3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer excellent maneuverability, and are a stylish, streamlined frame. Many of them come with an sling made of fabric with a cosy lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution and are ideal for babies from the age of.
The wheels are bigger and often come with suspensions to allow for smooth, fluid mobility on various terrains. 3 wheeler pushchair to these wheels is that they can be bulkier and heavier to transport and store.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are very solid - they don't fall over as easily as pushchairs that have four wheels when going in a straight line and you'll find that you can maneuver them more quickly and easily. However, if you attempt to turn or stop suddenly they'll lose stability and could tip over. This is why some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
You can also take on off-road terrain using the additional wheel. Find models with air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres), which can handle off-road trails, sand, mud, and other surfaces such as sand and rock. These models will also feature wheels that lock on the front to increase stability over rough terrain.
With the right geometry, engineering and weight distribution, these buggies can turn on a dime - easy to steer with just one hand; have 360o front swivel wheels allowing agility and mobility to be effortless and light to handle. They will also pass the same stability standards worldwide and tests as buggies with four wheels.
If you are in the market for a seat made of cloth, these 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 a household name for its car seat range, but it recently expanded its product line with the Citylife lightweight travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living, and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It comes with four wheels as well as an exclusive pewter-black aluminum frame, which the brand describes as'slim and compact. It's smaller at 2cm than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a lot of 3 wheel buggies which can be folded in a compact way to can be tucked away in smaller spaces. A majority of these buggies are able to be folded in one hand and are easy-to-clean. Some of the smaller models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, while others feature adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. Some models may have large baskets and brake levers that are quick-release.
The best 3 wheel buggy to tackle rough terrain
A 3-wheeled vehicle is generally better equipped to handle off-road conditions compared to a 4-wheeled model, though both can get stuck on tight corners. But, picking a model with larger wheels on both sides can help. This will make it easier to push them over rough terrain and can assist you in climbing up and down steep curbs.
One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath has tested it with her child, and she said that "it did really well on bumpy surfaces, cobbles dirt roads, gravel tracks, and some hills."
Stella Stella, the 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi, is another option. It's suitable for babies when used with the carrycot. It's a slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim frame of 54cm wide) however it has large, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions, and a swift one-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity, though it's compatible with all of the brands' infant car seats and strollers. This means you can create your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks, using just the chassis as a base.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of styles and materials. Each one has its own pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres, offer a smooth ride and great manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type of tyre you select will depend on your lifestyle and where you live.
If you intend to travel on roads that are not paved or rough terrain often you may be interested in a three-wheeler that has more durable tyres. Take into consideration the type of suspension you require. Strong suspensions are useful to tackle humps and bumps but they can be heavy and add to the overall weight.
Another important factor to consider is the tyre's size. Understanding how to read the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on a tyre's sidewall can seem initially, but understanding it will allow you to comprehend the tyre's dimensions. A tyre with the size 185/70 R14 for instance is a radial tire with a diameter of 185/70 with 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure if a pushchair has rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires over an even and secure surface. If the tires slide easily and smoothly, they're made of PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a 3 wheel buggy is a vital aspect to consider as it will absorb the smacks and bumps of rough terrain making it more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are air-filled, and that can be locked to provide stability when running are essential. This will allow your buggy to maneuver over 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 three-wheel buggie. Their sling seats made of fabrics are designed with precise design and engineering to fit perfectly inside the frame rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This provides an lower center of gravity and allows it to be placed at the right 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 comes with a superb suspension. It also comes with an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath really put this buggy to the test by taking it for a hike through rough terrain and she found that it adapted to the terrain well. She said that it 'flies effortlessly over bumpy grass, pavements, cobbles, 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 variety of colours that will match your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar as well as a large basket. You can also select from a range of infant car seats that will convert the buggy to a pram. This includes the elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm), which is a comfortable lie-flat mattress for babies and infants from 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the pushchair more stable, less likely for it to tip over and is easier to maneuver. It can also be more secure for your baby since their weight is distributed more evenly throughout the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled buggy has a lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to pop over curbs and climb up. The fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not on top of it like modular seats. This creates a low seating position and a lighter buggy that is easily maneuverable.
If you're looking to run with your child, a 4-wheeler is the best option. It comes with a suspension system which allows the front wheel of the buggie to move independently from the rear wheel. This will allow you to navigate rough terrain or bumpy roads. However, not all four wheel buggies are able to be used for running. The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been independently tested across all types of terrain.