3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability, and are a stylish, sleek frame. A lot of them have an upholstered sling that has a comfortable lay flat bed that is perfect for weight distribution and are ideal starting at birth.
The wheels are larger and often have suspension to ensure smooth, fluid mobility on various terrains. The only drawback is that they could be more heavy and bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are very solid - they don't fall over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when traveling in a straight line. Also, you'll notice that you can maneuver them more quickly and effortlessly. However, if you attempt to stop or turn abruptly they'll lose their stability and could tip over. This is why certain manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also tackle off-road terrain by adding an extra wheel. Find models that have air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road routes, sand and mud, and other surfaces like rocks and sand. They'll also typically have an adjustable front wheel that locks to provide stability on rough terrain.
The buggies are simple to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're in search of a fabric sling seat, then they tend to be set lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the floor which means a smoother ride and a less noticeable kerb pop (you don't have to exert as much pressure or effort to get the buggy up and over a Kerb).
Maxi-Cosi is best known for its car seats however, it has recently expanded its product range with the Citylife lightweight travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 model is designed for urban living and is compatible starting at birth with a newborn carrycot or infant car seat. It has four wheels and an exclusive pewter-black aluminum frame, which the brand describes as'slim' and compact. It's just 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a wide selection of 3 wheel buggies that fold up to fit into smaller space. Many of them can be folded using just one hand, and are easy to wipe down. The smallest models will come with a basic height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others could have an adjustable suspension and an extendable 50+ UV canopy. They could also come with large, spacious baskets and a brake lever with quick release.
The best 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeled model is typically better equipped to handle off-road terrain compared to a 4-wheeled model but both can be a bit stuck on tight corners. A model with larger rear and front wheels can assist. This will make them easier to push over uneven ground and is often helpful in moving up and down steep kerbs.
The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its surprising agility despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her infant and 3-year-old and said "it is very well-handled over bumpy pavements, cobbles, gravel tracks and dirt roads, as well as on a few hills."
Another great alternative is the newest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi, a car seat manufacturer named Stella. It's suitable from birth when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim 54cm wide frame) however it has large air-filled tyres, three recline positions and a fast one-hand fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity. It's compatible with all the brands' car seats and strollers for infants. You can build your own travel system, regardless of whether you're planning to take a a short walk or a longer one, by using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres on 3 wheel buggies are available in a range of styles and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air offer an easy ride and excellent maneuverability, while foam-filled tires are more durable. The kind of tyre you pick will be determined by your lifestyle and where you live.
If you plan to travel on unpaved roads or rough terrain often, you might want to consider a three-wheeler equipped with more durable tyres. You should also consider the type of suspension that you need. 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 understand tyre sizing is vital for ensuring safety as well as performance and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewall of a tyre can be confusing initially, but decoding it helps you understand the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre that has a size of 185/70 R14 for instance, means that it is a radial tire with a diameter of the 185/70 size with 14-inch rim size.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are less heavy and puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you aren't sure if the tires of a pushchair are rubber or PU, try sliding the tires across the surface with a smooth surface. If the tires move easily, they are 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 as it absorbs any knocks or bumps that occur from rough terrain. A large wheel which are filled with air and lockable for stability during jogging is also important as this will ensure your buggy is capable of maneuvering off road surfaces easily.
Depending on the type of buggy you're looking for There are options that will fit all lifestyles and budgets. The Mountain Buggy, for example was the first to introduce all-terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. Their sling seats made of fabrics are designed with the perfect geometry and engineering that fits snugly inside the frame, rather than on top, like modular seats. This provides an lower center of gravity, and is placed at the perfect height to distribute weight easily to conquer the kerbs.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It has an elegant design, a large wheel that's easy to maneuver and is paired with an impressive suspension. It also has a twist handbrake for ease of use. www.pushchairsandprams.uk put this buggy to the test by taking it on an excursion through the rough terrain and found that it handled the terrain really well. She said that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, pavements dirt tracks, and makes a light work of getting up and down the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road model and, like the Urban Glide 2, comes in a variety of colors to match your style. It also has 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 a pram. This includes the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a comfortable lie-flat crib for babies and infants up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable and less likely to tip over and 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-wheeled buggy has lower center of gravity, making it easier to get over curbs and walk up. The fabric sling seats are placed inside the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This creates a low seat position and an automobile that is easily pushed.
However, if you'd like to go for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler might be better suited as it has a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel to allow you to tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads be aware that not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most aren't like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception because they come with a suspension system specifically designed for them that's been tested independently across all terrains.