3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability in a stylish and streamlined frame. Many of them have an upholstered sling seat that has a cosy lay flat bed and a perfect weight distribution, ideal from birth.
The wheels are bigger and typically have suspension to allow for smooth, fluid moving on different terrains. The only downside is that they can be more heavy and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies offer a lot of stability. They aren't prone to tipping over as easily when going straight. You can also manoeuvre faster. If you stop or turn abruptly, they could lose their stability and fall over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
You can also tackle off-road terrain by adding an extra wheel. Choose models that have air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres) that can be used to handle off-road paths, sand and mud, and other surfaces such as sand and rock. These models also come with an adjustable wheel that locks on the front, which will increase stability over rough terrain.
The buggies are simple to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
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 and provides a more comfortable ride and less kerb pop (you do not need to apply as much pressure or exertion to get the buggy over and up the curb).
Maxi-Cosi is a household name for its car seat range, but it has recently expanded its product line with the Citylife compact travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 is perfect for urban living and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. three wheeled buggies comes with four wheels as well as an unique pewter-black frame that the brand calls'slim' and compact. It's only 2cm wide than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a wide selection of 3 wheel buggies that fold up to fit in smaller spaces. Many of them can be folded using one hand and are simple to wash down. Some of the smaller models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, whereas others come with adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. Some models could have an enormous basket as well as a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most reliable 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain
A 3-wheeler will typically be better able to cope with off-road conditions better than a 4-wheel model, although both models can get stuck in difficult spots. But, picking a model with larger wheels both front and back can help. This will make it easier to push them over rough terrain and can assist you in climbing up and down steep curbs.
The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its remarkable agility despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath has tested it with her infant and reported that "it handled really well on bumpy surfaces, cobbles and gravel tracks, dirt roads and a few hills."
Another great alternative is the newest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi named Stella. It's suitable for babies when used with the carrycot. It's a little bigger than the lightweight 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim frame of 54cm wide) however it has large, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions, and a swift one-hand fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity - it's compatible with all of the brands' infant strollers and car seats. You can design your own travel system, no matter if you're planning to take a shorter walk or a longer one using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of designs and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres offer an effortless ride and superior maneuverability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type of tyre you select will depend on your lifestyle and the place it is that you live.
If you intend to travel on roads that are not paved or rough terrain often you may be interested in a three-wheeler with more robust tyres. You should also think about the type of suspension that you require. Strong suspension is useful to handle bumps and humps, but it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.
Another aspect to be considered is the tyre's size. Understanding how to read tyre sizing is crucial to ensure safety performance, durability, and performance. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre sidewall may appear confusing, but once you decode it, you'll be able to comprehend the tyre's dimensions. A tyre having the size 185/70 R14 for instance, means that it is a radial tire that has a size of the 185/70 size with a 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're not sure if the tires on a pushchair are rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires over an even and secure surface. If they move easily, then the tires are made from PU. If they do not then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a 3 wheel buggy is an important component to look for because it absorbs the smacks and bumps of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are air-filled and can be locked to provide stability when running are essential. This will enable your buggy to navigate off-road surfaces effortlessly.
Based on the type of buggie you're looking for, there are choices to fit every lifestyle and budgets. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a 3-wheel buggies. The sling seats made of fabric are designed with the perfect design and engineering to fit snugly inside the frame, rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This creates a lower center of gravity and is placed at the perfect height to distribute weight evenly to take on kerbs.
Another option worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that has a sleek design with a massive, manoeuvrable front wheel, a great suspension and an easy-to-use twist handbrake. MFM reviewer Kath took this buggy to the test by taking it on an excursion through the rough terrain and she was impressed with how it was able to handle the terrain well saying that it 'navigates easily over grass, bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt tracks and even makes a light work of going up and down the 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 features an adjustable handlebar, a large basket and a 50+ UV hood. You can also select from a range of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram, including the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a comfy lie-flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns from 12 months to 12 years old.
Safety
Four wheels make the buggy more stable and less likely to tip over and is easier to maneuver. It is also safer for your child as the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheel buggy also tends to have a lower center of gravity, making it easier to lift over curbs and up the stairs. The seats made of fabric are placed inside the frame, not on top like modular seats. This results in a low seat and a buggy that can be easily pushed.
If you're looking to run with your child, a 4-wheeler is the best option. It has a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently from the rear wheel. This allows you to take on rough terrain or bumpy roads. However, not all four-wheel buggies can be used for running. The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially designed suspension system that has been independently tested across all terrains.