3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer excellent maneuverability in a stylish and sleek frame. Many of these feature seats made of fabric that have a cosy lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution, ideal from birth.
The wheels are bigger, and they also often include suspension to allow for smooth movements on various terrains. The only downside is that they may be heavier and bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies have a lot of stability. They don't fall over as easily when going straight. They also allow you to maneuver more swiftly. However, if you attempt to stop or turn suddenly, they'll lose stability and can tip over. This is why certain manufacturers add an additional wheel to their three wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
You can also conquer off-road terrain with the extra wheel. Find models with air-filled tires (also known as 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 usually have an adjustable front wheel that locks to provide stability on rough terrain.
The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile thanks to the 360o front swivel wheel. They will also pass the same global stability standards and tests as buggies with four wheels.
If you're looking for a fabric sling seat, then they tend to be set lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's center of gravity is closer to the floor and provides a more comfortable ride and a lighter kerb pop (you don't need to apply the same amount of pressure or effort to get the buggy up and over the kerb).
Maxi-Cosi is best known for its car seats however, it has recently expanded its product range with the Citylife lightweight travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 model is designed for urban living and can be used for newborns with a car seat or carrycot for infants. It has four wheels and an unique pewter-black frame that is described by the brand as'slim' and compact. It's only 2cm wide than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold down 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. Some models could have large baskets and brake levers that are quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be better able to cope with off-road terrain than a 4-wheel model, although both can be stuck in difficult places. But, picking a model that has larger wheels on both sides will help. This will make them easier to push across rough terrain and is often helpful in getting up and down high kerbs.
The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its astonishing agility despite its 3-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath has tested it with her child, and she said that "it handled really well on bumpy surfaces, cobbles and dirt roads, gravel tracks and a few hills."
Another alternative is the new all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi named Stella. It's suitable from birth when used in conjunction with the carrycot and is a smaller than the light 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 primary selling point is its modularity, though it's compatible with all the brand's infant car seats and strollers. 3 wheel pushchair can create your own travel system, regardless of whether you're planning to take a an easy stroll or a longer one using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in a range of styles and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide an effortless ride and superior maneuverability, while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you select will be based on your personal preferences and the location you live in.
If you intend to travel on unpaved roads or in rough terrain frequently, you might be interested in a three-wheeler equipped with more durable tyres. You should also consider the type of suspension that you need. A sturdy suspension is helpful to handle bumps and humps, but it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.
The size of the tyre can be crucial. Knowing how to read the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the tyre's sidewall might appear confusing until you get the hang of it, you'll be able to comprehend the tyre's dimensions. For example, a tyre size of "185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radius with 14 inches of rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you aren't sure if the tires of a pushchair are rubber or PU, simply slide the tires on an even surface. If they slide easily, then the tires are made of PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three wheel buggy will make it more comfortable for your child because it will absorb any bumps or knocks from rough terrain. Large wheels that are filled with air, and are able to be locked to provide stability while jogging are crucial. This will enable your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces with ease.
There are a variety of buggy designs to fit every budget and style of life. The Mountain Buggy, for example, pioneered all-terrain agility with three-wheel buggies. Their sling seats made of fabrics are designed with precise geometry and engineering to fit snugly inside the frame, instead of on top like modular seats. This creates a lower center of gravity, and allows it to be placed at the right height to distribute weight evenly to take on bumps.
Another great option is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule which boasts a sleek design with a large, highly maneuverable front wheel, a great suspension and an easy-to-use handbrake with a twist. 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 was able to handle the terrain well, stating that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt tracks and even makes a light work of going 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 has an adjustable handlebar as well as a large basket. You can also choose from a range of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a comfortable lie-flat bed for newborns and babies that are up to 12 months old.
Safety
Having four wheels makes a buggy much more stable and less likely to tip over and easier to handle. It is also 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, which makes it easier to get over curbs and climb up. The seats of the fabric sling are placed inside the frame and not on top as modular seats. This results in a low seating position and a buggy that can be easily pushed.
If you're planning to run with your child, an all-wheeler is the best option. It has a suspension system which allows the front wheel of the buggie to move independently from the rear. This allows you to tackle rough terrains or bumpy roads. However, not all four-wheel buggies can be used for running. The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been independently tested on all types of terrain.