3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look elegant and sleek, with outstanding maneuverability. Many of these feature a fabric sling seat with an incredibly comfortable lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution, perfect for babies from birth.
The wheels are larger and usually come with suspensions to allow for smooth, fluid mobility on various terrains. The only drawback is that they could be more heavy and bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are extremely stable - they don't tip over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when going in a straight line, and you'll notice that you can maneuver them more quickly and easily. If you stop or turn abruptly, they may lose stability and even tip over. 3 wheeled pushchair 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 by adding an extra wheel. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road routes as well as other surfaces such as sand, mud and rock. These models will also feature a lockable wheel on the front to increase stability over rough terrain.
The buggies are simple to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.
If you are looking for a seat made of cloth, these tend to be smaller in the frame as compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly ensuring the smoothest ride.
Maxi-Cosi is a household name for its car seats however, it has recently expanded its product range with the Citylife, a lightweight travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living, and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It has four wheels and an exclusive pewter-black aluminum frame that is described by the brand as'slim' and compact. It's only 2cm wide than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are many 3 wheel buggies which can be folded in a compact way to can fit into smaller spaces. A lot of these buggies can be folded with one hand and are easy-to-clean. Some of the tiniest models come with a simple handlebar height adjustment, whereas others come with adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. They may also have large, spacious baskets and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be better able to cope with off-road conditions than a 4-wheel model, although both can get stuck in difficult spots. A model with bigger rear and front wheels can aid. This will make them easier to push across rough terrain and can help in getting up and down high kerbs.
One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath used it with her infant and 3-year-old son and reported that "it is very well-handled over bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt roads and gravel tracks and also on a few hills."
Stella Stella, the brand new all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi, is another option. It is suitable from birth if used with a carrycot. It's a bit bigger than the 4-wheelers that are lighter, but it features air-filled tires and three recline positions and a one-handed fold.
Its main selling feature 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 just the chassis as a base.
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 maneuverability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type of tyre you select will be determined by your lifestyle and the place it is that you live.
If you plan to travel on unpaved roads or on rough terrain frequently you may think about a three-wheeler that has more durable tyres. Also, you should consider the type of suspension that you need. Strong suspension is useful for handling bumps and humps. However, it can be heavy and add to the overall weight of your pushchair.
The size of the tyre is crucial. Understanding how to determine the sizing of a tyre is essential for ensuring safety, performance, and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the tyre's sidewall might be confusing however, once you understand it, you can understand the tyre dimensions. A tyre with an 185/70 size R14, for example, means that it is a radial tire with a diameter of the 185/70 size with 14-inch rim size.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are lighter and more puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you are unsure if the tires of a pushchair are rubber or PU, slide the tires on an even surface. If the tires slide smoothly they are made of PU. If they do not, then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheel buggy will make it more comfortable for your child because it will absorb any knocks or bumps that occur from rough terrain. Large wheels which are filled with air and can be locked to ensure stability while jogging is also important as this will ensure that your buggy will be capable of navigating off roads with ease.
There are many choices for buggy styles to suit every budget and lifestyle. The Mountain Buggy, for example is the first all-terrain vehicle to be developed in three-wheel buggies. With perfect geometry and engineering, their fabrics sling seat sits snug inside the frame, in contrast to on top like modular seats, resulting in the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the right height to ensure optimal weight distribution to easily tackle kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It has a sleek design, a big wheel that's easy to move and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also has the twist handbrake to facilitate ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its paces by going for a ride through rough terrain. She found that it performed admirably and said 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 option. It comes in a variety of colors that will complement your style. It also comes with a movable handlebar as well as a large basket. You can also choose from a range of infant car seats that will transform the buggy into pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) that is a comfortable lie-flat bed for newborns or babies until 12 months old.
Safety
The presence of four wheels makes the buggy more stable, less likely to tip over and easier to maneuver. It is also safer for your child because the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheeled vehicle has a lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to climb over curbs and walk up. The fabric sling seats are positioned inside the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This results in a low seat and an automobile that is easily moved.
If you're looking to run with your child, then an all-wheeler is the best option. It has a suspension system that allows the front wheel of the buggie to be independent from the rear. This will allow you to take on rough terrain or bumpy roads. However there are some limitations to four-wheel buggies can be used for running. The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been tested independently on all types of terrain.