3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are stylish and sleek, and have excellent maneuverability. Many of them come with an upholstered sling that has an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution and are ideal from birth.
The wheels are larger and typically come with suspensions to allow for smooth, swift movement on different terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they may be heavier and bulkier to transport and store.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are extremely stable and don't tip over as easily as pushchairs that have four wheels when going in a straight line, and you'll find that you can maneuver them more quickly and effortlessly. However, if you try to stop or turn suddenly they'll lose their stability and may be prone to tipping over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel can also help you tackle off-road terrain. Look for models with air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that can be used to handle off-road trails, sand, dirt, as well as other surfaces, such as rocks and sand. These models also come with a lockable wheel in the front to improve stability over rough terrain.
The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile with 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a fabric seat, these tend to be lower in the frame compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly providing a smoother ride.
Most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an ultra-light pushchair and travel system to its line-up with the eye-catching Citylife. This 3-in-1 is perfect for urban living, and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It comes with four wheels as well as an unique pewter-black frame that is described by the brand as'slim and compact. It's only 2cm wide than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a lot of 3 wheel buggies that can be folded down to fit into smaller spaces. 3 wheeled pushchair of these buggies can be folded in one hand, and are easy to clean. The smallest models will feature a simple height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others may have an adjustable suspension as well as an extended 50+ UV canopy. They may also have large, spacious baskets and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most reliable 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain
A 3-wheeled buggy is usually better equipped to handle off-road conditions compared to a 4-wheeled model, though both may get stuck in tight corners. A model with larger front and rear wheels can aid. This will make them easier to push across rough terrain and will often help with moving up and down the high kerbs.
The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its surprising agility despite its 3-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it out with her child and said that "it did really well on bumpy surfaces, cobbles and dirt roads, gravel tracks and some hills."
Stella, the new all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It is suitable from birth when used with a carrycot. It's a bit bigger than the lightweight 4-wheelers, but it features air-filled tires with three recline positions and a single-hand fold.
Its main selling feature is its modularity. It's compatible across all the brand's baby strollers and car seats. You can create your own travel system, whether you're looking to go for a a short walk or take a longer stroll, by using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres of 3 wheel buggies come in a range of styles and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide an easy ride and excellent manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you pick will depend on your lifestyle and the location you live in.
For instance, if are planning to travel frequently on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you might think about an all-wheeler with more durable tyres. You should also think about the type of suspension that you require. A strong suspension is ideal to handle bumps and humps, however it can be heavy and increase the overall weight of your pushchair.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the tyre. Knowing how to read tyre sizing is crucial to ensure safety as well as performance and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre's sidewall can be confusing at first, but decoding it allows you to understand the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre that has an 185/70 size R14, for example is a radial tire with a diameter of the 185/70 size with 14-inch rim size.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure if a pushchair has rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires across a smooth and tied surface. If the tires slide smoothly they are made of PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a 3 wheel buggy is an important component to look for because it will absorb the jolts and bumps of rough terrain, making it more comfortable for your child. Large wheels which are filled with air and lockable for stability during jogging is also important as this will ensure that your buggy is capable of maneuvering off road surfaces with ease.
Based on the type of buggie you're looking for There are a variety of options to suit all lifestyles and budgets. For instance the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a 3-wheel buggies. With an engineering and geometry that is perfect their fabric sling seat sits snug inside the frame as opposed to being on top of modular seats, providing a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the right height for the best weight distribution, allowing it to easily take on kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It features an elegant design, a big wheel that's easy to maneuver and comes with a superb suspension. It also features a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put the buggy through its trials by walking on a rough terrain. She was impressed with how it was able to handle it very 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 is another popular off-road model and, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a range of colours to match your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar, a large basket and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also choose from a variety of infant car seats that will convert the buggy to pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm), which is a comfortable, flat bed for newborns or babies up to 12 month old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy much more stable and less likely to tip, and easier to maneuver. It also makes it safer for your child because the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheeler is also likely to have a lower center of gravity and therefore is more easy to roll up and over curbs. 3 wheeled pushchair of the fabric sling are built into the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This creates a low seat position and a buggy that can be easily maneuvered.
If you're looking to go out for a run with your baby then a four-wheeler is better suited since it will have a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the rear one so you can tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most are NOT like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception because they come with a suspension system specifically designed for them that's been tested independently across all kinds of terrain.