3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability with a stylish and streamlined frame. A lot of them have an upholstered sling that has an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution and are suitable starting at birth.
The wheels are bigger and often include suspension to allow for smooth movement on different terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they tend to be more bulky and heavy to transport and store.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are remarkably stable and don't tip over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when traveling in a straight line and you'll find that you can maneuver them more quickly and efficiently. However, if you try to stop or turn suddenly they'll lose their stability and could tip over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also take on off-road terrain by adding an extra wheel. Look for models that have air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres), which can handle off-road trails, sand, dirt, as well as other surfaces such as rocks and sand. These models will also have a lockable wheel in the front to improve stability over rough terrain.
With the right design, engineering and weight distribution, these buggies can be turned on a dime and are easy to steer with one hand; feature 360o front swivel wheels that allow agility and mobility to be easy and light to handle. They will also pass the same stability standards worldwide and tests as buggies with four wheels.
If you're looking for a fabric sling seat, then these tend to be 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 a lighter kerb pop (you do not need to apply as much pressure or effort to lift the buggy over and up the kerb).
Maxi-Cosi is a household name for its car seat range, but it has recently expanded its product line 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 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's a good choice of 3 wheel buggies that fold down to fit into smaller spaces. Many can be folded with a single hand and are easy to wash down. Some of the smaller models have a simple handlebar-height adjustment, while others have adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. They may also feature a large, spacious basket and a brake lever with quick release.
The best 3 wheeler for rocky terrain
A 3-wheeled buggy is usually better equipped to handle off-road conditions compared to a 4-wheeled model, though both can be a bit stuck on tight corners. A model with bigger front and rear wheels can assist. This makes it easier to push them across rough terrain, and can assist you in climbing up and down steep curbs.
One option is the brand new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its quick handling, despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her baby and 3-year-old and said "it does really well on bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt roads and gravel tracks and also on some hills."
Stella Stella, the brand new all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It can be used from birth, if it is used in conjunction with a carrycot. It's slightly bigger than the 4-wheelers that are lighter, but it has air-filled tires with three recline positions and a one-handed fold.
Its main selling point is its modularity - it's compatible with all the brand's infant car seats and strollers. You can design your own travel system, whether you want to go on a short walk or a longer one, by using the chassis.
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 provide an effortless ride and superior maneuverability, while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you choose will depend on your needs and the location you live in.
If you intend to travel on unpaved roads or rough terrain often, you might want to consider a three-wheeler equipped with more robust tyres. You should also consider the type of suspension you require. A sturdy suspension is helpful 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. Understanding how to understand tyre sizing is vital to ensure safety performance, durability, and performance. The combination of letters and numbers on the tyre's sidewall might appear confusing until you get the hang of it, you will be able to understand the tyre's dimensions. For instance, a tyre's size of '185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has a 14-inch rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure whether a pushchair has rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires over an even and secure surface. If the tires move easily, they are made of PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheel buggy can make it more comfortable for your child as it will absorb any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. Large wheels that are air-filled and are able to be locked to ensure stability while jogging are essential. This will enable your buggy to travel on off-road surfaces with ease.
There are many choices for buggy designs to fit every lifestyle and budget. The Mountain Buggy, for example was the first to introduce all-terrain agility in a three-wheel buggies. With an engineering and geometry that is perfect, their fabrics sling seat sits snug inside the frame, in contrast to being on top of modular seats, resulting in a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the right height for the best weight distribution that allows it to easily handle kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another great option. It has sleek design, a big wheel that is easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also features the twist handbrake to facilitate ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath tested the buggy its paces by going for a ride on rough terrain. She was impressed with how it performed admirably and said that it "navigates over grass, bumpy sidewalks, cobbles 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 is available in a variety of colours that match your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar as well as a large basket. You can also select from a range of infant car seats that will convert the buggy to pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm), which is a comfortable, flat mattress for babies and infants up to 12 month old.
Safety
Four wheels make the pushchair more stable and less likely to tip over and easier to maneuver. It also makes it safer for your baby as their weight is distributed more evenly throughout the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeler is also likely to have a lower centre of gravity, making it easier to pop over curbs and up the stairs. The fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not on top of it like modular seats. This results in a lower seating position, and a lighter buggy that is easily maneuvered.
If 3 wheeler stroller looking to go out for a run with your baby then a four-wheeler is better suited since it comes with a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the rear one so you can tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads - just bear in mind not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most aren't like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception, as they have a suspension system specifically designed for them that's been independently tested across all types of terrain.