3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are stylish and sleek, and have excellent maneuverability. A lot of them come with seats made of fabric that have an incredibly comfortable lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution, perfect from the moment of birth.
The wheels are larger and often have suspension to allow for smooth, fluid movement on different terrains. The only downside is that they could be more heavy and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are very solid - they don't fall over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when going in a straight line, and you'll find that you can manoeuvre them much more quickly and effortlessly. However, if you attempt to stop or turn suddenly they'll lose stability and could be prone to tipping over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel also allows you to tackle off-road terrain. Look for models with air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that can be used to handle off-road routes, sand and dirt, as well as other surfaces such as rocks and sand. They'll also come with a lockable front wheel to add stability over really rough ground.
Buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They also pass the same global stability standards and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you are in the market for a seat made of fabric that are breathable, they tend to be less upright in comparison to modular seats. This means that your baby's center of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly providing the smoothest ride.
Maxi-Cosi is most well-known for its car seat collection however, it has recently expanded its product line with the Citylife lightweight travel system and pushchair. The model is designed for urban living and is compatible starting at birth with a newborn carrycot or infant car seat. It comes with 4 wheels and has an exclusive pewter black aluminium frame, which the brand claims is 'slim and compact' - it's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a wide selection of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to fit in smaller spaces. A lot of these buggies can be folded with one hand and are easy to clean. Some of the smaller models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, while others have adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. They could also come with large, spacious baskets and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rocky terrain
A 3-wheeler will typically be more adept at dealing with off-road conditions than one with four wheels, however both can get stuck in tight places. A model with bigger rear and front wheels can help. This allows them to push across rough terrain and can help in moving up and down steep kerbs.
The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its remarkable agility despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it out with her baby and said that "it did really well on cobbles, bumpy surfaces, gravel tracks, dirt roads, and some hills."
Stella, the new 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi, is another option. It's suitable from birth when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's a smaller than the light 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim 54cm wide frame) but has big, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions, and a swift 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, no matter if you're looking to go for a a short walk or a longer one using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are offered in many 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 you choose will depend on your lifestyle and the location you live in.
For example, if you are planning to travel frequently on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you may think about a 3-wheeler with sturdier tyres. Also, you should consider the type of suspension that you require. A sturdy suspension is helpful to handle bumps and humps, however it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.
Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is the tyre's size. Knowing how to understand tyre sizing is vital to ensure safety performance, durability, and performance. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewalls of tyres can seem confusing until you get the hang of it, you will be able to understand the tyre dimensions. A tyre having an 185/70 size R14, for example is a radial tire in 185/70 and has 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure whether the pushchair you are using has rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires on a smooth surface and tie them. If the tires slide smoothly, they are made of PU. If they don't, then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a 3 wheel buggy is a vital aspect to consider as it will absorb the bumps and knocks of rough terrain, making it much more comfortable for your child. Having large wheels, that are air-filled, and can be locked to ensure stability while jogging is essential to ensure your buggy is capable of maneuvering off road surfaces easily.
There are a variety of buggy styles that will suit any budget and lifestyle. The Mountain Buggy, for example is the first all-terrain vehicle to be developed in a three-wheel buggies. With perfect geometry and engineering, their fabrics sling seat rests comfortably within the frame, as opposed to sitting on top like modular seats, providing a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the ideal height for optimal weight distribution that allows it to easily handle the kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another great option. It sports sleek design, a large wheel that's easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also features a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath tested the buggy its trials by walking on rough terrain. She found that it performed admirably and said that it "navigates over grass, bumpy cobbles, sidewalks, and dirt tracks, and allows you to easily go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. It is available in a range of colors that will complement your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar and a large basket. You can also choose from a selection of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) which is a comfortable lie-flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns up to 12 month old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy much more stable and less likely to tip, and easier to handle. It can also be safer for your baby as their weight is distributed more evenly over the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled buggy has a lower center of gravity, making it easier to pop over curbs and climb up. The seat made of fabric is within the frame, not over it as modular seats. This creates a low seating position, and a lighter buggy that can be easily manoeuvred.
If you want to run with your child, an all-wheeler is the best option. It comes with an suspension system that allows the front wheel to be independent from the rear. This allows you to tackle rough terrains or bumpy roads. However it is not the case that all four wheel buggies are able to be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception because they come with a specially-designed suspension system that's been tested by an independent expert across all terrains.