3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability with a stylish and slim frame. Many of them have a fabric sling seat with a cosy lay flat bed and a perfect weight distribution that is ideal for babies from birth.
The wheels are larger and often include suspension to allow for smooth movements on a variety of terrains. The only drawback is that they can be heavier and more bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies provide lots of stability. They don't tip over more easily when moving straight. You can also maneuver them more quickly. If you stop or turn abruptly, they can lose stability and even tip over. For this reason, certain manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
The extra wheel also helps you 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 trails and other surfaces like rocks, sand and mud. They'll also include a lockable front wheel to give stability over rough terrain.
Buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a cloth sling seat, then these tend to be placed lower in the frame than modular seats, so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the floor which means a smoother ride and a lighter kerb pop (you don't need to apply the same amount of pressure or effort to get the buggy over and up the curb).
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an ultra-light pushchair and travel system to its range with the attractive Citylife. The 3-in-1 model was designed for urban living and is suitable for newborns with a car seat or carrycot for infants. It has four wheels and a unique pewter-black aluminium frame, which the brand describes as'slim' and compact. It's just 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are many three wheel buggies that can be folded in a compact way to can fit into smaller spaces. Many can be folded with just one hand, and are simple to wash down. The smallest models will come with a basic handlebar height adjustment, while others may have an adjustable suspension or an extendable 50+ UV canopy. Some models could have an enormous basket as well as a brake lever that's quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheel buggy will usually be better able to cope with off-road terrain than a 4-wheel model, although both models can get stuck in difficult spots. A model with bigger front and rear wheels can aid. This will make it easier to push them across rough terrain and will aid in getting up and down high curbs.
One option is the brand new 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 and said "it is very well-handled over bumpy pavements, cobbles, gravel tracks and dirt roads, as well as on a few hills."
Stella, the new 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi, is another option. It's suitable for babies when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim 54cm wide frame) however it has large air-filled tyres. It also has 3 recline positions, and a quick one-hand fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity - it's compatible with all of the brands' infant strollers and car seats. This means you can create your ideal travel system for your day-to-day or longer walks, using only the chassis as a base.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in many styles and materials. Each has its own pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a smooth ride and manoeuvrability, while foam-filled tyres last longer. The type of tyre you select will depend on your lifestyle and the place it is that you live.
For instance, if you plan to travel often on rough or unpaved terrain, you might think about an all-wheeler with more durable tires. Also, pushchair 3 wheels should consider the type of suspension you need. Strong suspensions are useful to deal with humps and bumps however they can be quite heavy, adding to the overall weight.
Another aspect to be considered is the size of the tyre. Understanding the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewalls of tyres can be at first, but decoding it will allow you to comprehend the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre with the size 185/70 R14, for example is a radial tire with a diameter of the 185/70 size with a 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure whether the tires on a pushchair are made of rubber or PU, try sliding the tires on a smooth surface. If the tires move easily, they are made of PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheel buggy makes it more comfortable for your child because it absorbs any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. Large wheels that are air-filled, and are able to be locked to ensure stability while jogging are crucial. This will enable your buggy to navigate off-road surfaces easily.
Based on the type of buggie you're seeking, there are options that will fit all lifestyles and budgets. For instance, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a 3-wheel buggies. With an engineering and geometry that is perfect their sling seat made of fabric sits snug inside the frame, in contrast to being on top of modular seats, offering an lower center of gravity and sitting at the perfect height for optimal weight distribution to easily tackle the kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another great option. It sports a sleek design, a large wheel that's easy to move and comes with a superb suspension. It also features a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put the buggy through its paces by walking on a rough terrain. She found that it handled it really well, saying that it "navigates over grass, bumpy cobbles, sidewalks, 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 option. It is available 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 pick from a selection of infant car seats that will convert the buggy to a pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm), which is a comfortable lie-flat bed for newborns or babies from 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable and less likely to tip over and is easier to maneuver. It also makes it safer for your child as the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy has a lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to pop over curbs and climb up. The sling seat is affixed inside the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This makes for a low-slung seating position and a lighter buggy that is more easily manoeuvred.
If you're looking to run with your child, an all-wheeler is the best option. It has a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently from the rear wheel. This will allow you to take on rough terrain or bumpy roads. However there are some limitations to 4 wheel buggies can be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception, as they have a specially-designed suspension system that's been tested independently across all types of terrain.