3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are stylish and sleek, and have outstanding maneuverability. A lot of them have a fabric sling with an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed, which is ideal for weight distribution and are ideal for babies from the age of.
The wheels are larger and typically have suspension to allow for smooth, swift mobility on various terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they tend to be more bulky and heavy to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies provide a lot of stability. They don't tip over as easily when driving straight. You can also manoeuvre faster. If you stop or turn abruptly, they can lose stability and even tip over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel also allows you tackle off-road terrain. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road trails and other surfaces including sand, mud and rock. These models also come with a lockable wheel on the front to increase the stability of the vehicle over rough terrain.
The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile with 360o front swivel wheel. They will also pass the same global stability standards and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you are looking for a seat made of fabric that are breathable, they tend to be 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 recently expanded its product line with the Citylife compact travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban life, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It has four wheels and has an exclusive black pewter frame that the manufacturer claims is 'slim and compact' - it's actually only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a variety of 3 wheel buggies that can be folded in a compact way to fit into smaller spaces. A majority of these buggies are able to be folded with one hand and are easy-to-clean. The smallest models will feature an easy height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others may have an adjustable suspension or an extended 50+ UV canopy. They could also come with an enormous, spacious basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rocky terrain
A 3-wheeled vehicle is generally better equipped to handle off-road conditions in comparison to a model with four wheels, though both may get stuck in tight corners. A model with larger front and rear wheels will assist. This makes it easier to push them across rough terrain and will assist you in climbing up and down steep curbs.
One option is the new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her baby and reported that "it did really well on bumpy surfaces, cobbles dirt roads, gravel tracks and some hills."
Another alternative is the newest 3-wheel buggy that is all-terrain from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi named Stella. It is suitable for babies from birth when used with a carrycot. It's slightly bigger than the 4-wheelers that are lighter, but it features air-filled tires with three recline positions and a single-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity - it's compatible across all the brand's baby strollers and car seats. 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 on 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of designs and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air offer a great performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type of tyre you select will be determined by your lifestyle and where you live.
If you intend to travel on roads that are not paved or rough terrain often you may think about a three-wheeler equipped with more robust tyres. You should also consider the type of suspension that you need. Strong suspension is useful to handle bumps and humps. However, it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.
Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is the tyre's size. Knowing how to read the tyre size is important for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewalls of tyres can seem confusing however, once you understand it, you will be able to understand the tyre's dimensions. A tyre having a size of 185/70 R14 for instance, means that it is a radial tire that has a size of 185/70 with 14-inch rim diameter.
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 the surface with a smooth surface. If they slide easily then the tires are made of PU. If they do not, then the tires are composed of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a 3 wheel buggy is an essential element to look for as it absorbs the jolts and bumps of rough terrain, making it more comfortable for your baby. Having large wheels, which are filled with air and can be locked for stability during jogging is crucial to ensure that your buggy is capable of maneuvering off roads with ease.
There are many choices for buggy styles that will suit any lifestyle and budget. The Mountain Buggy, for example was the first to introduce all-terrain agility in three-wheel buggie. With perfect geometry and engineering, their fabrics sling seat is tucked away inside the frame, in contrast to sitting on top like modular seats, resulting in a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the right height for optimal weight distribution to easily tackle kerb pops.
Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule which boasts a sleek design with a large, highly maneuverable front wheel, excellent suspension and a simple handbrake that twists. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its paces by taking it for a walk on a rough terrain. She was impressed with how it was able to handle it very well and said that it "navigates over bumpy grass, cobbles, sidewalks, 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 choice. It is available in a range of colors that will complement your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket and a 50+ UV hood. You can also choose from a selection of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) that is a comfy lie-flat mattress for babies and infants from 12 months old.
Safety
Having four wheels makes the buggy more stable, less likely to tip, and easier to maneuver. 3 wheeled pushchair makes it more secure for your baby since their weight is distributed more evenly throughout the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled buggy has lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to get over curbs and walk up. The sling seat is affixed in the frame instead of on top of it like modular seats. This results in a lower seating position and a comparatively lighter buggy that is more easily maneuvered.
However, if you want to go for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler may be more suitable as it will have a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back one so you can tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads - just bear in mind not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most aren't, such as the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception, as they have an exclusive suspension system that has been independently tested across all terrains.