3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer excellent maneuverability with a stylish and sleek frame. Many of these have an upholstered sling that has a comfortable lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution and are suitable starting at birth.
The wheels are bigger and often have suspension to allow for smooth, agile moving on different terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they may be more bulky and heavy to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are extremely stable - they don't tip over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when going in a straight line, and you'll be able to move them more quickly and easily. If you stop or turn abruptly, they can lose stability and even tip over. For this reason, certain manufacturers add an additional wheel to their three wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
The extra wheel also helps you navigate off-road terrain. Look for 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 such as rocks and sand. They'll also usually come with a lockable front wheel to provide stability on rough ground.
The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.
If you are in the market for a seat made of cloth, these tend to be lower in the frame compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's center of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly providing the smoothest ride.
Maxi-Cosi is a household name for its car seat collection however, it recently expanded its product line with the Citylife compact travel system and pushchair. 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 is described by the brand as'slim' and compact. It's just 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold up to fit in smaller space. A lot of these buggies can be folded with one hand and are easy to clean. The smallest models will have an easy handlebar height adjustment, while others may have an adjustable suspension and an expandable 50+ UV canopy. Some models may have large baskets and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be more adept at dealing with off-road terrain than one with four wheels, however both can be stuck in difficult places. A model with bigger front and rear wheels can assist. This will make them easier to push over rough ground and is often helpful in moving up and down the high kerbs.
The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its surprising ability to move despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath has tested it with her baby, and she said that "it was very well-handled on bumpy surfaces, cobbles gravel tracks, dirt roads and some hills."
Another option is the latest 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 and is a little bigger than the lightweight 4wheelers (with an impressively slim frame of 54cm wide) but it comes with big, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions and a fast one-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity - it's compatible with all the brand's infant car seats and strollers. You can create your own travel system, no matter if you're looking to go for a an easy stroll or a longer one, using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres of 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 provide a comfortable ride and manoeuvrability, while foam-filled tyres last longer. The type you pick will depend on your lifestyle and the location you live in.
For example, if you intend to frequently travel on rough or unpaved terrain, you might think about an all-wheeler with more durable tires. You should also think about the type of suspension that you need. A strong suspension is ideal for handling bumps and humps, however it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.
Another aspect to be considered is tyre size. Understanding how to read tyre sizing is crucial for maintaining safety, performance, and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on a tyre sidewall may appear confusing however, once you understand it, you will be able to understand the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre that has an 185/70 size R14 for instance indicates that it is a radial tire that has a size of 185/70 and has 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you are unsure if a pushchair's tires are rubber or PU, try sliding the tires across an even surface. If they slide easily then the tires are 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 since it absorbs any knocks or bumps that occur from rough terrain. Large wheels that are air-filled and can be locked to provide stability when running are crucial. This will enable your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces easily.
Based on the type of buggie you're looking for, there are options that will fit all lifestyles and budgets. For instance the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a 3-wheel buggies. With an engineering and geometry that is perfect, their fabrics sling seat is tucked away inside the frame, in contrast to sitting on top like modular seats, offering an lower center of gravity and sitting at the ideal height for optimal weight distribution to easily tackle the kerb pops.
Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that boasts a sleek style with a large, highly maneuverable front wheel, excellent suspension, and a simple twist handbrake. MFM reviewer Kath tested the buggy its tests by taking it for a walk on a rough terrain. She found that it performed admirably and claimed that it "navigates over bumpy grass, sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks, and makes it easy to drive up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, like the Urban Glide 2, comes in a range of colours to complement your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar, a large basket, and a 50+ UV hood. You can also pick from a range of infant car seats that convert the buggy to a pram. 3 wheeler pushchair includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) which is a comfortable lie-flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns from 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy much more stable and less likely to tip and easier to maneuver. It also makes it more secure for your child since the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity, making it easier to pop over curbs and up the stairs. The seats of the fabric sling are built into the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This results in a lower seat and an automobile that is easily moved.
If you're looking to run with your child, then a 4-wheeler is the ideal option. It has a suspension system which allows the front wheel to be independent from the rear one. This allows you to tackle rough terrains or bumpy roads. However, not all 4 wheel buggies can be used for running. The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially designed suspension system that has been tested by an independent party on all types of terrain.