3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look elegant and sleek, with outstanding maneuverability. Many of them have seats made of fabric that have a cosy lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution, perfect from birth.
The wheels are larger, and they also often include suspension to allow for smooth movement over different terrains. The only drawback is that they could be heavier and bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are very stable - they don't tip over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when traveling in a straight line, and you'll be able to manoeuvre them much more quickly and easily. If you stop or turn abruptly, they could 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 extra wheel also helps you tackle off-road terrain. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road trails as well as other surfaces such as rocks, sand, and mud. These models will also have wheels that lock in the front to improve stability over rough terrain.
The buggies are simple to maneuver and agile with 360o front swivel wheel. They will also pass the same global stability standards and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you are in the market for a fabric seat that are breathable, they 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 ensuring the smoothest ride.
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight travel system and pushchair to its range with the eye-catching Citylife. The 3-in-1 model was designed for urban living and can be used for newborns with a car seat or carrycot for infants. It comes with 4 wheels and a unique pewter black aluminium frame, which the company claims is 'slim and compact' - it's actually only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to fit into smaller spaces. 3 wheeler pushchair can be folded with one hand and are easy to wash down. Some of the tiniest models have a simple handlebar-height adjustment, while others feature adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. They could also come with an enormous, spacious basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheel buggy to tackle rough terrain
A 3-wheel buggy will usually be more adept at dealing with off-road terrain than a 4-wheel model, but both can get stuck in tight places. A model with larger front and rear wheels can help. This allows them to push over uneven ground and can help in moving up and down the high kerbs.
One option is the brand new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its responsive handling despite its three-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her infant and reported that "it did really well on bumpy surfaces, cobbles gravel tracks, dirt roads and a few hills."
Another great alternative is the newest 3-wheel buggy that is all-terrain from Maxi-Cosi's car seat brand, called Stella. It's suitable from birth when used with the carrycot. It's a little bigger than the lightweight 4wheelers (with an impressively slim frame of 54cm wide) but has big air-filled tyres, three recline positions and a fast one-hand fold.
Its main selling point is its modularity, though - it's compatible with all the brands' infant car seats and strollers. This means you can create your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks using the chassis as a base.
Tyres
The tyres of 3 wheel buggies come in a range of styles and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a smooth performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres last longer. The type of tyre you select will be determined by your lifestyle and where you reside.
If you intend to travel on roads that are not paved or rough terrain often you may be interested in a three-wheeler that has more durable tyres. You should also consider the type of suspension you require. A sturdy suspension is helpful to handle 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 tyre sizing is crucial to ensure safety as well as performance and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on a tyre sidewall may appear confusing, but once you decode it, you will be able to understand the tyre's dimensions. For example, a tyre size of '185/70 R14' means that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has 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 unsure if the pushchair you are using has rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires on a smooth and tied surface. If they slide easily then the tires are made from PU. If they do not, then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a 3 wheel buggy is an important element to look for as it will absorb the jolts and bumps of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your child. Large wheels that are air-filled, and that can be locked to provide stability while jogging are important. This will allow your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces easily.
There are many choices for buggy styles to suit every lifestyle and budget. The Mountain Buggy, for example was the first to introduce all-terrain agility with three-wheel buggie. With perfect geometry and engineering their fabric sling seat sits snug inside the frame as opposed to sitting on top like modular seats, offering an lower center of gravity and sitting at the right height for the best weight distribution that allows it to easily handle the kerb pops.
Another option worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that has a sleek design with large highly manoeuvrable front wheel, excellent suspension, and a simple handbrake that twists. MFM reviewer Kath tested the buggy its paces by walking through rough terrain. three wheel pushchair found that it was able to handle it very well and said that it "navigates over grass, bumpy cobbles, sidewalks and dirt tracks, and even makes it easy to go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road choice. It is available in a range of colors that will match your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket, and a 50+ UV hood. You can also pick from a selection of infant car seats that convert the buggy to pram. This includes the elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) that is a comfy lie-flat mattress for babies and infants from 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable, less likely for it to tip over, and more easy to maneuver. It can also be safer for your baby as their weight is distributed more evenly throughout the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity and is therefore more easy to roll up and over curbs. The fabric sling seats are built into the frame, not on top like modular seats. This results in a lower seating position and buggy that is easily pushed.
If you're looking to run with your child, then an all-wheeler is the best option. It has a suspension system that allows the front wheel of the buggie to move independently from the rear. This allows you to navigate rough terrain or bumpy roads. However, not all four wheel buggies are able to be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception, as they have a specially-designed suspension system that's been tested independently across all terrains.