3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look stylish and sleek, and have outstanding maneuverability. Many of them have an upholstered sling seat that has a cosy lying flat bed and excellent weight distribution, ideal from birth.
The wheels are bigger and often have suspension to ensure smooth, fluid movement on different terrains. The only downside is that they may be heavier and more bulkier to store & 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 find that you can move them more quickly and effortlessly. If you turn or stop abruptly, they can lose stability and even tip over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
The extra wheel also helps you to tackle off-road terrain. Look for models that have air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres), which can handle off-road routes, sand and mud, and other surfaces like sand and rock. These models will also feature a lockable wheel on the front, which will increase stability over rough terrain.
With the correct geometry, engineering and weight distribution, these buggies can turn on a dime and are easy to steer with just one hand; feature 360o front swivel wheels allowing agility and mobility to be effortless and light in handling. They'll also pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a fabric sling seat, 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 which means a smoother ride and a less noticeable kerb pop (you don't have to exert the same amount of pressure or effort to get the buggy up and over a curb).
Maxi-Cosi is a household name for its car seats However, it recently expanded its product range with the Citylife lightweight travel system and pushchair. The model is designed for urban living and is suitable for newborns with a carrycot or infant car seat. It has four wheels and has an exclusive pewter black aluminium frame, which the company claims is 'slim and compact'. It's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to fit into smaller space. A majority of these buggies are able to be folded with one hand, and are easy to clean. Some of the smaller models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, while others have adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. Some models may have an enormous basket as well as a brake lever that is quick-release.
The best 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain
A 3-wheeled model is typically better equipped to handle off-road terrain compared to a 4-wheeled model however both can be a bit stuck on tight corners. However, selecting 3 wheel pushchair with bigger wheels both front and back can help. This allows you to push them over rough terrain and will aid in getting up and down high curbs.
The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its surprising agility despite its 3-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her infant and 3-year-old son and reported that "it is very well-handled over bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt roads and gravel tracks, as well as on a few hills."
Stella Stella, the all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi is another great option. It's suitable from birth when used with the carrycot. It's a slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim frame of 54cm wide) however it has large air-filled tyres. It also has 3 recline positions, and a quick one-hand fold.
Its main selling point is its modularity, though - it's compatible with all of the brands' infant car seats and strollers. This means you can build your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks, using just the chassis as a starting point.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of styles and materials. Each comes with its own pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example, offer an effortless ride and superior maneuverability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The kind of tyre you pick will be determined by your lifestyle and the place it is that you live.
If you plan to travel on roads that are not paved or in rough terrain frequently you may think about a three-wheeler equipped with more robust tyres. You should also think about the type of suspension you require. Strong suspensions are useful for tackling bumps and humps but they can also be heavy, adding to the overall weight.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the tyre. Understanding how to understand tyre sizing is vital for ensuring safety, performance, and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewalls of tyres can be initially, but decoding it allows you to understand the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre's size of "185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has 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're not sure if the tires on a pushchair are rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires on a smooth surface and tie them. 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 wheel buggy can make it more comfortable for your child since it absorbs any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. Large wheels that are filled with air, and can be locked to ensure stability when running are essential. This will allow your buggy to navigate off-road surfaces with ease.
There are many options for buggy styles to suit every lifestyle and budget. For instance, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. Their sling seats made of fabrics are designed with precise design and engineering to fit perfectly inside the frame rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This gives a lower center of gravity, and allows it to be placed at the right height to distribute weight easily to conquer bumps.
Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that has a sleek design with large highly manoeuvrable front wheel, excellent suspension, and a simple twist handbrake. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it on an excursion through the rough terrain and she was impressed with how it adapted to the terrain well, stating that it 'flies effortlessly over bumpy grass, cobbles, pavements dirt tracks, and makes a light work of getting up and down the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off road option and similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes with a variety of colours to suit your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar and a large basket. You can also select from a range of infant car seats that will convert the buggy to pram. This includes the elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) that is a comfy lie-flat mattress for babies and infants from 12 months old.
Safety
The presence of four wheels makes the buggy more stable, less likely to tip over and easier to handle. It is also more secure for your child as their weight is distributed more evenly across the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled vehicle has a lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to pop over curbs and climb up. The sling seat is affixed inside the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats do, which makes for a low-slung seating position and a lighter buggy that can be easily maneuvered.
If you're planning to run with your child, then an all-wheeler is the best option. It comes with a suspension system that allows the front wheel of the buggie to be independent from the rear. This allows you to take on rough terrain or bumpy roads. However it is not the case that 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 on all kinds of terrain.