeze going 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 complement your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar and a spacious basket. You can also pick from a variety of infant car seats that will transform the buggy into pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) which is a comfy lie-flat mattress for babies and infants from 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable and less likely to tip over, and more easy to maneuver. It is also safer for your child because the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheeled vehicle has a lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to pop over curbs and climb up. The fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not sitting on top like modular seats do, which results in a lower seating position, and a lighter buggy that can be easily maneuverable.
If you're planning to run with your child, a 4-wheeler is the ideal option. It has an suspension system that allows the front wheel of the buggie to be independent from the rear one. This allows you to navigate rough terrain or bumpy roads. However 3 wheeled pushchair is not the case that all four wheel buggies are able to be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception, as they have a suspension system specifically designed for them that's been tested independently across all types of terrain.