3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer excellent maneuverability, and are a stylish, streamlined frame. A lot of them come with seats made of fabric that have a comfortable lay flat bed and a perfect weight distribution that is ideal from the moment of birth.
The wheels are larger and typically come with suspensions to allow for smooth, fluid movement on different terrains. The only drawback is that they could be heavier and more bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are extremely stable and don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when they're in a straight line and you'll find that you can manoeuvre them much more quickly and efficiently. If you attempt to stop or turn abruptly, they'll lose stability and can fall over. This is why certain manufacturers add an additional wheel to their three wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
The extra wheel also helps you tackle off-road terrain. Choose models that have air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road trails, sand, mud, and other surfaces such as sand and rock. These models also come with a lockable wheel on the front, which will increase stability over rough terrain.
With the correct design, engineering and weight distribution these buggies can be turned on a dime - easy to steer with just one hand; they have 360o front swivel wheels allowing agility and mobility to be easy and light in handling. They'll also pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a fabric seat, these tend to be smaller in the frame as compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's center of gravity will be closer to the ground - instantly ensuring a smoother ride.
Most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight travel system and pushchair to its range with the eye-catching Citylife. The model is designed for urban living and can be used starting at birth with a newborn car seat or carrycot for infants. It comes with 4 wheels and has a unique pewter black aluminium frame, which the brand claims is 'slim and compact'. strollers 3 wheels 's actually only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are many 3 wheel buggies which can be folded in a compact way to fit into smaller spaces. A lot of these buggies can be folded in one hand and are easy-to-clean. Some of the tiniest models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, whereas others come with adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. They may also feature an enormous, spacious basket and a quick-release brake lever.
The best 3 wheeler for rocky terrain
A 3-wheeler will typically be more able to deal with off-road terrain than one with four wheels, however both models can get stuck in tight spots. But, picking a model with larger wheels both front and back will help. This makes them easier to push over uneven ground and can help in moving up and down steep kerbs.
One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her baby, and she said that "it was very well-handled on cobbles, bumpy surfaces, gravel tracks, dirt roads, and some hills."
Another alternative is the newest 3-wheel buggy that is all-terrain from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi, called Stella. It is suitable for babies from birth if used with a carrycot. It's a bit bigger than the 4-wheelers that are lighter, however, it comes with air-filled tires, three recline positions, and a single-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity - it's compatible with all the brands' car seats and strollers for infants. This means you can build your ideal travel system for day-today or longer walks, using only the chassis as a base.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of styles and materials. Each one has its own pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air offer an effortless ride and superior maneuverability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you choose will be based on your personal preferences and where you live.
If you plan to travel on unpaved roads or rough terrain often you may think about a three-wheeler that has more durable tyres. Take into consideration the type of suspension you require. A strong suspension is ideal for handling bumps and humps. However, it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.
The size of the tyre is also important. Knowing how to understand tyre sizing is vital for ensuring safety, performance, and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre sidewall may be confusing, but once you decode it, you can understand the tyre's dimensions. For instance, a tyre's 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 also less heavy and puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you're not sure if the pushchair you are using has rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires over a smooth surface and tie them. If they slide easily then the tires are made from PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a 3 wheel buggy is a vital component to look for because it will absorb the smacks and bumps of rough terrain, making it much more comfortable for your baby. A large wheel that are air-filled, and lockable for stability during jogging is essential to ensure your buggy is capable of navigating off roads with ease.
There are a variety of buggy styles that will suit any lifestyle and budget. 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 as opposed to being on top of modular seats, providing an lower center of gravity and sitting at the perfect height to ensure optimal weight distribution to easily tackle kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It has a sleek design, a large wheel that's easy to move and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also comes with an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath put the buggy through its tests by walking through 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 even allows you to easily go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. It comes in a range of colors that will complement your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket, and a 50+ UV hood. You can also select from a selection of infant car seats that convert the buggy to pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm), which is a comfortable lie-flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns from 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the buggy more stable and less likely to tip over, and more easy to maneuver. It also makes it safer for your baby 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, making it easier to pop up and over curbs. The seats made of fabric are built into the frame, not on top like modular seats. This results in a lower seat position and an automobile that is easily pushed.
However, if you want to go for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler might be better suited as it will have a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel so you can tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads Be aware that not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most aren't like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception since they feature a suspension system specifically designed for them that's been tested by an independent expert across all kinds of terrain.