3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer excellent maneuverability with a stylish and slim frame. Many of these feature seats made of fabric that have a cosy lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution that is ideal for babies from birth.
The wheels are larger and often have suspensions for smooth movement over different terrains. The only drawback is that they may be heavier and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are very stable and don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when going in a straight line and you'll find that you can maneuver them more quickly and efficiently. If you attempt to stop or turn suddenly they'll lose their stability and could be prone to tipping 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 by adding an 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 paths as well as other surfaces such as rocks, sand, and mud. They'll also typically include a lockable front wheel to add stability over really rough ground.
The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're in search of a fabric sling seat, then they tend to be set lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the ground and provides a more comfortable ride and a lighter kerb pop (you don't need to apply the same amount of pressure or exertion to get the buggy over and up a Kerb).
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight travel system and pushchair to its range with the eye-catching Citylife. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It has four wheels and an exclusive pewter-black aluminum frame, which the brand describes as'slim' and compact. It's only 2cm wide 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. They can be folded with a single hand and are easy to wipe down. The smallest models will have an easy height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others could have an adjustable suspension and an extendable 50+ UV canopy. Certain models may come with a large basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeled model is typically better equipped to handle off-road terrain compared to a 4-wheeled model, though both may get stuck in tight corners. A model with bigger rear and front wheels can help. This allows you to push them across rough terrain, and can aid in getting up and down the steep slopes.
The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its surprising agility despite its 3-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her infant and 3-year-old son and reported that "it handles really well over bumpy pavements, cobbles gravel tracks and dirt roads and also on a few hills."
Stella Stella, the all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi, is another option. It's suitable from birth when used with the carrycot and is a slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim frame of 54cm wide) however it has large, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions and a fast one-hand fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity. It's compatible across all the brand's car seats and strollers for infants. You can create your own travel system, no matter if you're planning to take a an easy stroll or a longer one, by using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are offered in a variety of styles and materials. Each comes with its own pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example, offer an easy ride and excellent manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you choose will be based on your personal preferences and where you live.
For example, if you intend to frequently travel on rough or unpaved terrain, you may want to consider an all-wheeler with more durable tyres. Take into consideration the type of suspension you require. The suspensions that are strong are great to deal with humps and bumps but they can also be heavy, adding to the overall weight.
Another important factor to consider is the tyre's size. Knowing how to read tyre sizing is crucial to ensure safety, performance, and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewalls of tyres can seem confusing until you get the hang of it, you'll be able to comprehend the tyre's dimensions. A tyre that has an 185/70 size R14 for instance is a radial tire in 185/70 with a 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you aren't sure if a pushchair's tires are rubber or PU, slide the tires across the surface with a smooth surface. If they move easily, then the tires are made from PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a three wheel buggy is an essential component to look for because it will absorb the jolts and bumps of rough terrain making it more comfortable for your child. Large wheels that are air-filled and can be locked to provide stability when jogging are also crucial. This will allow your buggy to travel on off-road surfaces with ease.
Depending on the type of buggy you're looking for There are options that will fit all lifestyles and budgets. The Mountain Buggy, for example was the first to introduce all-terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. With an engineering and geometry that is perfect, their fabrics sling seat sits snug inside the frame as opposed to being on top of modular seats, resulting in the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the perfect height for optimal weight distribution to easily tackle kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another great option. It sports a sleek design, a huge wheel that is easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also features an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath put the buggy through its trials by taking it for a walk on a rough terrain. She found that it performed admirably, saying that it "navigates over grass, bumpy cobbles, sidewalks, and dirt tracks, and makes it easy to drive up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. 3 wheeled pushchairs comes in a range of colors that will match your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket, and a 50+ UV hood. You can also select from a range of infant car seats that transform the buggy into pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) which is a comfortable lie-flat mattress for babies and infants up to 12 month old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable, less likely for it to tip over, and more easy to maneuver. It also makes it safer for your child as the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy has lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to climb over curbs and get up. The fabric sling seats are positioned inside the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This creates a low seat and an automobile that is easily maneuvered.
However, if you'd like to go out 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 rear one to allow you to tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most are NOT, such as the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception since they feature an exclusive suspension system that has been independently tested across all kinds of terrain.