3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability with a stylish and slim frame. A lot of them come with a fabric sling seat with a cosy lay flat bed and a perfect weight distribution that is ideal from the moment of birth.
The wheels are larger and typically have suspension to ensure smooth, swift moving on different terrains. The only downside is that they may be heavier and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are very solid - they don't fall over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when traveling in a straight line, and you'll be able to move them more quickly and efficiently. If you turn or stop abruptly, they can lose their stability and fall over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also conquer off-road terrain by adding an extra wheel. Look for models that have air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road routes, sand and mud, and other surfaces like rock and sand. These models will also feature wheels that lock on the front to increase stability on rough terrain.
With the correct geometry, engineering and weight distribution, these buggies can turn on a dime and are easy to steer with just one hand; they have 360o front swivel wheels that allow agility and mobility to be easy and easy to handle. They also pass the same stability standards worldwide and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you are looking for a fabric seat they are typically less upright in comparison to modular seats. This means that your baby's center of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly ensuring the smoothest ride.
Most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight pushchair and travel system to its line-up with the striking Citylife. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It has four wheels and has a unique pewter black aluminium frame, which the company claims is 'light and compact'. It's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold up to fit in smaller space. Many can be folded with a single hand and are easy to wash down. Some of the smaller models come with a simple handlebar height adjustment, whereas others come with adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. Some models may have large baskets and a brake lever that's quick-release.
The best 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain
A 3-wheeled vehicle is generally better equipped to handle off-road terrain when compared to a four-wheeled model but both can be a bit stuck on tight corners. However, choosing a model with larger wheels on both sides will help. This allows you to push them over rough terrain and can help you get up and down steep curbs.
One option is the new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath used it with her infant and her 3-year-old, and said "it handles really well over bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt roads and gravel tracks and also on some hills."
Another great option is the latest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy made by car seat brand Maxi-Cosi named Stella. It's suitable for babies when used with the carrycot and is a smaller than the light 4wheelers (with an impressively slim frame of 54cm wide) but it comes with big air-filled tyres. It also has 3 recline positions, and a swift one-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity, though - it's compatible with all the brand's infant car seats and strollers. This means you can create your ideal travel system for your day-to-day 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, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide a smooth ride and manoeuvrability, while foam-filled tyres last longer. The type you pick will depend on your needs and where you live.
For instance, if you are planning to travel frequently on rough or unpaved terrain, you might think about a 3-wheeler that has sturdier tyres. Think about the kind of suspension you need. A sturdy suspension is helpful for handling bumps and humps, but it can be heavy and add to the overall weight of your pushchair.
Another aspect to be considered is the size of the tyre. Knowing how to read the tyre size is important for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewall of a tyre can be initially, but understanding it helps you understand the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre that has a size of 185/70 R14, for example indicates that it is a radial tire in the 185/70 size with 14-inch rim size.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you are unsure if the tires on a pushchair are made of rubber or PU, try sliding the tires across a smooth surface. If the tires slide smoothly and smoothly, they're made of PU. If they don't then the tires are composed of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three wheel buggy makes it more comfortable for your child since it will absorb any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. Large wheels that are filled with air, and can be locked to ensure stability while jogging are essential. This will allow your buggy to navigate off-road surfaces effortlessly.
Depending on the style of buggie you're seeking, there are options that will fit all lifestyles and budgets. The Mountain Buggy, for example was the first to introduce all-terrain agility in three-wheel buggie. With an engineering and geometry that is perfect their fabric sling seat is tucked away inside the frame as opposed to sitting on top like modular seats, resulting in the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the right height for the best weight distribution that allows it to easily handle the kerb pops.
Another option worth considering 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 twist handbrake. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its trials by walking on rough terrain. She was impressed with how it handled it really well and claimed that it "navigates over grass, bumpy cobbles, sidewalks, and dirt tracks, and makes it easy to go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. It is available in a variety of colours that will match your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar, a large basket, and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also pick from a selection of infant car seats to transform the buggy into a pram, such as the stylishly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a cosy lie flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns that are up to 12 months old.
Safety
The presence of four wheels makes the pushchair much more stable and less likely to tip and easier to handle. 3 wheeled pushchair is also safer for your child because 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 more easy to roll over curbs and up the stairs. The fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not on top of it like modular seats do, which makes for a low-slung seating position, and a lighter buggy that is easily maneuverable.
If you want to run with your child, a 4-wheeler is the ideal option. It comes with a suspension system which allows the front wheel to move independently from the rear. This allows you to take on rough terrain or bumpy roads. However, not all 4 wheel buggies can be used for running. The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been independently tested on all terrains.