3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look stylish and sleek, with outstanding maneuverability. A lot of them come with an upholstered sling seat that has an incredibly comfortable lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution, perfect for babies from birth.
The wheels are larger and often include suspension to allow for smooth movement on various terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they tend to be bulkier and heavier to transport and store.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies offer lots of stability. They aren't prone to tipping over more easily when moving straight. You can also maneuver faster. If you turn or stop abruptly, they may 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 conquer off-road terrain with the extra wheel. Be sure to look for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road trails as well as other surfaces such as rocks, sand, and mud. They'll also typically come with the option of locking the front wheel to give stability over rough ground.
With the correct design, engineering, and weight distribution these buggies can turn on a dime and are easy to steer with one hand; they have 360o front swivel wheels that allow agility and mobility to be effortless and easy to handle. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you are looking for a fabric seat, these tend to be lower in the frame compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly providing an easier ride.
Most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an ultra-light pushchair and travel system 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 carrycot or infant car seat. It comes with 4 wheels and has a unique pewter black aluminium frame that the manufacturer claims is 'slim and compact'. It's just 2cm larger than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a variety of 3 wheel buggies which can be folded down to can be tucked away in smaller spaces. A lot of these buggies can be folded in one hand and are easy to clean. Some of the smaller models come with a simple handlebar height adjustment, whereas others come with adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. Some models may have large baskets and brake levers that are quick-release.
The best 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be more able to deal with off-road terrain than a 4-wheel model, although both can get stuck in tight places. A model with larger rear and front wheels can aid. This will make them easier to push over rough ground and will often help with getting up and down high kerbs.
One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her baby and her 3-year-old, and said "it does really well on bumpy pavements, cobbles gravel tracks and dirt roads and also on a few hills."
Stella Stella, the 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It's suitable for babies when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's little bigger than the lightweight 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim 54cm wide frame) but has big, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions, and a quick one-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity - it's compatible with all of the brands' car seats and strollers for infants. You can create your own travel system, regardless of whether you're planning to take a an easy stroll or a longer one 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, tyres that are filled with air provide an effortless ride and superior manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type of tyre you choose will depend on your lifestyle and the place it is that you live.
If you plan to travel on unpaved roads or in rough terrain frequently you may want to consider a three-wheeler that has more durable tyres. Also, you should consider the type of suspension you need. A sturdy suspension is helpful to handle bumps and humps, however it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.
The size of the tyre is also crucial. Knowing how to read the tyre's size is essential for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewalls of tyres can seem confusing however, once you understand it, you'll be able to comprehend the tyre's dimensions. A tyre having an 185/70 size R14 for instance is a radial tire in the 185/70 size with a 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure if the pushchair you are using has rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires over a smooth and tied surface. If the tires slide easily and smoothly, they're made of PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three wheel buggy can make it more comfortable for your child since it will absorb any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. A large wheel that are air-filled, and are lockable to provide stability when jogging crucial to ensure your buggy is capable of maneuvering off road surfaces with ease.
There are many choices for buggy styles that will suit any lifestyle and budget. For example, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. With the perfect geometry and engineering, their fabrics sling seat is tucked away inside the frame as opposed to on top like modular seats, offering an lower center of gravity and sitting at the perfect height for optimal weight distribution to easily tackle kerb pops.
Another great option is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that boasts a sleek style with a large, highly maneuverable front wheel, excellent suspension, and an easy-to-use handbrake with a twist. 3 wheeled pushchair put this buggy through its paces by going for a ride on rough terrain. She was impressed with how it handled it really well and said that it "navigates over bumpy grass, cobbles, sidewalks, and dirt tracks and makes it easy to drive up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas is another popular off road option and similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a variety of colors to match your style. It also features an adjustable handlebar, a large basket, and a 50+ UV hood. You can also choose from a range of infant car seats that will convert the buggy to a pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm), which is a comfy lie-flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns up to 12 month old.
Safety
The presence of four wheels makes the pushchair much more stable, less likely to tip and easier to maneuver. It also makes it safer for your child because the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheeler is also likely to have a lower center of gravity and is therefore easier to pop over curbs and up the stairs. The fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not over it as modular seats do, which creates a low seating position and a comparatively lighter buggy that is more easily maneuverable.
If you're looking to run with your child, then an all-wheeler is the best option. It has a suspension system which allows the front wheel of the buggie to move independently from the rear wheel. This will allow you to take on rough terrain or bumpy roads. However it is not the case that all four-wheel buggies can be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception, as they have a suspension system specifically designed for them that's been independently tested across all types of terrain.