3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability in a stylish and slim frame. A lot of them come with seats made of fabric that have a cosy lying flat bed and excellent weight distribution that is ideal from the moment of birth.
The wheels are bigger and usually have suspension to allow for smooth, agile movement on different terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they may be heavier and bulkier to transport and store.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies offer lots of stability. They aren't prone to tipping over as easily when driving straight. You can also manoeuvre them more quickly. If you stop or turn abruptly, they could lose stability and tip 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.
You can also conquer off-road terrain using the additional wheel. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) because they can deal with off-road routes and other surfaces including rocks, sand and mud. These models will also have an adjustable wheel that locks on the front to increase stability over rough terrain.
With the correct design, engineering, and weight distribution, these buggies can turn at a moment's notice easy to steer with just one hand; they have 360o front swivel wheel that allows mobility and agility to be easy and light to handle. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a fabric seat, these 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 ensuring the smoothest ride.
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight travel system and pushchair to its product line with the striking Citylife. The model is designed for urban living and can be used from birth with a newborn carrycot or infant car seat. It has four wheels and an exclusive pewter-black aluminum frame, which the brand describes as'slim' and compact. It's only 2cm wide than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a good choice of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to fit into smaller spaces. A majority of these buggies are able to be folded in one hand, and are easy to clean. The smallest models will have a simple adjustable height of the handlebars, while others could have an adjustable suspension as well as an extendable 50+ UV canopy. Some models may have a large basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The best 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain
A 3-wheel buggy will usually be better able to cope with off-road conditions better than a 4-wheel model, although both can get stuck in difficult spots. However, selecting a model with bigger wheels on both sides can help. This makes them easier to push over rough ground and will often help with getting up and down high kerbs.
One option is the new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its quick handling, despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her baby and 3-year-old and said "it handles really well over bumpy pavements, cobbles gravel tracks and dirt roads and also on a few hills."
Another option is the latest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi, a car seat manufacturer, called Stella. 3 wheeler pushchair for babies when used in conjunction with the carrycot and is a smaller than the light 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim frame of 54cm wide) however it has large, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions, and a quick one-hand fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity - it's compatible with all the brands' infant 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 starting point.
Tyres
The tyres on 3 wheel buggies are available in a range of styles and materials, and each has its pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example, offer an easy ride and excellent maneuverability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type of tyre you select will depend on your lifestyle and where it is that you live.
For instance, if plan to travel often on rough or unpaved terrain, you might want to consider an all-wheeler with more durable tyres. You should also think about the type of suspension you need. A sturdy suspension is helpful for handling bumps and humps. However, it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.
The size of the tyre is crucial. Understanding how to read the tyre's size is essential for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewalls of tyres can seem confusing initially, but decoding it helps you understand the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre with a size of 185/70 R14 for instance is a radial tire with a diameter of the 185/70 size with 14-inch rim size.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you aren't sure if the tires on a pushchair are made of rubber or PU, try sliding the tires across the surface with a smooth surface. If they slide easily then the tires are made from PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a three wheel buggy is an important aspect to consider as it absorbs the jolts and bumps of rough terrain making it more comfortable for your child. Large wheels that are air-filled, and that can be locked to ensure stability when jogging are also essential. This will enable your buggy to travel on off-road surfaces easily.
Depending on the type of buggie you're seeking, there are options to suit all lifestyles and budgets. For example, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. Their sling seats made of fabrics are designed with the perfect design and engineering to fit perfectly inside the frame rather than sitting 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 conquer kerbs.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It sports an elegant design, a big wheel that is easy to maneuver and is paired with an impressive suspension. It also features the twist handbrake to facilitate ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath took this buggy to the test by taking it for an excursion through the rough terrain and found that it adapted to the terrain well saying that it 'navigates easily over grass, bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt tracks and even makes a light work of climbing and descending kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a variety of colors to match your style. It also comes with a movable handlebar as well as a large basket. You can also pick from a selection of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a comfy lie-flat bed for newborns and babies from 12 months to 12 years old.
Safety
The presence of four wheels makes the buggy more stable, less likely to tip over and easier to handle. It is also 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 climb over curbs and get up. The seats of the fabric sling are built into the frame, not on top like modular seats. This creates a low seating position and an automobile that is easily maneuvered.
If you want to run with your child, then an all-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 one. This allows you to navigate rough terrain or bumpy roads. However it is not the case that all four-wheel buggies can be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception because they come with a specially-designed suspension system that's been independently tested across all types of terrain.