3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability in a stylish and streamlined frame. Many of these have an sling made of fabric with a cosy lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution and are suitable from birth.
The wheels are larger, and they also often include suspension to allow for smooth movement on various 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 extremely stable - they don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when traveling in a straight line, and you'll find that you can manoeuvre them much more quickly and effortlessly. However, if you attempt to stop or turn suddenly, they'll lose stability and can tip over. This is why some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their three wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also tackle off-road terrain with the extra wheel. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) because they can deal with off-road trails and other surfaces including sand, mud and rock. They'll also usually include a lockable front wheel to add stability over really rough ground.
The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile thanks to the 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a fabric seat, these tend to be smaller in the frame as compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly providing the smoothest ride.
Most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight pushchair and travel system to its product line with the attractive Citylife. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It comes with 4 wheels and has a unique pewter black aluminium frame, which the company claims is 'light and compact' - it's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a lot of
three wheel buggies that can be folded in a compact way to can be tucked away in smaller spaces. Many of these buggies can be folded in one hand, and are easy to clean. Some of the smallest models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, while others feature adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. They may also have large, spacious baskets and a quick-release brake lever.
The best 3 wheel buggy to tackle rough terrain
A
3 wheel parent facing pushchair-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. A model with bigger front and rear wheels can aid. This makes them easier to push across rough terrain and will often help with moving up and down steep kerbs.
One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly quick handling, despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her infant and 3-year-old son and reported that "it handles really well over bumpy pavements, cobbles dirt roads and gravel tracks, as well as on some hills."
Stella Stella, the
3 wheel stroller-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi, is another option. It can be used from birth when used with a carrycot. It's a bit bigger than the 4-wheelers that are lighter, but it has air-filled tires with three recline positions and a single-hand fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity, though it's compatible with all of the brand's infant car seats and strollers. You can design your own travel system, regardless of whether you're planning to take a shorter walk or take a longer stroll, using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of styles and materials. Each comes with its own pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide an effortless ride and superior maneuverability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type of tyre you choose will be determined by your lifestyle and the place it is that you live.
For instance, if you intend to frequently travel on rough or muddy terrain, you might think about a
3 wheel pushchair travel system-wheeler that has sturdier tires. Consider the type of suspension you require. Strong suspension is useful to handle bumps and humps. However, it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.
Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is the tyre's size. Understanding the tyre size is important for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewall of a tyre can be at first, but decoding it will allow you to comprehend the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre that has an 185/70 size R14, for example is a radial tire with a diameter of 185/70 with 14-inch rim size.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure if a pushchair has rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires across an even and secure 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 on a 3 wheel buggy is an important component to look for because it absorbs the jolts and bumps of rough terrain, making it much more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are air-filled and are able to be locked to provide stability when jogging are also crucial. This will enable your buggy to travel on off-road surfaces with ease.
Depending on the type of buggy you're looking for There are a variety of options that will fit
all terrain 3 wheel stroller lifestyles and budgets. For instance the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. With perfect geometry and engineering their sling seat made of fabric is tucked away within the frame, as opposed to being on top of modular seats, resulting in the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the perfect 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 that boasts a sleek style with a large, highly maneuverable front wheel, a great suspension and a simple handbrake that twists. MFM reviewer Kath tested the buggy its paces by walking on a rough terrain. She was impressed with how it handled it really well and said that it "navigates over bumpy grass, sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks, and allows you to easily go 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 match your style. It also features an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also select from a selection of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram, such as the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a comfy lie-flat crib for babies and infants from 12 months to 12 years old.
Safety
Four wheels make the pushchair much more stable, less likely to tip, and easier to maneuver. It also makes it safer for your child because the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheeler is also likely to have a lower center of gravity, making it more easy to roll over curbs and up the stairs. 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 manoeuvred.
However, if you want to go out for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler may be more suitable as it comes with a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back one to allow you to tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain 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 on all types of terrain.
