3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are stylish and sleek, and have great maneuverability. Many of them come with a fabric sling with an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution and are ideal starting at birth.
The wheels are larger and usually come with suspensions to allow for smooth, agile movement on different terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they tend to be more bulky and heavy to transport and store.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are extremely stable and don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when going in a straight line, and you'll find that you can move them more quickly and efficiently. If you stop or turn abruptly, they may lose stability and even tip over. To avoid this, some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their three wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
You can also conquer off-road terrain using the additional wheel. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) because they can deal with off-road trails and other surfaces including rocks, sand, and mud. These models will also have a lockable wheel on the front, which will increase stability over rough terrain.
The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're in search of a fabric sling seat, then they are typically placed lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the floor and provides a more comfortable ride and less kerb pop (you do not need to apply as much pressure or exertion to get the buggy over and up the kerb).
Maxi-Cosi is best known for its car seats, but it has recently expanded its product range with the Citylife lightweight travel system and pushchair. 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 four wheels as well as an exclusive pewter-black aluminum frame that is described by the brand as'slim' and compact. It's just 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold down to fit into smaller space. A lot of these buggies can be folded in one hand and are easy to clean. Some of the smallest models have a simple handlebar-height adjustment, while others have adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. Some models may have large baskets and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain
A 3-wheeler will typically be better able to cope with off-road conditions than one with four wheels, however both can be stuck in difficult spots. But, picking a model with larger wheels both front and back can help. This will make them easier to push over rough ground and will often help with moving up and down the high kerbs.
One option is the new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its responsive handling despite its three-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her infant and her 3-year-old, and said "it handles really well over bumpy pavements, cobbles, gravel tracks and dirt roads and also on a few hills."
Stella, the new all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi is another great option. It can be used from birth if used with a carrycot. It's a bit bigger than the lighter 4-wheelers but it features air-filled tires with three recline positions and an easy fold with one hand.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity. It's compatible with all of the brands' baby strollers and car seats. This means that you can design your ideal travel system for your day-to-day or longer walks using the chassis as a base.
Tyres
The tyres on 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of designs and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide an easy ride and excellent manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you choose will be based on your personal preferences and where you live.
For instance, if are planning to travel frequently on rough or muddy terrain, you might think about a 3-wheeler with sturdier tyres. Think about the kind of suspension you need. The suspensions that are strong are great for tackling bumps and humps but they can also be heavy and add to the overall weight.
The size of the tyre is important. Knowing how to understand tyre sizing is vital for maintaining safety performance, durability, and performance. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewalls of tyres can be confusing initially, but decoding it helps you understand the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre having the size 185/70 R14, for example is a radial tire in 185/70 and 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 aren't sure if a pushchair's tires are rubber or PU, try sliding the tires across an even surface. If the tires move easily, they are made of PU. If they don't, then the tires are composed of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a 3 wheel buggy is an important element to look for as it absorbs the jolts and bumps of rough terrain, making it more comfortable for your child. Large wheels that are air-filled, and lockable to ensure stability while jogging is essential to ensure that your buggy will be capable of maneuvering off roads with ease.
There are many choices for buggy designs to fit every budget and style of life. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. The sling seats made of fabric are designed with precise design and engineering to fit comfortably inside the frame instead of on top like modular seats. This gives a lower center of gravity and sits at the ideal height to distribute weight evenly to conquer bumps.
Another great option is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule which boasts a sleek design with a large, highly maneuverable front wheel, excellent suspension and a simple handbrake with a twist. MFM reviewer Kath put the buggy through its paces by walking on a rough terrain. She found that it was able to handle it very well, saying that it "navigates over bumpy grass, sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks and makes it easy to drive up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road model and, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a variety of colors to complement 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 convert the buggy to a pram. This includes the elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm), which is a comfortable lie-flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns up to 12 month old.
3 wheeler pushchair make the pushchair more stable and less likely to tip over and is easier to maneuver. It is also safer for your child as the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheeled vehicle has a lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to get over curbs and climb up. The sling seat is affixed in the frame instead of sitting on top like modular seats do, which makes for a low-slung seating position and a lighter buggy that is easily maneuvered.
However, if you want to go for an exercise with your child then a four-wheeler is more suitable as it will have a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel which allows you to navigate rough terrains and bumpy roads - just bear in mind not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most are NOT like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception, as they have a specially-designed suspension system that's been independently tested across all kinds of terrain.