3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look elegant and sleek, with outstanding maneuverability. Many of these feature seats made of fabric that have a comfortable lay flat bed and a perfect weight distribution, perfect from the moment of birth.
The wheels are larger and often come with suspensions to allow for smooth, swift moving on different terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they tend to be heavier and bulkier to transport and store.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are remarkably stable - they don't tip over as easily as pushchairs that have four wheels when they're in a straight line, and you'll be able to move them more quickly and effortlessly. However, if you try to stop or turn suddenly, they'll lose stability and may be prone to tipping over. For this reason, certain manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel also allows you to tackle off-road terrain. Look for models that have air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that can be used to handle off-road trails, sand, dirt, as well as other surfaces like sand and rock. These models will also feature wheels that lock on the front, which will increase stability on rough terrain.
With the right design, engineering and weight distribution these buggies can turn on a dime and are easy to steer using just one hand; feature 360o front swivel wheel that allows agility and mobility to be effortless and easy to handle. They also pass the same stability standards globally and tests as buggies with four wheels.
If you are looking for a seat made of cloth that are breathable, they tend to be less upright in comparison to modular seats. This means that your baby's center of gravity will be closer to the ground - instantly ensuring an easier ride.
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight pushchair and travel system to its product line with the striking Citylife. This 3-in-1 model is designed for urban living and is suitable starting at birth with a newborn carrycot or infant car seat. It comes with 4 wheels and uses a unique pewter black aluminium frame that the manufacturer claims is 'slim and compact'. It's actually only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a good choice of 3 wheel buggies that fold down to fit into smaller space. Many of them can be folded using just one hand, and are simple to wash down. The smallest models will come with a basic height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others may have an adjustable suspension or an extended 50+ UV canopy. They could also come with an enormous, spacious basket and a brake lever with quick release.
The most efficient 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeled model is typically better equipped to handle off-road conditions in comparison to a model with four wheels however both may get stuck in tight corners. However, choosing a model with bigger wheels on both sides can be beneficial. This makes it easier to push them across rough terrain, and can aid in getting up and down steep curbs.
One option is the brand new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her baby and 3-year-old and said "it does really well on bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt roads and gravel tracks, as well as on some hills."
Stella Stella, the brand new all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It's suitable from birth when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's a slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim 54cm wide frame) however it has large air-filled tyres. It also has 3 recline positions, and a swift one-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity. It's compatible across all the brand's baby strollers and car seats. You can design your own travel system, regardless of whether you're looking to go for a an easy stroll or a longer one using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres on 3 wheel buggies come in a range of styles and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a comfortable performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type you select will be based on your personal preferences and the location you live in.
For three wheel pushchair , if you are planning to travel frequently on rough or muddy terrain, you might think about a 3-wheeler that has sturdier tyres. Take into consideration the type of suspension you require. Suspensions that are strong are ideal to tackle humps and bumps but they can also be heavy and add to the overall weight.
The size of the tyre can be important. Understanding the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre's sidewall can seem confusing initially, but decoding it will allow you to comprehend the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre with an 185/70 size R14, for example, means that it is a radial tire that has a size of 185/70 with a 14-inch rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also less heavy and puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you're not sure if the tires on a pushchair are rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires across an even and secure surface. If the tires move easily, they are made of PU. If they don't then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a three wheel buggy is a vital element to look for as it will absorb the jolts and bumps of rough terrain, making it much more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are air-filled and can be locked to provide stability when running are crucial. This will enable your buggy to navigate off-road surfaces effortlessly.
There are many options for buggy designs to fit every budget and style of life. The Mountain Buggy, for example was the first to introduce all-terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. Their sling seats made of fabrics are designed with the perfect design and engineering to fit perfectly inside the frame rather than on top, like modular seats. This creates an lower center of gravity, and is placed at the perfect height to spread weight evenly to tackle kerbs.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It has sleek design, a huge wheel that is easy to maneuver and is paired with an impressive suspension. It also comes with the twist handbrake to facilitate ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it on a walk through rough ground and she found that it was able to handle the terrain well saying that it 'navigates easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, roads, dirt tracks and even makes a light work of going up and down the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. It is available in a range of colors that match your style. It also features an adjustable handlebar, a large basket and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also select from a variety of infant car seats that will transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm), which is a comfortable, flat mattress for babies and infants up to 12 month old.
Safety
Four wheels make the buggy more stable, less likely to tip and easier to handle. It also makes it safer for your child as the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy has a lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to get over curbs and get up. The fabric sling seats are built into the frame, not on top like modular seats. This results in a low seating position and an automobile that is easily pushed.
However, if you'd like to go out for an exercise with your child then a four-wheeler is better suited as it will have a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel 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 like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception because they come with an exclusive suspension system that has been tested independently across all kinds of terrain.