3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability in a stylish and slim frame. Many of them have seats made of fabric that have a comfortable lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution, perfect for babies from birth.
The wheels are larger and often have suspension to allow for smooth, fluid mobility on various terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they can be heavier and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are extremely stable - they don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when traveling in a straight line. Also, you'll notice that you can manoeuvre them much more quickly and efficiently. If you attempt to stop or turn suddenly, they'll lose stability and may fall over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also take on off-road terrain using the additional wheel. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) because they can deal with off-road trails and other surfaces like rocks, sand, and mud. They'll also have the option of locking the front wheel to add stability over really rough ground.
Buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They also pass the same stability standards worldwide and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a fabric sling seat, these tend to be placed lower in the frame than modular seats, so that your baby's center of gravity is closer to the ground which means a smoother ride and a lighter kerb pop (you don't need to apply as much pressure or effort to get the buggy up and over the curb).
Popular for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight travel system and pushchair to its line-up with the striking Citylife. The model is designed for urban living and is compatible for newborns with a carrycot or infant car seat. It comes with four wheels as well as a unique pewter-black aluminium frame, which the brand describes as'slim and compact. It's just 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a good choice of 3 wheel buggies that fold down to fit in smaller spaces. They can be folded with one hand and are easy to wipe down. Some of the smaller models have a simple handlebar-height adjustment, while others feature adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. They may also have large, spacious baskets and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeled model is typically better equipped to deal with off-road conditions as in comparison to a model with four wheels however both may get stuck in tight corners. A model with bigger rear and front wheels can aid. This makes it easier to push them over rough terrain and can aid in getting up and down high curbs.
One option is the new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it out with her infant and said that "it did really well on cobbles, bumpy surfaces and gravel tracks, dirt roads and some hills."
Another great alternative is the new all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi's car seat brand, called Stella. It is suitable from birth, if it is used in conjunction with a carrycot. It's a bit bigger than the lightweight 4-wheelers, but it has air-filled tires, three recline positions, and a one-handed fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity - it's compatible across all the brand's car seats and strollers for infants. This means you can build your ideal travel system for day-today or longer walks using the chassis as a foundation.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in many styles and materials. Each has its own pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide an easy ride and excellent maneuverability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type of tyre you choose will depend on your lifestyle and the place it is that you live.
For 3 wheeler pushchair , if you intend to frequently travel on rough or unpaved terrain, you might think about a 3-wheeler that has sturdier tires. You should also consider the type of suspension that you require. Strong suspensions are useful to deal with humps and bumps but they can be heavy and add to the overall weight.
Another aspect to be considered is tyre size. Understanding how to read the tyre size is important for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of numbers and letters on a tyre sidewall may seem confusing, but once you decode it, you can understand the tyre dimensions. A tyre that has an 185/70 size R14, for example indicates that it is a radial tire in the 185/70 size with a 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you aren't sure if the tires of a pushchair are rubber or PU, slide the tires on an even surface. If the tires move easily they are made of PU. If they don't then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a 3 wheel buggy is an essential aspect to consider as it will absorb the bumps and knocks of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are air-filled and are able to be locked to ensure stability while jogging are important. This will enable your buggy to travel on off-road surfaces effortlessly.
Based on the type of buggie you're looking for There are a variety of options that will fit all lifestyles and budgets. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. Their sling seats made of fabrics are designed with precise design and engineering to fit comfortably inside the frame instead of on top like modular seats. This gives an lower center of gravity, and is placed at the perfect height to spread weight evenly to take on bumps.
Another great option is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule which boasts a sleek design with a massive, manoeuvrable front wheel, excellent suspension and a simple handbrake that twists. MFM reviewer Kath really put this buggy to the test by taking it for a walk through rough ground and found that it adapted to the terrain well. She said that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, roads, dirt tracks and even makes a light work of going up and down the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road choice. It comes in a variety of colours that match your style. It also comes with a movable handlebar and a spacious basket. You can also choose from a variety of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) that is a comfortable, flat bed for newborns or babies from 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the pushchair 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-wheel buggy also tends to have a lower center of gravity and therefore is more easy to roll over curbs and up the stairs. The fabric sling seats are positioned inside the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This results in a low seat position and buggy that is easily moved.
However, if you want to go out for a run with your baby then a four-wheeler is better suited as it has suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel which allows you to navigate bumpy roads and rough terrain be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most aren't, such as the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception because they come with an exclusive suspension system that has been independently tested across all types of terrain.