3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look stylish and sleek, with outstanding maneuverability. A lot of them have an sling made of fabric with an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution, and are perfect from birth.
The wheels are bigger and typically come with suspensions to allow for smooth, fluid mobility on various terrains. The only drawback is that they may be more heavy and bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies offer a lot of stability. They aren't prone to tipping over as easily when moving straight. You can also maneuver faster. If you attempt to turn or stop suddenly they'll lose their stability and can tip over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs in order to increase the stability of the chassis.
You can also tackle off-road terrain using the additional wheel. Choose models with air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road trails, sand, mud, and other surfaces like rocks and sand. These models will also have an adjustable wheel that locks in the front to improve stability on rough terrain.
The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They will also pass the same global stability standards and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're in search of a fabric sling, then they are typically placed lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the ground which means a smoother ride and less kerb pop (you do not need to apply the same amount of pressure or effort to lift the buggy over and up the curb).
Maxi-Cosi is a household name for its car seat collection However, it recently expanded its product range with the Citylife lightweight travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It comes with four wheels as well as a unique pewter-black aluminium frame that is described by the brand as'slim' and compact. It's smaller at 2cm than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a wide selection of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to fit into smaller space. A majority of these buggies are able to be folded in one hand, and are easy to clean. The smallest models will have an easy handlebar height adjustment, while others may feature an adjustable suspension or an extendable 50+ UV canopy. They may also feature large, spacious baskets and a quick-release brake lever.
The best 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain
A 3-wheeled vehicle is generally better equipped to deal with off-road conditions as compared to a 4-wheeled model but both may get stuck in tight corners. A model with larger front and rear wheels will help. This makes them easier to push over rough ground and is often helpful in moving up and down the high kerbs.
The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its astonishing agility despite its 3-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath used it with her baby and 3-year-old son and reported that "it handles really well over cobbles, bumpy pavements, dirt roads and gravel tracks, as well as on a few hills."
Stella, the new 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 a smaller than the light 4wheelers (with an impressively slim 54cm wide frame) however it has large air-filled tyres. It also has 3 recline positions and a fast one-hand fold.
Its main selling point is its modularity - it's compatible with all of the brand's 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 starting point.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of styles and materials. Each one has its own pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example offer an easy ride and excellent maneuverability, while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you select will be based on your personal preferences and where you live.
If you intend to travel on unpaved roads or rough terrain often, you might be interested in a three-wheeler that has more durable tyres. You should also think about the type of suspension that you require. The suspensions that are strong are great to deal with humps and bumps however they can be quite heavy and add to the overall weight.
Another aspect to be considered is tyre size. Knowing how to determine the sizing of a tyre is essential for maintaining safety, performance, and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre's sidewall can seem confusing initially, but understanding it helps you understand the tyre's dimensions. For instance, a tyre's size of '185/70 R14 indicates that the tire is a 185/70 radial with a 14 inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure if the pushchair you are using has rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires over an even and secure surface. If the tires slide smoothly they are made of PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three wheel buggy makes it more comfortable for your child because it absorbs any bumps or knocks from rough terrain. Large wheels that are air-filled, and that can be locked to ensure stability when jogging are also essential. This will allow your buggy to travel on off-road surfaces with ease.
Based on the type of buggie you're seeking There are options that will fit all lifestyles and budgets. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. With perfect geometry and engineering their sling seat made of fabric rests comfortably within the frame, as opposed to being on top of modular seats, offering the lowest 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 has an elegant design, a huge wheel that's easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also features the twist handbrake to facilitate ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its trials by taking it for a walk through rough terrain. She was impressed with how it was able to handle it very well and claimed that it "navigates over grass, bumpy sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks and allows you to easily go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. It is available in a range of colors that will complement your style. 3 wheel pushchair 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 convert the buggy into a pram, including the elegantly 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
Having four wheels makes the buggy more stable, less likely to tip over and easier to maneuver. It is also 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 centre of gravity, making it easier to pop over curbs and up the stairs. The sling seat is affixed within the frame, not over it as modular seats. This creates a low seating position, and a lighter buggy that can be easily maneuvered.
If you're looking to go out for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler may be better suited as it comes with 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 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most aren't like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception since they feature an exclusive suspension system that has been tested independently across all terrains.