3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is perfect for tackling off-road terrain providing a smooth ride for your child. 3 wheeled pushchair are also more convenient to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy, especially those with fabric slings or modular seat units that are positioned comfortably in the frame, offering the most efficient geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent stability, which is why it is a great option for off-road walks (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat unit). They usually have large front wheels, which can cope well with bumps and kerbs and rough ground. Some even have a lockable front wheel to give extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower centre of gravity than models with four wheels, which can mean that they fall over more easily. However, the most reliable 3-wheel buggies have the an ideal geometry and design to ensure they are stable in all weather conditions. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer using one hand. They also come with an incline of 360o for the front wheel, which makes them perfect for navigating difficult terrain.
Look for models with pneumatic tyres. These are made to work on tracks that are not paved, and should be able to take on rocks, mud, gravel and other debris. Many all-terrain buggies come with an swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked to provide greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheel pram is also an ideal option for runners or for those who like to walk fast and uphill, particularly in the event that you're planning to connect an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It features a flat-reclining seat with a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space to store all your gear (plus the ability to extend 50+ of the sun hood). It's lightweight, compact and suitable for infants and can be used in conjunction with the use of a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for jogging with a light pace, but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you are seeking a buggy that can tackle terrain that is difficult, you should select one with big tires. These will cope well over cobbles, grass and dirt tracks while providing the smoothest ride for any passenger. They're also ideal for jogging because they have built in suspension and are easy to move up and down kerbs. However, they're a bit heavy to push.
The best 3-wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels and a lockable swivel front wheel making it extremely maneuverable. It has tyres with air which require pumping up from time to time. It can accommodate children up until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat, and she found steering it easy even with her 3-year-old in the seat.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is an alternative that is also a great choice. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a high-quality hood that provides 50+ UV protection, and a high quality hood. It's also easy to move up and down kerbs, and it can fit in small car boots. It can also be used as a pram that comes with an infant car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed inside the frame, not on top like modular seats. This design has a lower centre of gravity at the perfect height. It is simpler to push and lighter to kerb pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you'll do this as a new parent!).
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is impressive and there are many different options to choose from. The carrycot that comes with it is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfy and cozy lay-flat bed that can be used both in and out of the buggy). Older children and toddlers will enjoy the large and comfortable seat unit that has adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to recline fully, but they can be lowered down to the lowest setting. This should give your child plenty of space and headroom.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available, which has the advantage of being set snugly inside the frame instead of over the top of a modular seat and this gives a lower centre of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push, especially over bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath was impressed with the way this kind of seat dealt with these obstacles.
In addition to a large shopping basket, this type of buggy usually has quite useful features, such as an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal, and a few bright, game-changing lights that appear from the handlebars and can be placed directly in front of the occupants to increase their safety when traversing difficult terrain.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a single buggy that can expand with your family There's a brand new sport(tm) that is the first in the world to take a single newborn from day one and adapt to take 2 or even 3 after your children have grown and all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled model is more stable and can be pushed with one hand. It's also better for difficult terrain. However, it also means that the shopping basket doesn't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A top-quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres, and padding for the handle for your comfort. It will accommodate a car seat, so you can use it from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame won't pass through all doors in their homes or small car boots - make sure you know the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded prior to purchasing in case you're concerned about space.
Choose a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. seats when your family grows. These are the best of both worlds and can help you to save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the best of these and can be used as a single seat from day dot and then converts into twin buggies once your baby starts walking.
Tyres
These tires cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more enjoyable. They are commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tires of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it simple for her to negotiate the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain and must be topped up frequently. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres, so you'll need to ensure that you have repair kits along with a spare inner tube and pump in case you go out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres are more commonly found on pushchairs as they are less expensive than air-filled tyres, but they are just as durable. You can identify PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft feel. They also slide easily on uneven and tied surfaces.
It's usually possible to discern the difference between air-filled and PU tires by running your hands over each one. If it feels hard then it's a rubber tyre, and when it slides, it's a PU. You can also check that your buggy has PU tyres by slipping the tyres over a clean, flat surface They'll roll easily and should fit comfortably in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. This can make your buggy less stable since the foam will lose its springy feel. The tyres can also be noisy because they generate a lot noise when you turn and drive around town.