3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for off-roading and provides a smooth ride for your infant. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four wheel buggy and are especially suitable for those with fabric slings or seat units, which are positioned tightly in the frame and deliver the best design and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled vehicles are very stable, making them an excellent choice for off-road walking (especially when equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). They typically have large front tires that are able to handle bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some models even come with a lockable front wheel to provide extra stability on uneven terrain.
It's important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies may have a lower center of gravity than models with four wheels, which can mean that they fall over more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been made with the best geometry to ensure that they remain stable in any condition. They should be able to turn at a single click and be able to steer with one hand and have a 360o swivelling front wheel which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
For extremely difficult surfaces be sure to choose a model with air-filled tyres, also known as pneumatic tyres, which are made to handle non-paved tracks and are able to deal with rocks, mud, etc. A lot of all-terrain buggies have a swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked to provide added stability when tackling very rough terrain.
A 3-wheeled pram is a great option for runners and those who enjoy walking fast uphill. This is particularly true if you are planning to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, offering a world-facing seat that reclines flat and comes with a new 5-point harness as well as storage space for all your gear (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's light, compact and suitable from birth and can be used in conjunction with a carrycot or car seat. It also allows for some light jogging, but isn't designed for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle the tough terrain then you want one with large wheels. These are made to handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks easily, while still providing a smooth ride. These are also great for jogging as they have a suspension built-in and are able to climb up and down kerbs. The downside is that they are quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheeler is highly maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels and a lockable front wheel. It has air tyres that require occasional pumping and can hold a child until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the shape of the seat and was able to steer it easily with her 3-year-old on board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It has an adjustable handlebar, a top-quality hood that offers 50+ UV protection as well as a high-quality hood. It is also easy to move kerbs upwards and downwards, and can fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a pram, with an infant car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric slings are positioned inside the frame and not on top as modular seats. This design provides a lower center of gravity at the perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you can never overestimate the amount of times you'll have to do that as new parents!)
Seating
There are a myriad of options for seating in 3 wheelers. The carrycot included is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfy and cozy lay-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy). Older children and toddlers will enjoy the spacious and comfortable seat with adjustable ventilation. The seats don't fully recline, but they can be lowered down to the lowest point. This should still allow your child to have plenty of room and headroom.
A sling made of fabric is also available. three wheel pushchair is advantageous in that it is located inside the frame, instead of on top as a modular seat. This creates a lower center of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat handled obstacles.
In addition to a large shopping basket, this kind of buggy generally has quite useful features, such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal, and a few game-changing visibility lights that come up from the handlebar and can be placed in front of the occupants to increase their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
If you're seeking a buggy that will grow along with your family it's the sport(tm), a world-first, can accommodate the newborn, and later be modified to fit three or four children as they grow, all within one footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is more stable and can be pushed by one hand. It's also better for terrain that is difficult. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A good quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres and a padded handle for your comfort. It will also be equipped to carry a carrycot and car seat and you can use it right from the time you are born.
MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't pass through all doors of their homes or small car booties - make sure to check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded prior to purchasing for those who are concerned about space.
Choose a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. seats as your family grows. They are the most efficient of both and future proof your money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most popular. It can be used as early as day dot as a single buggy, and then converted into twin buggies after your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
Air filled tyres have been designed to provide your child with a more comfortable ride by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. You'll find these on pushchairs like the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath discovered to provide "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also mentioned that the grippy tyres of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it easier for her to negotiate the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain and will need to be topped up frequently. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres. So it is essential that you have repair kits with spare tubes and a pump on hand when you are traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres can be found on more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, yet they're just as sturdy. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide across flat and tidy surfaces.
It's usually possible to discern the difference between air-filled and PU tyres by running your hand over them, if it feels hard then it's a rubber tyre, and when it slides, it's a PU. You can also determine whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres by sliding them onto an even, smooth surface. They should roll easily and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are commonly used in high-performance buggies and Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain associated with this type of pushchair. This can make your buggy less stable as the foam will lose its springy nature. Also, these types of tyres can frequently be noisy, as they generate a lot of noise as you turn and make your way through town.