3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look elegant and sleek, with great maneuverability. A lot of them have a fabric sling with an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed, which is ideal for weight distribution, and are perfect starting at birth.
The wheels are larger and, in many cases, have suspensions for smooth movements on various terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they may be bulkier and heavier to transport and store.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are extremely solid - they don't fall over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when traveling in a straight line. Also, you'll be able to move them more quickly and efficiently. If you turn or stop abruptly, they may lose their stability and fall 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 can also help you tackle off-road terrain. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) because they can deal with off-road trails as well as other surfaces such as rocks, sand and mud. These models will also have wheels that lock in the front to improve stability on rough terrain.
With the correct design, engineering, and weight distribution, these buggies can be turned on a dime and are easy to steer with just one hand; have 360o front swivel wheels that allow agility and mobility to be easy and easy to handle. They also pass the same stability standards globally and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you are looking for a seat made of fabric they are typically lower in the frame compared to modular seats. 3 wheeled pushchair Push Chairs & Prams means that your baby's center of gravity will be closer to the ground - instantly providing an easier ride.
Maxi-Cosi is best known for its car seat collection however, it has recently expanded its product range with the Citylife compact travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living, and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It comes with 4 wheels and uses a unique pewter black aluminium frame, which the brand claims is 'light and compact'. It's just 2cm larger than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a variety of 3 wheel buggies which can be folded down to can be tucked away in smaller spaces. They can be folded with one hand and are easy to wash down. The smallest models will have a basic height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others may feature an adjustable suspension as well as an extended 50+ UV canopy. They may also have a large, spacious basket and a brake lever with quick release.
The best 3 wheeler for rocky terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be more able to deal with off-road conditions than a 4-wheel model, although both can be stuck in tight places. A model with bigger front and rear wheels will assist. This makes them easier to push across rough terrain and can help in getting up and down high kerbs.
One option is the brand new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its quick handling, despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her infant and her 3-year-old, and said "it handles really well over bumpy pavements, cobbles gravel tracks and dirt roads and also on a few hills."
Another alternative is the new 3-wheel buggy that is all-terrain from Maxi-Cosi's car seat brand which is called Stella. It is suitable for babies from birth when used with a carrycot. It's a bit bigger than the lighter 4-wheelers however, it comes with air-filled tires with three recline positions and a one-handed fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity. It's compatible across all the brand's infant strollers and car seats. You can create your own travel system, regardless of whether you're looking to go for a an easy stroll or a longer one by using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres of 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of designs and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide a comfortable performance and a smooth ride, whereas foam-filled tyres last longer. The type of tyre you choose will depend on your lifestyle and the place you live.
For instance, if intend to frequently travel on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you might want to consider a 3-wheeler with sturdier tyres. Also, you should consider the type of suspension you need. A sturdy suspension is helpful to handle bumps and humps, however it can be heavy and increase the overall weight of your pushchair.
Another aspect to be considered is the tyre's size. Understanding how to read the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of letters and numbers on the tyre's sidewall might seem confusing however, once you understand it, you can understand the tyre dimensions. For instance, a tyre's size of "185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radial with 14 inches of rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you are unsure if the tires of a pushchair are rubber or PU, simply slide the tires on a smooth surface. If they slide easily, then the tires are made from PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a 3 wheel buggy is a vital component to look for because it absorbs the jolts and bumps of rough terrain making it more comfortable for your baby. Having large wheels, which are filled with air and lockable to ensure stability while jogging is crucial to ensure that your buggy is capable of maneuvering off roads with ease.
There are many options for buggy styles that will suit any budget and style of life. For instance the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. With the perfect geometry and engineering their fabric sling seat is tucked away inside the frame, in contrast to on top like modular seats, resulting in a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the right height for optimal weight distribution to easily tackle kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another great option. It features sleek design, a big wheel that's easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also comes with an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it for a walk through rough ground and she found that it was able to handle the terrain well saying that it 'navigates easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, roads, dirt tracks and even makes light work of climbing and descending the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. It is available in a range of colors that match your style. It also features an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket, and a 50+ UV hood. You can also select from a range of infant car seats that convert the buggy into a pram, including the stylishly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a comfortable lie-flat bed for newborns and babies from 12 months to 12 years old.
Safety
Having four wheels makes the buggy more stable and less likely to tip, and easier to handle. It also makes it safer for your child as the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheeled vehicle has a lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to climb over curbs and walk up. The seat made of fabric is in the frame instead of over it as modular seats do, which results in a lower seating position, and a lighter buggy that is easily maneuvered.
However, if you'd like to go for a run with your baby then a four-wheeler is better suited since it comes with suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back one to allow you to tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain be aware that not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most are NOT, such as the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially designed suspension system that has been independently tested across all types of terrain.