3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability, and are a stylish, slim frame. Many of these have an sling made of fabric with a cosy lay flat bed that is perfect for weight distribution and are ideal for babies from the age of.
The wheels are bigger and usually have suspension to allow for smooth, agile moving on different terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they can be heavier and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are remarkably stable and don't tip over as easily as pushchairs that have four wheels when going in a straight line and you'll be able to move them more quickly and efficiently. However, if you try to stop or turn suddenly they'll lose their stability and can be prone to tipping over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs in order to increase the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel can also help you to tackle off-road terrain. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road trails and other surfaces like rocks, sand and mud. They'll also usually have the option of locking the front wheel to give stability over rough terrain.
The buggies are simple to maneuver and agile with 360o front swivel wheel. They will also pass the same stability standards worldwide and tests as buggies with four wheels.
If you're looking for 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 floor and provides a more comfortable ride and less kerb pop (you do not need to apply as much pressure or effort to get the buggy up and over the Kerb).
3 wheeled buggies known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an ultra-light travel system and pushchair to its range with the attractive Citylife. The model is designed for urban living and is compatible 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 3 wheel buggies that can be folded compactly and can be tucked away in smaller spaces. Many of these buggies can be folded in one hand and are easy to clean. Some of the tiniest models have a simple handlebar-height adjustment, whereas others come with adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. They may also have an enormous, spacious basket and a quick-release brake lever.
The most reliable 3 wheel buggy to tackle rough terrain
A 3-wheeled vehicle is generally better equipped to handle off-road terrain in comparison to a model with four wheels however both can get stuck on tight corners. However, selecting a model with larger wheels on both sides will help. This will make them easier to push over uneven ground and can help in moving up and down the high kerbs.
One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly quick handling, despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her baby 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 a few hills."
Stella, the new all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It's suitable from birth when used with the carrycot. It's a slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with an impressively slim frame of 54cm wide) but has big, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions, and a quick one-hand fold.
Its main selling point is its modularity, though it's compatible with all the brand's infant car seats and strollers. You can build your own travel system, whether you're planning to take a an easy stroll or a longer one, by using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in many styles and materials. Each has its own pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air offer a smooth ride and great maneuverability, while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you pick will be based on your personal preferences and where you live.
If you plan to travel on unpaved roads or rough terrain often, you might think about a three-wheeler with more robust tyres. Also, you should consider the type of suspension that you require. A strong suspension is ideal for handling bumps and humps. However, it can be heavy and increase the overall weight of your pushchair.
Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is tyre size. Knowing how to understand tyre sizing is vital to ensure safety, performance, and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the tyre's sidewall might be confusing, but once you decode it, you will be able to understand the tyre's dimensions. For instance, a tyre's size of '185/70 R14' means that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has 14 inches of rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure if a pushchair has rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires across an even and secure surface. If the tires move easily they are made of PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheeled buggy makes it more comfortable for your child as it will absorb any knocks or bumps that occur from rough terrain. A large wheel which are filled with air and can be locked to ensure stability while jogging is essential to ensure that your buggy will be able to navigate off road surfaces with ease.
There are many options for buggy styles that will suit any budget and lifestyle. For instance the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with perfect geometry and engineering to fit comfortably inside the frame instead of on top like modular seats. This creates an lower center of gravity, and allows it to be placed at the right height to distribute weight easily to tackle bumps.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It features a sleek design, a huge wheel that is easy to maneuver and is paired with an impressive suspension. It also features an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it on a walk through rough ground and she was impressed with how it adapted to the terrain well, stating that it 'flies effortlessly over bumpy grass, cobbles, roads, dirt tracks and even can be a breeze getting up and down kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. It comes in a range of colors that match your style. It also comes with a movable handlebar and a large basket. You can also select from a selection of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) that is a comfortable lie-flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns until 12 months old.
Safety
The presence of four wheels makes the buggy more stable and less likely to tip and easier to handle. It also makes it safer for your child because the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy has lower center of gravity, making it easier to get over curbs and get up. The sling seat is affixed 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 is more easily maneuvered.
If you're planning to run with your child, a 4-wheeler is the best option. It has a suspension system which allows the front wheel to be independent from the rear wheel. This will allow you to take on rough terrain or bumpy roads. However there are some limitations to four-wheel buggies can be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception since they feature an exclusive suspension system that has been tested independently across all kinds of terrain.