3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability in a stylish and streamlined frame. Many of these feature a fabric sling seat with a cosy lay flat bed and a perfect weight distribution that is ideal for babies from birth.
The wheels are larger, and they also often include suspension to allow for smooth movement on a variety of terrains. The only downside is that they may be heavier and more bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies have plenty of stability. They don't tip over as easily when moving straight. You can also maneuver them more quickly. If you turn or stop abruptly, they could lose stability and tip over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
You can also conquer off-road terrain by adding an extra wheel. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road routes and other surfaces like sand, mud and rock. They'll also have an adjustable front wheel that locks to provide stability on rough terrain.
With the correct geometry, engineering and weight distribution these buggies can turn on a dime easy to steer with one hand; feature 360o front swivel wheels allowing mobility and agility to be easy 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 in search of 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 floor and provides a more comfortable ride and a less noticeable kerb pop (you do not need to apply the same amount of pressure or effort to lift the buggy over and up the kerb).
Maxi-Cosi is most well-known for its car seat range however, it recently expanded its product range with the Citylife compact travel system and pushchair. The model is designed for urban living and is suitable for newborns with a car seat or carrycot for infants. It has four wheels and an unique pewter-black frame that is described by the brand as'slim' and compact. It's just 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are 3 wheeled pushchair of 3 wheel buggies which can be folded in a compact way to can be tucked away in smaller spaces. Many of them can be folded using just one hand, and are easy to wipe down. The smallest models will have a basic handlebar height adjustment, while others may feature an adjustable suspension and an extendable 50+ UV canopy. Certain models may come with an enormous basket as well as a brake lever that is quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeled model is typically better equipped to deal with off-road conditions as when compared to a four-wheeled model however both may get stuck in tight corners. However, selecting a model that has larger wheels on both sides can be beneficial. This will make it easier to push them across rough terrain and can aid in getting up and down steep curbs.
One option is the brand new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its quick handling, despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath used it with her infant and 3-year-old and said "it handles really well over bumpy pavements, cobbles gravel tracks and dirt roads and also on a few hills."
Stella Stella, the brand new all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It can be used from birth, if it is used in conjunction with a carrycot. It is slightly larger than the 4-wheelers that are lighter, however, it comes with air-filled tires and three recline positions and a one-handed fold.
Its main selling point is its modularity - it's compatible with all the brands' infant car seats and strollers. This means that you can design your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks, using just the chassis as a base.
Tyres
The tyres of 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 provide a smooth performance and a smooth ride, whereas foam-filled tyres last longer. The kind of tyre you pick will depend on your lifestyle and where you reside.
If you plan to travel on unpaved roads or on rough terrain frequently, you might think about a three-wheeler that has more robust tyres. Consider the kind of suspension you need. Strong suspension is useful for handling bumps and humps, however it can be heavy and add to the overall weight of your pushchair.
The size of the tyre can be important. Understanding 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 appear confusing, but once you decode it, you'll be able to comprehend the tyre's dimensions. For example, a tyre size of '185/70 R14' means that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has 14 inches of rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are less heavy and puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you're not sure if a pushchair has rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires over a smooth and tied surface. If they slide easily then the tires are made of PU. If they do not, then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three wheel buggy can make it more comfortable for your child since it absorbs any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. Large wheels that are air-filled, and that can be locked to ensure stability when running are essential. This will allow your buggy to travel on off-road surfaces effortlessly.
Based on the type of buggie you're seeking, there are choices to fit every lifestyle and budgets. The Mountain Buggy, for example is the first all-terrain vehicle to be developed in three-wheel buggies. With the perfect geometry and engineering, their fabrics sling seat sits snug inside the frame as opposed to on top like modular seats, resulting in an lower center of gravity and sitting at the right height to ensure optimal weight distribution, allowing it to easily take on the kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It sports a sleek design, a big wheel that's 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 an excursion through the rough terrain and found that it handled the terrain really well, stating that it 'flies effortlessly over bumpy grass, cobbles, pavements, dirt tracks and even makes a light work of climbing and descending the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. It comes in a variety of colours that will match your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar as well as a large basket. You can also select from a variety of infant car seats to convert the buggy into a pram, including the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a comfortable lie-flat bed for newborns and babies that are up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the buggy more stable, less likely for it to tip over and is 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 buggy also tends to have a lower center of gravity, making it easier to lift up and over curbs. The seats of the fabric sling are built into the frame, not on top like modular seats. This creates a low seat position and buggy that is easily pushed.
If you're looking to run with your child, a 4-wheeler is the ideal option. It comes with an suspension system that allows the front wheel of the buggie to move independently from the rear wheel. This allows you to tackle rough terrains or bumpy roads. However there are some limitations to 4 wheel buggies can be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception since they feature an exclusive suspension system that has been tested by an independent expert across all types of terrain.