3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability in a stylish and sleek frame. Many of these have a fabric sling with a comfortable lay flat bed, which is ideal for weight distribution and are suitable starting at birth.
The wheels are larger and typically have suspension to allow for smooth, agile mobility on various terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they tend to be more bulky and heavy to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies offer a lot of stability. They don't fall over more easily when moving straight. They also allow you to maneuver faster. However, if you try to stop or turn abruptly they'll lose stability and can be prone to tipping over. For this reason, some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their three wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
You can also take on off-road terrain by adding an extra wheel. Find models that have air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road paths, sand and mud, and other surfaces such as sand and rock. They'll also come with the option of locking the front wheel to add stability over really rough ground.
With the right geometry, engineering and weight distribution, these buggies can turn at a moment's notice and are easy to steer with just one hand; have 360o front swivel wheels that allow mobility and agility to be easy and light in handling. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a fabric sling seat, they are typically placed lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the floor and provides a more comfortable ride and a lighter kerb pop (you don't have to exert 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 an ultra-light pushchair and travel system to its product line with the eye-catching Citylife. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It comes with four wheels and an exclusive pewter-black aluminum frame, which the brand describes as'slim and compact. It's just 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a lot of 3 wheel buggies that can be folded in a compact way to can be tucked away in smaller spaces. A majority of these buggies are able to be folded with one hand and are easy to clean. Some of the smallest models have a simple handlebar-height adjustment, while others have adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. They may also feature a large, spacious basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rocky terrain
A 3-wheeled buggy is usually better equipped to handle off-road conditions when compared to a four-wheeled model, though both may get stuck in tight corners. However, selecting a model that has larger wheels on both sides can be beneficial. This will make them easier to push over rough ground and can help in moving up and down steep kerbs.
The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its remarkable agility despite its 3-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her baby and 3-year-old and said "it is very well-handled over bumpy pavements, cobbles, gravel tracks and dirt roads, as well as on a few hills."
Stella, the new 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi is another great option. It is suitable for babies from birth when used with a carrycot. It is slightly larger than the 4-wheelers that are lighter, but it features air-filled tires, three recline positions, and a single-hand fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity - it's compatible with all of the brands' car seats and strollers for infants. You can design your own travel system, regardless of whether you want to go on a short walk or a longer one using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of styles and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres offer a great performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres are more durable. The kind of tyre you pick will be determined by your lifestyle and the place you reside.
If you plan to travel on unpaved roads or in rough terrain frequently, you might be interested in a three-wheeler equipped with more robust tyres. Take into consideration the type of suspension you require. A strong suspension is ideal for handling bumps and humps, however it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.
The size of the tyre can be crucial. Understanding how to read the tyre's size is essential for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre's sidewall can seem initially, but decoding it allows you to understand the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre having an 185/70 size R14, for example indicates that it is a radial tire that has a size of 185/70 and has 14-inch rim size.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure whether a pushchair has rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires across a smooth and tied surface. If they slide easily, then the tires are made of PU. If they do not, then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three wheel buggy makes it more comfortable for your child because it absorbs any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. Large wheels that are air-filled and that can be locked to ensure stability while jogging are crucial. This will allow your buggy to travel on off-road surfaces with ease.
Depending on the type of buggie you're seeking There are a variety of options to suit 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 fabrics sling seat sits snug inside the frame as opposed to sitting on top like modular seats, providing an lower center of gravity and sitting at the right height for the best weight distribution, allowing it to easily take on the kerb pops.
Another great option 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 twist handbrake. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it on a hike through rough terrain and she found that it adapted to the terrain well saying that it 'navigates effortlessly over bumpy grass, cobbles, pavements, dirt tracks and even makes light work of getting up and down kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off road option and like the Urban Glide 2, comes in a variety of colors to complement your style. It also features an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also choose from a variety of infant car seats that convert the buggy into a pram, including the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a cosy lie flat crib for babies and infants from 12 months to 12 years old.
Safety
Four wheels make the buggy more stable and less likely to tip over and easier to maneuver. It can also be safer for your baby as their weight is distributed more evenly across the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled buggy has a lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to climb over curbs and get up.
three wheel pushchair sling seat sits within the frame, not on top of it like modular seats. This results in a lower seating position, and a lighter buggy that is more easily maneuvered.
However, if you'd like to go for a run with your baby then a four-wheeler is better suited since it comes with a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back one so you can tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads Be aware that 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 independently tested on all terrains.