3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability in a stylish and sleek frame. Many of these feature an upholstered sling seat that has a comfortable lay flat bed and a perfect weight distribution that is ideal for babies from birth.
The wheels are bigger, and they also often have suspensions for smooth movements on different terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they may be heavier and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies offer a lot of stability. They aren't prone to tipping over as easily when you are moving straight. You can also maneuver faster. If you turn or stop abruptly, they may lose stability and tip over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs in order to increase the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel can also help you navigate off-road terrain. Be sure to look for models with air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road routes and other surfaces like rocks, sand, and mud. These models will also have wheels that lock on the front to increase the stability of the vehicle over rough terrain.
With the correct design, engineering and weight distribution, these buggies can turn on a dime and are easy to steer with just one hand; feature 360o front swivel wheels allowing agility and mobility to be effortless and light to handle. 3 wheeler pushchairs from birth meet the same global stability standards and test as 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 center of gravity is closer to the floor - instantly delivering a smoother ride and a lighter kerb pop (you don't have to exert the same amount of pressure or exertion to get the buggy up and over a Kerb).
Most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light pushchair and travel system to its product line with the striking Citylife. This 3-in-1 model is designed for urban living and can be used for newborns with a carrycot or infant car seat. It has 4 wheels and has a unique pewter black aluminium frame, which the company claims is 'slim and compact'. It's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a variety of 3 wheel buggies that can be folded down to fit into smaller spaces. Many of these buggies can be folded in one hand and are easy-to-clean. The smallest models will have a basic handlebar height adjustment, while others may feature an adjustable suspension and an expandable 50+ UV canopy. Certain models may come with an enormous basket as well as a brake lever that's quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rocky terrain
A 3-wheeled vehicle is generally better equipped to handle off-road terrain in comparison to a model with four wheels however both can get stuck on tight corners. However, choosing a model that has larger wheels both front and back can help. This will make it easier to push them across rough terrain and will aid in getting up and down high curbs.
The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its astonishing agility despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath has tested it with her child, and she said that "it did really well on bumpy surfaces, cobbles dirt roads, gravel tracks and even some hills."
Another option is the latest 3-wheel buggy that is all-terrain from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi, called Stella. It is suitable from birth if used with a carrycot. It is slightly larger than the 4-wheelers that are lighter, but it features air-filled tires and three recline positions and an easy fold with one hand.
Its main selling feature is its modularity. It's compatible across all the brand's car seats and strollers for infants. You can build your own travel system, whether you're planning to take a shorter walk or a longer one, by using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres of 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of styles and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide a comfortable ride and manoeuvrability, while foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type you select will depend on your lifestyle and where you live.
For example, if you plan to travel often on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you may think about a 3-wheeler with sturdier tires. You should also consider the type of suspension you need. Suspensions that are strong are ideal to tackle humps and bumps however they can be quite heavy, adding to the overall weight.
The size of the tyre can be crucial. Understanding how to determine the sizing of a tyre is essential for maintaining safety as well as performance and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewall of a tyre may be confusing at first, but decoding it will allow you to comprehend the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre with a size of 185/70 R14 for instance is a radial tire that has a size of 185/70 with a 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're not sure if the tires on a pushchair are rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires on a smooth and tied surface. If the tires slide easily and smoothly, they're made of PU. If they don't then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheeled 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 ensure stability when jogging are also essential. This will enable your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces effortlessly.
Based on the type of buggie you're looking for, there are options to suit all lifestyles and budgets. The Mountain Buggy, for example is the first all-terrain vehicle to be developed in three-wheel buggies. Their sling seats made of fabrics are designed with precise design and engineering to fit snugly inside the frame, instead of on top like modular seats. This creates a 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 a great alternative. It has a sleek design, a huge wheel that's easy to move and is paired with an impressive suspension. It also has a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath took this buggy to the test by taking it on an excursion through the rough terrain and found that it was able to handle the terrain well saying that it 'navigates effortlessly over bumpy grass, cobbles, pavements dirt tracks, and makes a light work of getting up and down the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, like the Urban Glide 2, comes in a range of colours to match your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar and a large basket. You can also choose from a selection of infant car seats that will convert the buggy to a pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) that is a comfy lie-flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns up to 12 month old.
Safety
The presence of four wheels makes a buggy much more stable and less likely to tip, and easier to maneuver. It also makes it safer for your baby as their weight is distributed more evenly throughout the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheel buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity and therefore is easier to lift over curbs and up the stairs. The sling seat is affixed within the frame, not over it as modular seats do, which results in a lower seating position and a comparatively lighter buggy that can be easily maneuvered.
However, if you want to go out for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler might be better suited as it has suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the rear one so you can tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads Be aware that not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most aren't like the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been tested by an independent party across all kinds of terrain.