3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look elegant and sleek, with great maneuverability. Many of them have a fabric sling seat with an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed and a perfect weight distribution, ideal from birth.
The wheels are bigger and often have suspension to allow for smooth, fluid mobility on various terrains. The only drawback is that they may be more heavy and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are extremely stable and don't tip over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when going in a straight line, and you'll find that you can move them more quickly and effortlessly. However, if you try to turn or stop suddenly they'll lose their 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 take on off-road terrain using the additional wheel. Be sure to look for models with air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road routes and other surfaces including rocks, sand, and mud. They'll also usually come with the option of locking the front wheel to give stability over rough terrain.
With the correct geometry, engineering and weight distribution these buggies can turn at a moment's notice and are easy to steer with just one hand; feature 360o front swivel wheel that allows agility and mobility to be easy and easy to handle. They'll also pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.
If you're in search of a fabric sling, 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 - instantly delivering a smoother ride and a lighter kerb pop (you do not need to apply the same amount of pressure or effort to get the buggy up and over the Kerb).
Most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light pushchair and travel system to its line-up with the attractive Citylife. This 3-in-1 is perfect for urban living and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It has four wheels and an exclusive pewter-black aluminum frame, which the brand describes as'slim and compact. It's smaller at 2cm than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a variety of 3 wheel buggies which can be folded down to can fit into smaller spaces. A majority of these buggies are able to be folded in one hand and are easy-to-clean. Some of the smallest models come with a simple handlebar height adjustment, whereas others come with adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. They may also feature a large, spacious basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most reliable 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain
A 3-wheeled model is typically better equipped to deal with off-road conditions as compared to a 4-wheeled model however both can get stuck on tight corners. A model with bigger rear and front wheels can help. This makes them easier to push across rough terrain and will often help with moving up and down the 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 does really well on bumpy pavements, cobbles, gravel tracks and dirt roads, as well as on some hills."
Another alternative is the new all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi's car seat brand named Stella. It can be used from birth when used with a carrycot. It's slightly bigger than the lighter 4-wheelers but it has air-filled tires and three recline positions and a single-hand fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity, though - it's compatible with all the brand's infant car seats and strollers. 3 wheeler pushchair can build your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks, using only the chassis as a foundation.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of styles and materials, and each has its pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example provide an effortless ride and superior maneuverability 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 intend to travel on unpaved roads or rough terrain often you may want to consider a three-wheeler with more robust tyres. You should also think about the type of suspension you require. Suspensions that are strong are ideal to tackle humps and bumps however they can be quite heavy and add to the overall weight.
The size of the tyre is important. Knowing how to read tyre sizing is crucial for ensuring safety performance, durability, and performance. The combination of numbers and letters on the tyre's sidewall might seem confusing however, once you understand it, you'll be able to comprehend the tyre dimensions. For instance, a tyre size of '185/70 R14' means that the tire is a 185/70 radial with 14 inches of rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure whether a pushchair's tires are rubber or PU, simply slide the tires on the surface with a smooth 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 on a three wheel buggy is an important element to look for as it will absorb the smacks and bumps of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are air-filled, and are able to be locked to ensure stability when jogging are also crucial. This will enable your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces easily.
There are many options for buggy styles to suit every budget and style of life. For instance the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. Their sling seats made of fabrics are designed with perfect design and engineering to fit snugly 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 tackle bumps.
Another option worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule which boasts a sleek design with large highly manoeuvrable front wheel, excellent suspension and an easy-to-use handbrake that twists. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its tests by going for a ride through rough terrain. She was impressed with how it was able to handle it very well, saying that it "navigates over bumpy grass, sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks, and makes it easy to drive up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road choice. It is available in a variety of colors that will match your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar as well as a large basket. You can also pick from a selection of infant car seats to convert the buggy into a pram, including the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a comfy lie-flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the pushchair much more stable and less likely to tip over and easier to handle. It also makes it more secure for your child since 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 get up. The fabric sling seat sits inside the frame rather than over it as modular seats do, which creates a low seating position and a lighter buggy that is more easily maneuverable.
However, if you'd like to go for an exercise with your child then a four-wheeler is better suited since it comes with a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the rear one so you can tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain - just bear in mind not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most aren't, such as the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially designed suspension system that has been tested independently across all types of terrain.
