3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability, and are a stylish, slim frame. Many of these feature seats made of fabric that have an incredibly comfortable lying flat bed and excellent weight distribution that is ideal for babies from birth.
The wheels are larger and often include suspension to allow for smooth movement over different terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they can be heavier and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are extremely stable and don't tip over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when going in a straight line and you'll be able to manoeuvre them much more quickly and easily. If you turn or stop abruptly, they can lose stability and tip over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs in order to increase the stability of the chassis.
The extra wheel also helps you to tackle off-road terrain. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road trails and other surfaces including rocks, sand, and mud. They'll also typically come with a lockable front wheel to add stability over really rough terrain.
With the correct geometry, engineering and weight distribution, these buggies can be turned on a dime easy to steer using just one hand; have 360o front swivel wheels that allow agility and mobility to be easy and easy to handle. They also pass the same stability standards globally and tests as buggies with four wheels.
If you are looking for a seat made of fabric they are typically less upright in comparison to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground - instantly providing the smoothest ride.
Maxi-Cosi is best known for its car seat range however, it has recently expanded its product range with the Citylife compact 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 4 wheels and a unique pewter black aluminium frame that the manufacturer claims is 'light and compact' - it's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a good choice of 3 wheel buggies that fold up to fit into smaller space. Many can be folded with one hand and are easy to wash down. The smallest models will have a basic height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others could have an adjustable suspension as well as an expandable 50+ UV canopy. They may also have an enormous, spacious basket 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 handle off-road conditions in comparison to a model with four wheels but both can be a bit stuck on tight corners. But, picking a model with bigger wheels both front and back will help. This makes them easier to push over uneven ground and will often help with moving up and down steep kerbs.
One option is the brand new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath has tested it with her child and reported that "it did really well on bumpy surfaces, cobbles gravel tracks, dirt roads and even a few hills."
Stella Stella, the all-terrain 3-wheel buggy by Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It's suitable from birth when used in conjunction with the carrycot and is a slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim 54cm wide frame) but has big air-filled tyres. 3 wheeled pushchair has 3 recline positions, and a quick one-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity. It's compatible across all the brand's infant strollers and car seats. You can build your own travel system, regardless of whether you're looking to go for a shorter walk or a longer one using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres on 3 wheel buggies are available in a range of styles and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a comfortable performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type of tyre you choose will depend on your lifestyle and where it is that you live.
For example, if you intend to frequently travel on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you may be interested in an all-wheeler with more durable tires. You should also consider the type of suspension that you need. The suspensions that are strong are great for tackling bumps and humps however they can be quite heavy, adding to the overall weight.
The size of the tyre can be crucial. Knowing how to read tyre sizing is crucial for maintaining safety, performance, and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewall of a tyre may be confusing at first, but decoding it will allow you to comprehend the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre with an 185/70 size R14 for instance is a radial tire with a diameter of 185/70 and has 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure whether the pushchair you are using has rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires on a smooth and tied surface. If they move easily, then the tires are made from PU. If they do not, then the tires are composed of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheeled buggy can make it more comfortable for your child since it will absorb any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. Having large wheels, which are filled with air and lockable to provide stability when jogging essential to ensure that your buggy is capable of maneuvering off road surfaces with ease.
There are a variety of buggy styles to suit every budget and lifestyle. The Mountain Buggy, for example is the first all-terrain vehicle to be developed in a three-wheel buggie. With the perfect geometry and engineering, their fabrics sling seat rests comfortably within the frame, as opposed to sitting on top like modular seats, offering a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the right height to ensure optimal weight distribution that allows it to easily handle kerb pops.
Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule which boasts a sleek design with a massive, manoeuvrable front wheel, a great suspension and a simple twist handbrake. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it on a walk through rough ground and she was impressed with how it was able to handle the terrain well, stating that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, pavements, dirt tracks and even can be a breeze going up and down the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road model and, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes with a variety of colours to suit your style. 3 wheeled pushchair has an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket and a 50+ UV hood. You can also pick from a variety of infant car seats to convert the buggy into a pram, such as the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a comfortable lie-flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns from 12 months to 12 years old.
Safety
The presence of four wheels makes the pushchair much more stable and less likely to tip over and easier to maneuver. It can also be safer for your baby as their weight is distributed more evenly over the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity and is therefore easier to lift over curbs and up the stairs. The seats made of fabric are placed inside the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This results in a lower seat position and an automobile that is easily moved.
If you want to run with your child, a 4-wheeler is the ideal option. It comes with a suspension system which 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, not all 4 wheel buggies can be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception, as they have a specially-designed suspension system that's been independently tested across all terrains.