3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer excellent maneuverability in 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 often have suspensions for smooth movement on a variety of terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they may be more bulky and heavy to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are remarkably stable - they don't tip over as easily as pushchairs that have four wheels when going in a straight line and you'll find that you can manoeuvre them much more quickly and efficiently. However, if you try to stop or turn suddenly they'll lose stability and can tip over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also tackle off-road terrain with the extra wheel. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road paths and other surfaces including rocks, sand, and mud. They'll also typically include a lockable front wheel to give stability over rough ground.
With the right design, engineering, and weight distribution, these buggies can turn on a dime and are easy to steer with one hand; have 360o front swivel wheels allowing mobility and agility to be easy and light in handling. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a fabric seat, these tend to be lower in the frame compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly providing the smoothest ride.
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light travel system and pushchair to its product line with the striking Citylife. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living, and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It has four wheels and has an exclusive black pewter frame that the manufacturer claims is 'light and compact' - it's just 2cm larger than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are 3 wheeled pushchair of 3 wheel buggies that can be folded in a compact way to can fit into smaller spaces. Many of these buggies can be folded in one hand and are easy-to-clean. Some of the smaller models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, whereas others come with 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 most efficient 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeled buggy is usually better equipped to handle off-road terrain compared to a 4-wheeled model, though both may get stuck in tight corners. A model with larger front and rear wheels will aid. This will make it easier to push them across rough terrain and will aid in getting up and down high curbs.
One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her baby and 3-year-old and said "it is very well-handled over cobbles, bumpy pavements, dirt roads and gravel tracks and also on some hills."
Another great alternative is the new all-terrain 3 wheel buggy made by car seat brand Maxi-Cosi named Stella. It's suitable for babies when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's little bigger than the lightweight 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim frame of 54cm wide) however it has large air-filled tyres. It also has 3 recline positions, and a swift one-hand fold.
Its main selling feature is its modularity - it's compatible with all the brands' car seats and strollers for infants. This means you can create your ideal travel system for day-today or longer walks, using only the chassis as a foundation.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are available in many styles and materials. Each comes with its own pros and cons. For 3 wheeled pushchair , air-filled tyres provide a smooth performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres are more durable. The kind of tyre you pick will depend on your lifestyle and the place it is that you live.
For instance, if you are planning to travel frequently on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you may think about a 3-wheeler that has sturdier tyres. Take into consideration the type of suspension you require. Strong suspensions are useful to tackle humps and bumps however they can be quite heavy and add to the overall weight.
The size of the tyre is crucial. Understanding how to read the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre sidewall may be confusing, but once you decode it, you can understand the tyre's dimensions. A tyre having the size 185/70 R14, for example, means that it is a radial tire in the 185/70 size with 14-inch rim size.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure if the tires on a pushchair are rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires across a smooth surface and tie them. If they slide easily, then the tires are made of PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheel buggy makes it more comfortable for your child since it will absorb any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. Having large wheels, that are ideally air-filled and can be locked for stability during jogging is also important as this will ensure that your buggy is capable of navigating off roads with ease.
There are many choices for buggy styles that will suit any lifestyle and budget. The Mountain Buggy, for example is the first all-terrain vehicle to be developed in three-wheel buggie. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with perfect geometry and engineering that fits perfectly inside the frame rather than on top, like modular seats. This creates an lower center of gravity and sits at the ideal height to spread weight evenly to conquer the kerbs.
Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that boasts a sleek style with a massive, manoeuvrable front wheel, excellent suspension and a simple twist handbrake. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its tests by taking it for a walk on rough terrain. She was impressed with how it handled it really well, saying that it "navigates over bumpy grass, sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks, and even makes it easy to go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road model and, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a variety of colors to match your style. It also has 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 to a pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm), which is a comfy lie-flat mattress for babies and infants up to 12 month old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable and less likely to tip over, and more easy to maneuver. It is also more secure for your child since the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity and is therefore easier to pop over curbs and up the stairs. The sling seat is affixed within the frame, not over it as modular seats. This results in a lower seating position and a lighter buggy that can be easily maneuverable.
If you're planning to run with your child, a 4-wheeler is the ideal option. It comes with an suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently from the rear wheel. This will allow you to take on rough terrain or bumpy roads. However, not all four-wheel buggies can be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception because they come with a specially-designed suspension system that's been independently tested across all kinds of terrain.