3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability with a stylish and streamlined frame. Many of them come with an upholstered sling that has an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution, and are perfect starting at birth.
The wheels are larger and, in many cases, come with suspension for agile smooth movement over various terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they can be heavier and bulkier to transport and store.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are very stable and don't tip over as easily as pushchairs that have four wheels when traveling in a straight line and you'll find that you can maneuver them more quickly and efficiently. However, if you attempt to turn or stop suddenly, they'll lose stability and may tip over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs in order to increase the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel also allows you tackle off-road terrain. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) because they can deal with off-road trails and other surfaces like sand, mud and rock. They'll also typically have a lockable front wheel to provide stability on rough ground.
The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile thanks to the 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as the 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 floor which means a smoother ride and a less noticeable kerb pop (you don't have to exert as much pressure or effort to lift the buggy up and over a curb).
Maxi-Cosi is most well-known for its car seats However, it recently expanded its product range with the Citylife, a lightweight travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 model is designed for urban living and is compatible starting at birth with a newborn car seat or carrycot for infants. It comes with four wheels as well as a unique pewter-black aluminium frame that the brand calls'slim' and compact. It's only 2cm wide than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold down to fit into smaller spaces. 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 feature adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. Some models may have a large basket and brake levers that are quick-release.
The best 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain
A 3-wheeled buggy is usually better equipped to handle off-road conditions compared to a 4-wheeled model but both may get stuck in tight corners. However, selecting a model that has larger wheels on both sides can help. This will make them easier to push over uneven ground and is often helpful in getting up and down high kerbs.
One option is the brand new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her baby and 3-year-old and said "it is very well-handled over bumpy pavements, cobbles gravel tracks and dirt roads and also on some hills."
Another alternative is the newest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy made by car seat brand Maxi-Cosi named Stella. 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 one-handed fold.
Its main selling point is its modularity - it's compatible with all the brands' infant car seats and strollers. This means that you can design your ideal travel system for your day-to-day or longer walks, using only the chassis as a starting point.
Tyres
The tyres on 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of designs and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air, offer an effortless ride and superior manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type of tyre you select will depend on your lifestyle and where it is that you live.
If you plan to travel on unpaved roads or in rough terrain frequently you may be interested in a three-wheeler equipped with more durable tyres. You should also think about the type of suspension you need. The suspensions that are strong are great to tackle humps and bumps but they can also be heavy, adding to the overall weight.
Another important factor to consider is tyre size. Knowing how to read the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the tyre's sidewall might seem confusing however, once you understand it, you will be able to understand the dimensions of the tyre. For example, a tyre size of "185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has a 14 inch rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are lighter and more puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you're not sure if the tires on a pushchair are rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires over an even and secure surface. If the tires slide easily, they are made of PU. If they don't, then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a 3 wheel buggy is an important aspect to consider as it absorbs the smacks and bumps of rough terrain making it more comfortable for your child. Large wheels that are ideally air-filled and are lockable to ensure stability while jogging is also important as this will ensure your buggy is capable of maneuvering off road surfaces easily.
There are many choices for buggy designs to fit every budget and lifestyle. For instance, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. With the perfect geometry and engineering their fabric sling seat rests comfortably inside the frame as opposed to on top like modular seats, providing an lower center of gravity and sitting at the ideal height for the best weight distribution to easily tackle kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It features a sleek design, a huge wheel that's easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also features a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its tests by taking it for a walk on rough terrain. She was impressed with how it performed admirably, saying that it "navigates over bumpy grass, cobbles, sidewalks and dirt tracks, and allows you to easily go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. 3 wheeled pushchair is available in a range of colors that will match your style. It also features an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket, and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also choose from a range of infant car seats that convert the buggy into a pram, including the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a cosy lie flat bed for newborns and babies from 12 months to 12 years old.
Safety
Four wheels make the buggy more stable and less likely to tip over, and more easy 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 vehicle has a lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to climb over curbs and climb up. The fabric sling seats are positioned inside the frame, not on top like modular seats. This results in a low seat position and buggy that is easily moved.
If you're planning to run with your child, then a 4-wheeler is the best option. It has an suspension system that allows the front wheel of the buggie to move independently from the rear one. This will allow you to take on rough terrain or bumpy roads. However there are some limitations to 4 wheel buggies can be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception, as they have a suspension system specifically designed for them that's been tested independently across all terrains.