3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look stylish and sleek, and have outstanding maneuverability. A lot of them have an sling made of fabric with a cosy lay flat bed that is perfect for weight distribution, and are perfect from birth.
The wheels are bigger, and they also often include suspension to allow for smooth movements on different terrains. The only downside is that they may be more heavy and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are very stable and don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when they're in a straight line and you'll notice that you can manoeuvre them much more quickly and easily. If you turn or stop abruptly, they can lose stability and even tip over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
You can also conquer off-road terrain by adding an extra wheel. Be sure to look for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road paths and other surfaces like sand, mud and rock. They'll also typically include an adjustable front wheel that locks to provide stability on rough ground.
With the correct geometry, engineering and weight distribution these buggies can be turned on a dime and are easy to steer using just one hand; they have 360o front swivel wheels allowing mobility and agility to be effortless and easy to handle. They also pass the same stability standards globally and tests as buggies with four wheels.
If you're looking for a seat made of cloth they are typically smaller in the frame as compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's center of gravity will be closer to the ground - instantly ensuring the smoothest ride.
Most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light travel system and pushchair to its range with the attractive Citylife. This 3-in-1 model is designed for urban living and is compatible from birth with a newborn car seat or carrycot for infants. It comes with four wheels as well as an unique pewter-black frame that the brand calls'slim' and compact. It's only 2cm wide than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a good choice of 3 wheel buggies that fold down to fit in smaller spaces. Many of them can be folded using one hand and are easy to wipe down. The smallest models will come with a simple handlebar height adjustment, while others may have an adjustable suspension or an extended 50+ UV canopy. They may also feature a large, spacious basket and a brake lever with quick release.
The most reliable 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain
A
best 3 wheel buggy-wheeled buggy is usually better equipped to handle off-road conditions compared to a 4-wheeled model, though both can get stuck on tight corners. A model with larger rear and front wheels can aid. This makes them easier to push across rough terrain and can help in getting up and down high kerbs.
One option is the new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its quick handling, despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her baby and
best 3 wheel buggy-year-old and said "it does really well on cobbles, bumpy pavements, gravel tracks and dirt roads and also on some hills."
Another alternative is the newest all-terrain
3 wheel twin stroller wheel buggy from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi which is called Stella. It is suitable for babies from birth, if it is used in conjunction with a carrycot. It's slightly bigger than the lighter 4-wheelers but it features air-filled tires, three recline positions, and a single-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity - it's compatible with all the brands' infant car seats and strollers. This means you can create your ideal travel system for day-today or longer walks, using only the chassis as a starting point.
Tyres
The tyres on
3 wheel compact stroller wheel buggies come in a variety of styles and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a smooth performance and a smooth ride, whereas foam-filled tyres last longer. The type of tyre you choose will depend on your lifestyle and where you reside.
For instance, if intend to frequently travel on rough or unpaved terrain, you may want to consider a 3-wheeler that has sturdier tires. Also, you should consider the type of suspension that you require. Strong suspensions are useful to tackle humps and bumps however they can be quite heavy and add to the overall weight.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the tyre. Knowing how to read the tyre size is important for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre's sidewall can seem confusing initially, but decoding it allows you to understand the tyre's dimensions. For instance, a tyre size of '185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radius with a 14-inch rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also lighter and more puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you are unsure if the tires on a
double pushchair 3 wheeler are made of rubber or PU, try sliding the tires on a smooth surface. If the tires slide easily, they are made of PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheeled buggy makes it more comfortable for your child because it absorbs any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. Having large wheels, that are air-filled, and are lockable for stability during jogging is essential to ensure that your buggy will be capable of navigating off road surfaces easily.
There are many choices for buggy designs to fit every budget and style of life. For instance, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a
best 3 wheel pushchair-wheel buggies. Their sling seats made of fabrics are designed with perfect geometry and engineering that fits perfectly inside the frame rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This provides an lower center of gravity, and allows it to be placed at the right height to spread weight evenly to tackle bumps.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It sports a sleek design, a large wheel that is easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also features the twist handbrake to facilitate ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its paces by walking on a rough terrain. She was impressed with how it was able to handle it very well and claimed that it "navigates over bumpy grass, cobbles, sidewalks 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 comes in a range of colors that will complement your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar, a large basket, and a 50+ UV hood. You can also pick from a range of infant car seats that convert the buggy to a pram. This includes the elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) which is a comfy lie-flat mattress for babies and infants until 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the buggy more stable and less likely to tip over and is easier to maneuver. It can also be more secure for your child as their weight is distributed more evenly throughout the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled buggy has lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to get over curbs and walk up. The fabric sling seats are placed inside the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This creates a low seat position and buggy that is easily maneuvered.
However, if you'd like to go for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler may be better suited as it has suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel to allow you to tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most are NOT, such as the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception, as they have an exclusive suspension system that has been tested independently across all terrains.
