3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are elegant and sleek, with excellent maneuverability. Many of them come with a fabric sling with an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed, which is ideal for weight distribution, and are perfect from birth.
The wheels are bigger and often have suspensions for smooth movement over a variety of terrains. The only downside is that they may be more heavy and bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies offer lots of stability. They don't fall over as easily when moving straight. You can also manoeuvre more swiftly. If you stop or turn abruptly, they can lose stability and tip over. For this reason, certain manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
You can also conquer off-road terrain with the extra wheel. Find models that have air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres), which can handle off-road routes, sand and dirt, as well as other surfaces, such as sand and rock. These models will also have wheels that lock on the front to increase stability over rough terrain.
With the correct geometry, engineering and weight distribution these buggies can be turned on a dime easy to steer using just one hand; they have 360o front swivel wheel that allows agility and mobility to be effortless and light in handling. They'll also pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.
If you're in search of a fabric sling, 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 ground and provides a more comfortable ride and a less noticeable kerb pop (you don't need to apply the same amount of pressure or exertion to get the buggy up and over a kerb).
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight pushchair and travel system to its product line with the striking Citylife. This 3-in-1 is perfect for urban living and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It comes with four wheels as well as a unique pewter-black aluminium frame that is described by the brand as'slim and compact. It's just 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are many three wheel buggies that can be folded down to can fit into smaller spaces. Many can be folded with one hand and are easy to wash down. The smallest models will have a simple handlebar height adjustment, while others could have an adjustable suspension or an expandable 50+ UV canopy. Certain models may come with large baskets and brake levers that are quick-release.
The most reliable 3 wheel buggy to tackle rough terrain
A 3-wheeled model is typically better equipped to handle off-road conditions in comparison to a model with four wheels, though both can be a bit stuck on tight corners. But, picking a model with larger wheels both front and back can help. This allows you to push them over rough terrain and can assist you in climbing up and down steep curbs.
The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its astonishing agility despite its 3-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it out with her child and reported that "it was very well-handled on bumpy surfaces, cobbles, gravel tracks, dirt roads and even some hills."
Stella, the new 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi, is another option. It is suitable from birth, if it is used in conjunction with a carrycot. It is slightly larger than the 4-wheelers that are lighter, but it has air-filled tires with three recline positions and a single-hand fold.
Its main selling point is its modularity - it's compatible with all of the brands' infant car seats and strollers. You can design your own travel system, no matter if you want to go on an easy stroll or a longer one by using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres on 3 wheel buggies are available in a range of styles and materials, and each has its pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example provide an easy ride and excellent maneuverability, while foam-filled tires are more durable. The kind of tyre you pick will be determined by your lifestyle and the place it is that you live.
If you intend to travel on roads that are not paved or in rough terrain frequently you may be interested in a three-wheeler that has more durable tyres. Consider the type of suspension you require. The suspensions that are strong are great to deal with humps and bumps but they can be heavy, adding to the overall weight.
The size of the tyre is also crucial. Understanding how to read tyre sizing is crucial for ensuring safety as well as performance and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre sidewall may be confusing however, once you understand it, you will be able to understand the tyre's dimensions. A tyre that has an 185/70 size R14 for instance is a radial tire that has a size of 185/70 with 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure if the tires on a pushchair are rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires on a smooth and tied surface. If the tires slide smoothly they are made of PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a 3 wheel buggy is an important aspect to consider as it absorbs the bumps and knocks of rough terrain, making it more comfortable for your baby. A large wheel that are air-filled, and are lockable to provide stability when jogging crucial to ensure that your buggy is able to navigate off roads with ease.
Depending on the type of buggie you're seeking, there are options to suit all lifestyles and budgets. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. Their sling seats made of fabrics are designed with the perfect geometry and engineering that fits perfectly inside the frame rather than on top, like modular seats. This gives an lower center of gravity and sits at the ideal height to spread weight evenly to conquer kerbs.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another great option. It features an elegant design, a huge wheel that's easy to move and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also comes with an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath took this buggy to the test by taking it for a hike through rough terrain and she was impressed with how it handled the terrain really well. She said that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy pavements, cobbles dirt tracks, and can be a breeze going up and down the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes with a variety of colours to suit your style. pushchairsandprams comes with an adjustable handlebar, a large basket, and a 50+ UV hood. You can also select from a variety of infant car seats that will convert the buggy to pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) that is a comfortable lie-flat bed for newborns or babies up to 12 month old.
Safety
The presence of four wheels makes the pushchair much more stable and less likely to tip and easier to maneuver. It also makes it more secure for your child since the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity, making it easier to lift up and over curbs. The seat made of fabric is within the frame, not on top of it like modular seats do, which makes for a low-slung seating position, and a lighter buggy that can be easily maneuvered.
However, if you want to go for an exercise with your child then a four-wheeler is better suited as it has a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel so you can tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads be aware that not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most are NOT like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception since they feature a specially-designed suspension system that's been tested by an independent expert across all terrains.