3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are stylish and sleek, and have excellent maneuverability. A lot of them have an upholstered sling that has an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed, which is ideal for weight distribution, and are perfect for babies from the age of.
The wheels are larger and often have suspensions for smooth movement on a variety of terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they may be more bulky and heavy to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies offer a lot of stability. They don't fall over as easily when you are driving straight. They also allow you to maneuver them more quickly. However, if you try to stop or turn abruptly they'll lose stability and could fall over. This is why certain manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
You can also tackle off-road terrain by adding an extra wheel. Be sure to look for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) because they can deal with off-road routes as well as other surfaces such as rocks, sand, and mud. They'll also usually include the option of locking the front wheel to provide stability on rough terrain.
With the correct design, engineering, and weight distribution these buggies can turn on a dime and are easy to steer with just one hand; feature 360o front swivel wheels allowing agility and mobility to be easy and light 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 seat made of cloth, these tend to be less upright in comparison to modular seats. This means that your baby's center of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly ensuring a smoother ride.
Maxi-Cosi is best known for its car seat collection However, it recently expanded its product line with the Citylife compact travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 is perfect for urban life, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It comes with 4 wheels and uses an exclusive black pewter frame, which the brand claims is 'slim and compact'. It's actually only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to fit into smaller space. Many of them can be folded using just one hand, and are easy to wipe down. The smallest models will feature a basic handlebar height adjustment, while others could have an adjustable suspension and an expandable 50+ UV canopy. Some models may have large baskets and a brake lever that's quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeled model is typically better equipped to handle off-road terrain when compared to a four-wheeled model however both can get stuck on tight corners. However, selecting a model with larger wheels on both sides can be beneficial. This will make them easier to push over rough ground and is often helpful in moving up and down the high kerbs.
One option is the new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its responsive handling despite its three-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her infant and her 3-year-old, and said "it does really well on bumpy pavements, cobbles dirt roads and gravel tracks and also on a few hills."
Stella, the new all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It's suitable from birth when used with the carrycot and is a slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with an impressively slim frame of 54cm wide) however it has large air-filled tyres. It also has 3 recline positions, and a quick one-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity - it's compatible with all of the brand's infant car seats and strollers. This means that you can design your ideal travel system for day-today or longer walks, using only the chassis as a base.
Tyres
The tyres on 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of styles and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air offer a smooth ride and great maneuverability, while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you select will depend on your lifestyle and the location you live in.
For example, if you are planning to travel frequently on rough or unpaved terrain, you may think about an all-wheeler with more durable tires. You should also think about the type of suspension that you require. A strong suspension is ideal to handle bumps and humps, however it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.
Another aspect to be considered is tyre size. Understanding how to understand tyre sizing is vital for ensuring safety performance, durability, and performance. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewalls of tyres can appear confusing until you get the hang of it, you will be able to understand the tyre dimensions. A tyre that has an 185/70 size R14, for example is a radial tire in 185/70 with 14-inch rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber ones. If you aren't sure if the tires on a pushchair are made of rubber or PU, try sliding the tires on the surface with a smooth surface. If they slide easily, then the tires are made of PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheeled buggy can make it more comfortable for your child as it will absorb any bumps or knocks from rough terrain. Large wheels that are air-filled, and can be locked to provide stability when jogging are also important. This will enable your buggy to navigate off-road surfaces effortlessly.
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 a three-wheel buggie. With perfect geometry and engineering their fabric sling seat is tucked away inside the frame, in contrast to being on top of modular seats, providing a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the right height to ensure optimal weight distribution that allows it to easily handle the kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another great option. It sports a sleek design, a large wheel that is easy to maneuver and is paired with an impressive suspension. It also comes with the twist handbrake to facilitate ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath really put this buggy to the test by taking it for a walk through rough ground and she was impressed with how it handled the terrain really well. She said that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, pavements dirt tracks, and makes a light work of getting 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. 3 wheeled pushchair has an adjustable handlebar and a large basket. You can also pick from a variety of infant car seats that transform the buggy into pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) which is a comfortable lie-flat mattress for babies and infants up to 12 month old.
Safety
Four wheels make the pushchair more stable, less likely for it to tip over and easier to maneuver. It is also safer for your child as the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheeled vehicle has a lower center of gravity, making it easier to climb over curbs and climb up. The seats made of fabric are built into the frame, not on top like modular seats. This results in a low seating position and an automobile that is easily moved.
However, if you'd like to go out for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler may be more suitable as it comes with a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back one so you can tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain Be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most aren't, such as the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been tested by an independent party across all terrains.