3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability, and are a stylish, streamlined frame. A lot of them have an sling made of fabric with a cosy lay flat bed, which is ideal for weight distribution and are suitable starting at birth.
The wheels are larger and usually have suspension to allow for smooth, swift mobility on various terrains. The only drawback is that they can be heavier and bulkier to store & transport.
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 move them more quickly and effortlessly. If you stop or turn abruptly, they can lose stability and even tip over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs 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) as these can cope with off-road trails as well as other surfaces such as rocks, sand, and mud. These models will also have wheels that lock on the front, which will increase stability on rough terrain.
The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile thanks to the 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're looking for a cloth sling seat, then they are typically placed lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's center of gravity is closer to the ground and provides a more comfortable ride and less kerb pop (you do not need to apply as much pressure or effort to lift the buggy up and over a kerb).
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight pushchair and travel system to its line-up with the attractive Citylife. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It comes with four wheels as well as an unique pewter-black frame that the brand calls'slim and compact. It's just 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a good choice of 3 wheel buggies that fold up to fit in smaller spaces. A lot of these buggies can be folded in one hand and are easy to clean. Some of the tiniest models have a simple handlebar-height adjustment, while others feature adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. Some models may have a large basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rocky terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be more able to deal with off-road conditions better than a 4-wheel model, but both models can get stuck in difficult spots. A model with larger front and rear wheels can help. This makes it easier to push them over rough terrain, and can aid in getting up and down the steep slopes.
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 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 brand new 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It's suitable for babies when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's a smaller than the light 4wheelers (with an impressively slim 54cm wide frame) however it has large, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions and a fast one-hand fold.
Its main selling point is its modularity, though - it's compatible with all of the brand's infant car seats and strollers. You can build your own travel system, regardless of whether you're looking to go for a shorter walk or take a longer stroll, using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are offered in many styles and materials. Each has its own pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres, offer an easy ride and excellent manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you select will depend on your needs and the location you live in.
For instance, if you intend to frequently travel on rough or muddy terrain, you might think about an all-wheeler with more durable tyres. You should also consider the type of suspension that you require. Suspensions that are strong are ideal for tackling bumps and humps however they can be quite heavy and add to the overall weight.
The size of the tyre can be important. Knowing how to read tyre sizing is crucial for ensuring safety, performance, and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the tyre's sidewall might appear confusing until you get the hang of it, you will be able to understand the tyre's dimensions. For instance, a tyre size of '185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has 14 inches of rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're not sure if a pushchair has rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires over an even and secure surface. If the tires move easily and smoothly, they're made of PU. If they don't then the tires are composed of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheel buggy can make it more comfortable for your child because it will absorb any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. A large wheel that are ideally air-filled and can be locked to provide stability when jogging also important as this will ensure that your buggy is capable of maneuvering off roads with ease.
Depending on three wheel pushchair of buggy you're looking for There are a variety of options that will fit all lifestyles and budgets. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a 3-wheel buggies. With the perfect geometry and engineering their fabric sling seat rests comfortably inside the frame, in contrast to on top like modular seats, providing a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the perfect height to ensure optimal weight distribution that allows it to easily handle kerb pops.
Another great option is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule which boasts a sleek design with a large, highly maneuverable front wheel, excellent suspension, and an easy-to-use twist handbrake. MFM reviewer Kath tested the buggy its trials by walking through rough terrain. She found that it handled it really well and said that it "navigates over bumpy grass, sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks, and makes it easy to go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas is another popular off road option and like the Urban Glide 2, comes with a variety of colours to complement your style. It also comes with a movable handlebar and a large basket. You can also choose from a variety of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram, including the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a comfy lie-flat crib for babies and infants from 12 months to 12 years old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy much more stable, less likely to tip and easier to handle. It also makes it safer for your child because the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy has lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to climb over curbs and walk up. The fabric sling seat sits in the frame instead of on top of it like modular seats. This creates a low seating position and a comparatively lighter buggy that is more easily manoeuvred.
If you're looking to go out for an exercise with your child then a four-wheeler is more suitable as it will have suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the rear one to allow you to tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads Be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most are NOT like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception since they feature an exclusive suspension system that has been tested by an independent expert across all types of terrain.