3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability with a stylish and slim frame. Many of them have an upholstered sling seat that has a cosy lying flat bed and excellent weight distribution, perfect from birth.
The wheels are bigger and, in many cases, include suspension to allow for smooth movement over different terrains. The only drawback is that they can be heavier and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies offer lots of stability. They don't fall over as easily when you are going straight. They also allow you to maneuver faster. However, if you try to stop or turn suddenly, they'll lose stability and may fall 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.
The additional wheel also allows you to tackle off-road terrain. Be sure to look for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road routes as well as other surfaces such as rocks, sand and mud. These models will also have wheels that lock on the front, which will increase the stability of the vehicle over rough terrain.
The buggies are simple 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 sling seat, they are typically placed lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the ground - instantly delivering a smoother ride and a less noticeable kerb pop (you don't need to apply the same amount of pressure or exertion to get the buggy over and up the curb).
Maxi-Cosi is a household name for its car seat collection, but it has recently expanded its product line with the Citylife, a lightweight travel system and pushchair. The 3-in-1 model was designed for urban living and is compatible for newborns with a car seat or carrycot for infants. It comes with 4 wheels and uses a unique pewter black aluminium frame, which the brand claims is 'slim and compact'. It's actually only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are many 3 wheel buggies which can be folded down to fit into smaller spaces. A lot of these buggies can be folded in one hand, and are easy to clean. The smallest models will feature a simple adjustable height of the handlebars, while others may have an adjustable suspension as well as an expandable 50+ UV canopy. Certain models may come with an enormous basket as well as a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be more adept at dealing with off-road terrain than a 4-wheel model, but both models can get stuck in tight places. However, selecting a model that has larger wheels both front and back can help. This will make them easier to push over rough ground and is often helpful in moving up and down steep kerbs.
The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its surprising agility despite its 3-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her baby and 3-year-old and said "it handles really well over bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt roads and gravel tracks and also on a few hills."
Stella Stella, the all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi, is another option. It's suitable from birth when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim 54cm wide frame) but it comes with big air-filled tyres. It also has 3 recline positions, and a quick one-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity. It's compatible with all of the brands' car seats and strollers for infants. You can create your own travel system, no matter if you're looking to go for a shorter walk or a longer one, by using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in many styles and materials. Each comes with its own pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres, offer a smooth ride and great manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you select will depend on your lifestyle and the location you live in.
For instance, if you intend to frequently travel on rough or muddy terrain, you may be interested in a 3-wheeler that has sturdier tires. Think about the type of suspension you require. Strong suspensions are useful to deal with humps and bumps but they can also be heavy, adding to the overall weight.
Another aspect to be considered is the tyre's size. Understanding how to understand tyre sizing is vital for maintaining safety performance, durability, and performance. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewalls of tyres can appear confusing, but once you decode it, you will be able to understand the tyre's dimensions. A tyre having a size of 185/70 R14 for instance is a radial tire in 185/70 with a 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you are unsure if a pushchair's tires are rubber or PU, try sliding the tires on a smooth surface. If they slide easily then the tires are made from PU. If not, then 3 wheel buggy Pushchairs & Prams are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheeled buggy makes it more comfortable for your child as it absorbs any knocks or bumps that occur from rough terrain. 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 navigate off-road surfaces with ease.
There are many options for buggy styles to suit every lifestyle and budget. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. With the perfect geometry and engineering their fabric sling seat is tucked away within the frame, as opposed to being on top of modular seats, providing an lower center of gravity and sitting at the ideal height for the best weight distribution that allows it to easily handle kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It has a sleek design, a huge wheel that's easy to maneuver and is paired with an impressive suspension. It also has a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its trials by going for a ride through rough terrain. She found that it was able to handle it very well and claimed that it "navigates over grass, bumpy cobbles, sidewalks, and dirt tracks, and makes it easy to drive up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas is another popular off road option and like the Urban Glide 2, comes with a variety of colours to suit your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket, and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also choose from a range of infant car seats that will transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) that is a comfortable lie-flat bed for newborns or babies up to 12 month old.
Safety
Four wheels make the buggy more stable, less likely for it to tip over and easier to maneuver. It is also safer for your child because the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
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 sling seat is affixed within the frame, not on top of it like modular seats do, which results in a lower seating position and a lighter buggy that is easily maneuvered.
If you're looking to run with your child, an all-wheeler is the best option. It has a suspension system which allows the front wheel of the buggie to be independent from the rear wheel. This will allow you to navigate rough terrain or bumpy roads. However, not all four-wheel buggies can be used for running. The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially designed suspension system that has been tested independently across all types of terrain.