3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability with a stylish and sleek frame. A lot of them come with a fabric sling seat with a cosy lay flat bed and a perfect weight distribution, perfect for babies from birth.
The wheels are bigger and often include suspension to allow for smooth movement over a variety of terrains. The only drawback is that they may be heavier and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are very solid - they don't fall over as easily as pushchairs that have four wheels when traveling in a straight line and you'll find that you can manoeuvre them much more quickly and easily. However, if you try to stop or turn suddenly, they'll lose stability and could be prone to tipping over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel also allows you to tackle off-road terrain. Choose models with air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road paths, sand and dirt, as well as other surfaces such as sand and rock. These models will also feature wheels that lock in the front to improve stability over rough terrain.
The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.
If you are looking for a seat made of fabric, these tend to be lower in the frame compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly providing an easier ride.
Most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light travel system and pushchair to its product line with the eye-catching Citylife. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban life, and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It has four wheels and has a unique pewter black aluminium frame, which the company claims is 'light and compact'. It's just 2cm larger than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are many 3 wheel buggies which can be folded compactly and can fit into smaller spaces. Many of them can be folded using just one hand, and are easy to wash down. Some of the smaller models have a simple handlebar-height adjustment, while others feature adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. Some models could have a large basket and a brake lever that's quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rocky terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be better able to cope with off-road conditions better than one with four wheels, however both can be stuck in tight spots. A model with bigger rear and front wheels can assist. This allows them to push over uneven ground and is often helpful in moving up and down steep kerbs.
One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its responsive handling despite its three-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath has tested it with her child, and she said that "it was very well-handled on cobbles, bumpy surfaces, dirt roads, gravel tracks and even some hills."
Stella Stella, the brand new all-terrain 3-wheel buggy by Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It is suitable from birth when used with a carrycot. It is slightly larger than the lighter 4-wheelers but it features air-filled tires, three recline positions, and a single-hand fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity, though - it's compatible with all the brands' infant car seats and strollers. You can design your own travel system, no matter if you're planning to take a an easy stroll or a longer one, by using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of designs and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide a comfortable performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres last longer. The type you choose will be based on your personal preferences and the location you live in.
If you intend to travel on unpaved roads or on rough terrain frequently you may think about a three-wheeler with more robust tyres. You should also consider the type of suspension you require. Suspensions that are strong are ideal to deal with humps and bumps but they can be heavy, adding to the overall weight.
The size of the tyre is crucial. Understanding how to understand tyre sizing is vital for maintaining safety, performance, and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the tyre's sidewall might be confusing until you get the hang of it, you'll be able to comprehend the tyre's dimensions. For instance, a tyre size of "185/70 R14' means that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has 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 across a smooth and tied surface. If the tires slide easily they are made of PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheel buggy will make it more comfortable for your child because it absorbs any knocks or bumps that occur from rough terrain. Having large wheels, that are air-filled, and lockable to provide stability when jogging also important as this will ensure that your buggy is capable of navigating off road surfaces easily.
There are a variety of buggy designs to fit every lifestyle and budget. The Mountain Buggy, for example was the first to introduce all-terrain agility in three-wheel buggies. With an engineering and geometry that is perfect, their fabrics sling seat sits snug inside the frame, in contrast to sitting on top like modular seats, offering the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the ideal height for optimal weight distribution to easily tackle the kerb pops.
Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that boasts a sleek style with large highly manoeuvrable front wheel, a great suspension and an easy-to-use twist handbrake. MFM reviewer Kath put the buggy through its paces by taking it for a walk on a rough terrain. She found that it was able to handle it very well and claimed that it "navigates over grass, bumpy sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks, and even makes it easy to go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. It comes in a variety of colours that will complement your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar and a spacious basket. You can also pick from a range of infant car seats to transform the buggy into a pram, including the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a cosy lie flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the buggy more stable, less likely for it to tip over, and more easy to maneuver. It is also safer for your child because 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 lift over curbs and up the stairs. The fabric sling seats are placed inside the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This results in a lower seat position and buggy that is easily pushed.
If three wheel pushchair looking to run with your child, then a 4-wheeler is the ideal option. It comes with a suspension system that allows the front wheel of the buggie to move independently from the rear. This allows you to take on rough terrain or bumpy roads. However it is not the case that all 4 wheel buggies can be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception because they come with an exclusive suspension system that has been tested independently across all types of terrain.