3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability with a stylish and sleek frame. Many of these feature an upholstered sling seat that has an incredibly comfortable lying flat bed and excellent weight distribution, perfect from the moment of birth.
The wheels are bigger and usually come with suspensions to allow for smooth, agile mobility on various terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they tend to be more bulky and heavy to transport and store.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies provide a lot of stability. They don't tip over as easily when moving straight. You can also manoeuvre them more quickly. If you attempt to stop or turn abruptly they'll lose stability and can tip over. To avoid this, certain manufacturers add an extra 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. Look for models that have air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road routes, sand and dirt, as well as other surfaces, such as rock and sand. They'll also typically come with an adjustable front wheel that locks to add stability over really rough ground.
With the correct 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 mobility and agility to be effortless and light to handle. They will also pass the same stability standards worldwide and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're in search of a fabric sling seat, then these tend to be placed lower in the frame than modular seats, so that your baby's center of gravity is closer to the ground - instantly delivering a smoother ride and a lighter kerb pop (you don't have to exert the same amount of pressure or effort to lift the buggy up and over the Kerb).
Popular for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight pushchair and travel system to its range with the attractive Citylife. The 3-in-1 model was designed for urban living and is suitable starting at birth with a newborn carrycot or infant car seat. It comes with four wheels and an exclusive pewter-black aluminum frame that is described by the brand as'slim and compact. It's just 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a variety of 3 wheel buggies that can be folded in a compact way to can be tucked away in smaller spaces. Many of these buggies can be folded with one hand and are easy-to-clean. Some of the smallest models come with a simple handlebar height adjustment, while others feature adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. They may also feature an enormous, spacious basket and a brake lever with quick release.
The best 3 wheel buggy to tackle rough terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be more able to deal with off-road conditions better than one with four wheels, however both can be stuck in tight places. But, picking a model with bigger wheels on both sides can be beneficial. This makes it easier to push them over rough terrain and can aid in getting up and down the steep slopes.
The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its surprising agility despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her infant and 3-year-old son and reported that "it is very well-handled over bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt roads and gravel tracks as well as on a few hills."
Stella Stella, the brand new 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It can be used from birth if used with a carrycot. It's slightly bigger than the lighter 4-wheelers however, it comes with air-filled tires, three recline positions, and an easy fold with one hand.
Its main selling point is its modularity it's compatible with all the brand's infant car seats and strollers. You can create your own travel system, whether you're planning to take a shorter walk or a longer one using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres of 3 wheel buggies come in a range of styles and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide a smooth performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type you pick will be based on your personal preferences and where you live.
For instance, if you intend to frequently travel on rough or unpaved terrain, you might be interested in an all-wheeler with more durable tires. Also, you should consider the type of suspension you require. A strong suspension is ideal to handle bumps and humps, but it can be heavy and increase the overall weight of your pushchair.
The size of the tyre is important. Understanding the tyre's size is essential for safety, performance and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on a tyre sidewall may be confusing, but once you decode it, you'll be able to comprehend the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre's size of '185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radius with a 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you are unsure if the tires of a pushchair are rubber or PU, slide the tires across an even surface. If they move easily, then the tires are made of PU. If they do not, then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheeled buggy makes it more comfortable for your child because it will absorb any knocks or bumps that occur from rough terrain. Large wheels that are air-filled, and that can be locked to provide stability when jogging are also crucial. This will allow your buggy to travel on off-road surfaces effortlessly.
There are a variety of buggy styles to suit every lifestyle and budget. For example, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. The sling seats made of fabric are designed with perfect geometry and engineering to fit comfortably inside the frame rather than on top, like modular seats. This gives a lower center of gravity and is placed at the perfect height to distribute weight easily to conquer bumps.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another great option. It has a sleek design, a huge wheel that is easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also features 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 an excursion through the rough terrain and she found that it handled the terrain really well, stating that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, pavements dirt tracks, and can be a breeze climbing and descending the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road choice. It comes in a variety of colours that match your style. It also has an adjustable 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 elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) which is a comfortable, flat bed for newborns or babies up to 12 month old.
Safety
Four wheels make the pushchair more stable, less likely for it to tip over, and more easy to maneuver. It is also more secure for your baby since their weight is distributed more evenly across the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeler is also likely to have a lower center of gravity, making it more easy to roll up and over curbs. The seat made of fabric is within the frame, not over it as modular seats do, which results in a lower seating position, and a lighter buggy that is more easily maneuvered.
If you're planning to run with your child, then a 4-wheeler is the best option. It has an suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently from the rear wheel. This allows you to take on rough terrain or bumpy roads. However there are some limitations to 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 on all kinds of terrain.