3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look elegant and sleek, with excellent maneuverability. Many of these have an upholstered sling that has an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution and are suitable for babies from the age of.
The wheels are bigger and often come with suspension for agile smooth movement on different terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they can be more bulky and heavy to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are remarkably stable - they don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when going in a straight line and you'll be able to maneuver them more quickly and efficiently. However, if you attempt to turn or stop suddenly they'll lose stability and can be prone to tipping over. For this reason, certain manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.
The extra wheel also helps you navigate off-road terrain. Choose models with air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres), which can handle off-road trails, sand, dirt, as well as other surfaces such as rock and sand. These models will also feature a lockable wheel on the front, which will increase stability on rough terrain.
With the correct design, engineering, and weight distribution these buggies can turn at a moment's notice and are easy to steer with just one hand; they have 360o front swivel wheels allowing mobility and agility to be easy and easy to handle. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you are looking for a seat made of fabric they are typically less upright in comparison to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly providing a smoother ride.
3 wheeler pushchair known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight travel system and pushchair to its product line with the eye-catching Citylife. The 3-in-1 model was designed for urban living and can be used for newborns with a carrycot or infant car seat. It has four wheels and uses a unique pewter black aluminium frame, which the company claims is 'slim and compact'. It's actually only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a variety of 3 wheel buggies which can be folded in a compact way to can be tucked away in smaller spaces. Many of them can be folded using a single hand and are easy to wipe down. The smallest models will feature an easy height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others may have an adjustable suspension as well as an extended 50+ UV canopy. Certain models may come with a large basket and brake levers that are quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain
A 3-wheeled model is typically better equipped to handle off-road conditions compared to a 4-wheeled model, though both may get stuck in tight corners. A model with bigger front and rear wheels will help. This allows you to push them over rough terrain and can assist you in climbing up and down high curbs.
The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its astonishing agility despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her infant and her 3-year-old, and said "it is very well-handled over bumpy pavements, cobbles dirt roads and gravel tracks as well as on some hills."
Stella Stella, the 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 slightly bigger than the lightweight 4-wheelers, but it has air-filled tires and three recline positions and a one-handed fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity - it's compatible with all of the brands' baby strollers and car seats. This means you can build your ideal travel system for your day-to-day or longer walks using the chassis as a foundation.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are offered in a variety of styles and materials. Each has its own pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a comfortable ride and manoeuvrability, while foam-filled tyres are more durable. The kind of tyre you pick will depend on your lifestyle and the place you reside.
For instance, if are planning to travel frequently on rough or unpaved terrain, you might want to consider a 3-wheeler with sturdier tires. Consider the type of suspension you require. A sturdy suspension is helpful for handling bumps and humps, but it can be heavy and increase the overall weight of your pushchair.
Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is tyre size. Understanding how to read the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewalls of tyres can seem confusing at first, but decoding it allows you to understand the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre having the size 185/70 R14, for example indicates that it is a radial tire in 185/70 with 14-inch rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber ones. If you aren't sure if a pushchair's tires are rubber or PU, try sliding the tires on the surface with a smooth surface. If the tires slide 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 an essential element to look for as it absorbs the smacks and bumps of rough terrain, making it much more comfortable for your child. Large wheels that are air-filled and are able to be locked to provide stability when running are crucial. This will allow your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces with ease.
There are a variety of buggy styles to suit every budget and lifestyle. The Mountain Buggy, for example was the first to introduce all-terrain agility in three-wheel buggies. With an engineering and geometry that is perfect their fabric sling seat rests comfortably inside the frame as opposed to on top like modular seats, providing the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the right height for optimal weight distribution that allows it to easily handle the kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It sports a sleek design, a huge wheel that's easy to move and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also has 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 on an excursion through the rough terrain and she was impressed with how it handled the terrain really well. She said that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, pavements, dirt tracks and even makes a light work of going up and down kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. It is available in a variety of colors that will complement your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar and a spacious basket. You can also select from a selection of infant car seats to convert the buggy into a pram, such as the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a comfy lie-flat bed for newborns and babies up to 12 months old.
Safety
Having four wheels makes the pushchair much more stable, less likely to tip and easier to handle. It also makes it more secure for your baby since their weight is distributed more evenly over the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheel buggy also tends to have a lower center of gravity and is therefore easier to lift up and over curbs. The fabric sling seats are placed inside the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This results in a low seat position and a buggy that can be easily pushed.
If you're planning to run with your child, then a 4-wheeler is the best option. It comes with an suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently from the rear. This will allow you to tackle rough terrains or bumpy roads. However there are some limitations to four-wheel buggies can be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception, as they have a specially-designed suspension system that's been tested by an independent expert across all terrains.