3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look elegant and sleek, with excellent maneuverability. A lot of them have an upholstered sling that has a cosy lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution, and are perfect starting at birth.
The wheels are bigger and typically come with suspensions to allow for smooth, fluid mobility on various terrains. The only drawback is that they can be heavier and more bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies have plenty of stability. They aren't prone to tipping over more easily when driving straight. You can also maneuver more swiftly. If you attempt to turn or stop suddenly they'll lose their stability and may fall over. For this reason, some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their three wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also take on off-road terrain by adding an extra wheel. Choose models with air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres), which can handle off-road trails, sand, mud, and other surfaces, such as sand and rock. They'll also typically have the option of locking the front wheel to give stability over rough ground.
With the correct geometry, engineering and weight distribution, these buggies can be turned on a dime easy to steer using just one hand; feature 360o front swivel wheels allowing mobility and agility to be effortless and light in handling. They'll also pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you are looking for a seat made of cloth that are breathable, they tend to be less upright in comparison to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground - instantly ensuring the smoothest ride.
Maxi-Cosi is best known for its car seats However, it recently expanded its product range with the Citylife lightweight travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban life, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It has four wheels and an unique pewter-black frame, which the brand describes as'slim' and compact. It's only 2cm wide than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are many 3 wheel buggies which can be folded compactly and fit into smaller spaces. Many of them can be folded using a single hand and are easy to wash down. The smallest models will come with a basic adjustable height of the handlebars, while others may have an adjustable suspension as well as an extended 50+ UV canopy. Some models could have an enormous basket as well as a brake lever that's quick-release.
The best 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain
A 3-wheel buggy will usually be better able to cope with off-road conditions than a 4-wheel model, although both can get stuck in tight places. A model with bigger rear and front wheels can help. This will make them easier to push across rough terrain 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 agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her infant and 3-year-old son and reported that "it is very well-handled over bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt roads and gravel tracks, as well as on some hills."
Stella Stella, the 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It can be used from birth if used with a carrycot. It's slightly bigger than the lighter 4-wheelers but it features air-filled tires, three recline positions, and a single-hand fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity - it's compatible with all the brands' infant strollers and car seats. You can create your own travel system, whether you're planning to take a an easy stroll or a longer one using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in a range of styles and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a smooth ride and great manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The kind of tyre you pick will be determined by your lifestyle and the place you live.
If you intend to travel on roads that are not paved or in rough terrain frequently, you might be interested in a three-wheeler that has more durable tyres. Also, you should consider the type of suspension you need. 3 wheeled pushchair is ideal for handling bumps and humps. However, it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.
Another aspect to be considered is tyre size. Understanding the tyre's size is essential for safety, performance and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewalls of tyres can appear confusing until you get the hang of it, you can understand the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre's size of "185/70 R14 indicates that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has a 14 inch rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are lighter and more puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure whether the pushchair you are using has rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires on a smooth and tied surface. If the tires move easily they are made of PU. If they do not, then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a 3 wheel buggy is a vital element to look for as it will absorb the smacks and bumps of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your child. Large wheels that are air-filled, and can be locked to ensure stability when jogging are also crucial. This will enable your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces effortlessly.
There are many options for buggy designs to fit every budget and lifestyle. For example, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a 3-wheel buggies. Their sling seats made of fabrics are designed with the perfect geometry and engineering to fit perfectly inside the frame rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This gives an lower center of gravity and is placed at the perfect height to distribute weight easily to take on bumps.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It sports an elegant design, a huge wheel that's easy to maneuver and is paired with an impressive suspension. It also comes with a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it for a hike through rough terrain and she found that it was able to handle the terrain well. She said that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, roads, dirt tracks and even makes a light work of climbing and descending kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road choice. It comes in a variety of colours that match your style. It also features an adjustable handlebar, a large basket, and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also pick from a selection of infant car seats that convert the buggy into a pram. This includes the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a cosy lie flat bed for newborns and babies up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable, less likely for it to tip over and easier to maneuver. It is also safer for your baby as their weight is distributed more evenly across the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled buggy also tends to have a lower center of gravity, making it easier to pop over curbs and up the stairs. The seats of the fabric sling are built into the frame and not on top as modular seats. This results in a lower seating position and an automobile that is easily moved.
If you're looking to go for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler might be better suited since it will have suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the rear one so you can tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain be aware that not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most are NOT, such as the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception since they feature an exclusive suspension system that has been tested independently across all types of terrain.