3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look elegant and sleek, with outstanding maneuverability. Many of these feature seats made of fabric that have an incredibly comfortable lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution that is ideal from birth.
The wheels are larger and, in many cases, have suspensions for smooth movements 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 have a lot of stability. They don't fall over as easily when you are moving straight. You can also maneuver them more quickly. If you stop or turn abruptly, they may lose stability and even tip over. To avoid this, some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
You can also tackle off-road terrain by adding an extra wheel. Look for models that have air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road paths, sand and dirt, as well as other surfaces, such as sand and rock. These models will also feature an adjustable wheel that locks in the front to improve stability over rough terrain.
With the correct design, engineering, and weight distribution, these buggies can be turned on a dime - easy to steer with one hand; they have 360o front swivel wheel that allows agility and mobility to be easy and light to handle. They will also pass the same stability standards globally and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a cloth sling seat, they tend to be set lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's center of gravity is closer to the floor and provides a more comfortable ride and a lighter kerb pop (you don't need to apply the same amount of pressure or effort to lift the buggy over and up a kerb).
Popular for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light pushchair and travel system to its range with the striking Citylife. This 3-in-1 is perfect for urban living, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It comes with 4 wheels and a unique pewter black aluminium frame that the manufacturer claims is 'slim and compact'. It's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to fit in smaller space. A lot of these buggies can be folded with one hand and are easy-to-clean. Some of the tiniest models come with a simple handlebar height adjustment, while others feature adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. Certain models may come with large baskets and a brake lever that's quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain
A 3-wheeler will typically be more adept at dealing with off-road conditions than a 4-wheel model, but both can get stuck in tight spots. However, choosing a model with larger wheels on both sides will help. This allows you to push them across rough terrain and will assist you in climbing up and down the steep slopes.
The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its astonishing agility despite its 3-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath has tested it with her baby and reported that "it did really well on cobbles, bumpy surfaces and dirt roads, gravel tracks and even some hills."
Stella Stella, the brand new 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It is suitable for babies from birth, if it is used in conjunction with a carrycot. It is slightly larger than the lightweight 4-wheelers, but it has air-filled tires with three recline positions and a one-handed fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity - it's compatible with all of the car seats for infants from the brand and strollers. This means that you can design your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks, using only the chassis as a starting point.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are available in a range of styles and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air offer a great performance and a smooth ride, whereas foam-filled tyres are more durable. 3 wheeler buggies select will depend on your needs and the location you live in.
For example, if you intend to frequently travel on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you might be interested in a 3-wheeler that has sturdier tires. Also, you should consider the type of suspension you require. Suspensions that are strong are ideal for tackling bumps and humps but they can also be heavy, adding to the overall weight.
Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is the tyre's size. Understanding the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewall of a tyre can be confusing initially, but decoding it will allow you to comprehend the tyre's dimensions. For instance, a tyre's size of '185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radial with a 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure whether the tires of a pushchair are rubber or PU, slide the tires across an even surface. If they slide easily then the tires are made from PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheeled buggy will make it more comfortable for your child as it absorbs any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. Large wheels that are ideally air-filled and are lockable for stability during jogging is crucial to ensure your buggy is able to navigate off road surfaces easily.
There are many options for buggy styles to suit every budget and lifestyle. The Mountain Buggy, for example, pioneered all-terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with precise geometry and engineering to fit perfectly inside the frame instead of on top like modular seats. This provides an lower center of gravity and is placed at the perfect height to distribute weight evenly to conquer the kerbs.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It features a sleek design, a large wheel that is easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also has a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath took this buggy to the test by taking it on a hike through rough terrain and she was impressed with how it adapted to the terrain well, stating that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt tracks and even makes light work of getting up and down the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a variety of colors to suit your style. It also features an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also pick from a selection of infant car seats to transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a cosy lie flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns up to 12 months old.
Safety
The presence of four wheels makes the buggy more stable, less likely to tip and easier to handle. It is also more secure for your baby since their weight is distributed more evenly across the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled buggy has lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to pop over curbs and climb up. The fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not on top of it like modular seats. This makes for a low-slung 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 has a suspension system which allows the front wheel of the buggie to be independent from the rear one. This will allow you to navigate rough terrain or bumpy roads. However there are some limitations to four wheel buggies are able to be used for running. The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been tested independently on all types of terrain.