3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look stylish and sleek, and have great maneuverability. Many of these have an sling made of fabric with a cosy lay flat bed that is perfect for weight distribution and are ideal starting at birth.
The wheels are bigger and often have suspension to ensure smooth, swift mobility on various terrains. The only downside is that they may be heavier and more bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are very stable and don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when they're in a straight line, and you'll be able to move them more quickly and effortlessly. However, if you attempt to stop or turn abruptly they'll lose their stability and may fall over. For this reason, certain manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel also allows you to tackle off-road terrain. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road paths and other surfaces including sand, mud and rock. These models will also have wheels that lock on the front to increase the stability of the vehicle over rough terrain.
With the right 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 that allow agility and mobility to be effortless and light in handling. They also meet the same global stability standards and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a fabric seat, these tend to be less upright in comparison to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly providing the smoothest ride.
Maxi-Cosi is a household name for its car seat range however, it recently expanded its product range with the Citylife, a lightweight travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 model is designed for urban living and is compatible for newborns with a carrycot or infant car seat. It has four wheels and has an exclusive pewter black aluminium frame, which the brand claims is 'slim and compact'. It's just 2cm larger than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a wide selection of 3 wheel buggies that fold down to fit into smaller spaces. They can be folded with one hand and are easy to wash down. Some of the smallest models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, while others have adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. Certain models may come with large baskets and brake levers that are quick-release.
The most reliable 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be more able to deal with off-road conditions better than a 4-wheel model, although both can get stuck in difficult places. A model with larger rear and front wheels can assist. This makes them easier to push over rough ground and is often helpful in moving up and down the high kerbs.
One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly quick 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 cobbles, bumpy pavements, dirt roads and gravel tracks, as well as on some hills."
Stella Stella, the all-terrain 3-wheel buggy by Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It's suitable from birth when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's little bigger than the lightweight 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim 54cm wide frame) but it comes with big air-filled tyres. It also has 3 recline positions and a fast one-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity, though it's compatible with all of 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 only the chassis as a base.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in many styles and materials. three wheel pushchair has its own pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres offer a great ride and manoeuvrability, while foam-filled tyres last longer. The type of tyre you choose will be determined by your lifestyle and the place it is that you live.
If you intend to travel on unpaved roads or in rough terrain frequently, you might want to consider a three-wheeler that has more robust tyres. Also, you should consider the type of suspension 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.
The size of the tyre can be crucial. Knowing how to determine the sizing of a tyre is essential to ensure safety, performance, and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewalls of tyres may be at first, but decoding it will allow you to comprehend the tyre's dimensions. A tyre having an 185/70 size R14 for instance is a radial tire with a diameter of 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're unsure whether the tires on a pushchair are rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires on an even and secure surface. If they slide easily then the tires are made from PU. If they don't then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a three wheel buggy is a vital component to look for because it absorbs the smacks and bumps of rough terrain, making it more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are air-filled and that can be locked to provide stability while jogging are important. This will enable your buggy to navigate off-road surfaces easily.
There are many choices for buggy styles to suit every budget and style of life. The Mountain Buggy, for example was the first to introduce all-terrain agility in three-wheel buggie. Their sling seats made of fabrics are designed with perfect geometry and engineering to fit perfectly inside the frame rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This provides an lower center of gravity, and sits at the ideal height to spread weight evenly to tackle bumps.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another great option. It features sleek design, a large wheel that's easy to maneuver and comes with a superb suspension. It also has the twist handbrake to facilitate ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath tested the buggy its paces by walking through rough terrain. She found that it performed admirably, saying that it "navigates over bumpy grass, 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 choice. It comes in a variety of colors that will complement your style. It also comes with a movable handlebar and a large basket. You can also select from a selection of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) which is a comfortable lie-flat mattress for babies and infants until 12 months old.
Safety
Having four wheels makes the buggy more stable and less likely to tip, and easier to maneuver. It also makes it safer for your child as the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy has a lower center of gravity, making it easier to pop over curbs and get up. The fabric sling seats are built into the frame, not on top like modular seats. This results in a low seat and buggy that is easily maneuvered.
If you're planning to run with your child, a 4-wheeler is the ideal option. It has a suspension system which allows the front wheel of the buggie to move independently from the rear one. This allows 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 because they come with a specially-designed suspension system that's been tested by an independent expert across all types of terrain.