3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look stylish and sleek, with outstanding maneuverability. Many of these feature an upholstered sling seat that has an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed and a perfect weight distribution, perfect from the moment of birth.
The wheels are larger and, in many cases, come with suspension for agile smooth movements on different terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they may be bulkier and heavier to transport and store.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are very stable - they don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when they're in a straight line and you'll notice that you can manoeuvre them much more quickly and easily. If you attempt to stop or turn abruptly, they'll lose stability and may be prone to tipping over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs in order to increase the stability of the chassis.
You can also conquer off-road terrain with the extra wheel. Look for models with air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road trails, sand, 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 on rough terrain.
The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile with 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you are in the market for a seat made of fabric they are typically less upright in comparison to modular seats. This means that your baby's center of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly providing a smoother ride.
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an ultra-light pushchair and travel system to its range with the attractive Citylife. The 3-in-1 model was designed for urban living and is suitable starting at birth with a newborn car seat or carrycot for infants. It has four wheels and an exclusive pewter black aluminium frame that the manufacturer claims is 'slim and compact'. It's just 2cm larger than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to fit into smaller spaces. A lot of these buggies can be folded with one hand and are easy-to-clean. The smallest models will come with a simple handlebar height adjustment, while others could have an adjustable suspension or an extended 50+ UV canopy. Certain models may come with an enormous basket as well as a brake lever that is quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rocky terrain
A 3-wheel buggy will usually be more adept at dealing with off-road terrain than a 4-wheel model, but both can get stuck in tight places. However, choosing a model that has larger wheels on both sides will help. This makes it easier to push them across rough terrain and will aid in getting up and down high curbs.
The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its surprising agility despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her baby and 3-year-old son and reported that "it handles really well over cobbles, bumpy pavements, dirt roads and gravel tracks as well as on a few hills."
Another great option is the latest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy made by car seat brand Maxi-Cosi, called Stella. It can be used from birth when used with a carrycot. It's slightly bigger than the 4-wheelers that are lighter, but it has air-filled tires, three recline positions, and an easy fold with one hand.
Its main selling feature is its modularity. It's compatible across all the brand's car seats and strollers for infants. You can design your own travel system, no matter if you're planning to take a an easy stroll or a longer one, using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres of 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of designs and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example offer a smooth ride and great maneuverability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you pick will depend on your lifestyle and where you live.
For instance, if intend to frequently travel on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you may be interested in an all-wheeler with more durable tires. Think about the kind of suspension you need. Suspensions that are strong are ideal to deal with humps and bumps but they can also be heavy and add to the overall weight.
Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is the tyre's size. Understanding how to read the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of numbers and letters on the tyre's sidewall might appear confusing however, once you understand it, you will be able to understand the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre's size of "185/70 R14 indicates that the tire is a 185/70 radius with 14 inches of rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber ones. If you aren't sure if a pushchair's tires are rubber or PU, try sliding the tires on the surface with a smooth surface. If the tires slide smoothly and smoothly, they're made of PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three wheel buggy can make it more comfortable for your child because it absorbs any knocks or bumps that occur from rough terrain. Large wheels that are air-filled, and lockable to provide stability when jogging essential to ensure that your buggy will be capable of maneuvering off roads with ease.
There are many choices for buggy designs to fit every lifestyle and budget. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a 3-wheel buggies. 3 wheel pushchair sling seats made of fabric are designed with perfect geometry and engineering that fits snugly inside the frame, instead of on top like modular seats. This provides a lower center of gravity and sits at the ideal height to spread weight evenly to conquer bumps.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It has sleek design, a large wheel that's easy to maneuver and comes with a superb suspension. It also features the twist handbrake to facilitate ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath really put this buggy to the test by taking it on a walk through rough ground and she was impressed with how it handled the terrain really well saying that it 'navigates easily over grass, bumpy pavements, cobbles dirt tracks, and makes light work of climbing and descending the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off road option and like the Urban Glide 2, comes with a variety of colours to complement your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar, a large basket, and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also pick from a range of infant car seats that transform the buggy into pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) that is a comfy lie-flat bed for newborns or babies from 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the buggy more stable, less likely for it to tip over and is easier to maneuver. It also makes it safer for your child as the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheeler is also likely to have a lower centre of gravity and therefore is easier to pop up and over curbs. The seats of the fabric sling 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're looking to go out for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler might be more suitable as it has a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel which allows you to navigate rough terrains and bumpy roads - just bear in mind not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most are NOT like the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been independently tested across all terrains.