3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability, and are a stylish, streamlined frame. Many of these have an sling made of fabric with a comfortable lay flat bed that is perfect for weight distribution and are ideal starting at birth.
The wheels are larger and often have suspension to allow for smooth, swift movement on different terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they tend to be more bulky and heavy to transport and store.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are extremely stable and don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when they're in a straight line and you'll find that you can move them more quickly and easily. If you turn or stop abruptly, they could lose stability and tip 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 tackle off-road terrain. Look for models that have air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres) that can be used to handle off-road paths, sand and mud, and other surfaces like sand and rock. They'll also include a lockable front wheel to provide stability on rough terrain.
With the correct design, engineering and weight distribution these buggies can turn at a moment's notice and are easy to steer with just one hand; they have 360o front swivel wheel that allows mobility and agility to be effortless and easy to handle. They will also pass the same global stability standards and tests as buggies with four wheels.
If you are looking for a seat made of cloth they are typically 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.
Maxi-Cosi is most well-known for its car seat range However, it recently expanded its product range with the Citylife, a lightweight travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 is perfect for urban living and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It comes with 4 wheels and has a unique pewter black aluminium frame, which the brand claims is 'light and compact'. It's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a wide selection of 3 wheel buggies that fold up to fit into smaller space. Many of these buggies can be folded in 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 a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. Certain models may come with an enormous basket as well as a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheel buggy will usually be more able to deal with off-road conditions better than a 4-wheel model, although both models can get stuck in tight places. A model with bigger front and rear wheels can assist. This will make them easier to push over rough ground and is often helpful in moving up and down the high 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 child, and she said that "it was very well-handled on cobbles, bumpy surfaces gravel tracks, dirt roads and some hills."
Another great alternative is the newest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi named Stella. It is suitable for babies from birth, if it is used in conjunction with a carrycot. It is slightly larger than the lighter 4-wheelers but it features air-filled tires, three recline positions, and a one-handed fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity - it's compatible with all the brands' baby strollers and car seats. You can build your own travel system, whether you're planning to take a a short walk or a longer one, using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in many styles and materials. Each comes with its own pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air offer a smooth ride and great maneuverability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type of tyre you choose will depend on your lifestyle and the place it is that you live.
For instance, if plan to travel often on rough or muddy terrain, you may think about an all-wheeler with more durable tires. You should also think about the type of suspension you need. Strong suspensions are useful to tackle humps and bumps but they can be heavy, adding to the overall weight.
Another aspect to be considered is the tyre's size. Understanding how to read the tyre size is important for safety, performance and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre sidewall may appear confusing, but once you decode it, you can understand the tyre's dimensions. 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 aren't sure if a pushchair's tires are rubber or PU, try sliding the tires across a smooth surface. If the tires slide easily and smoothly, they're made of PU. If they don't then the tires are composed of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a three wheel buggy is an important aspect to consider as it absorbs the bumps and knocks of rough terrain, making it more comfortable for your child. Large wheels that are filled with air, and can be locked to provide stability when running are important. This will allow your buggy to travel on off-road surfaces effortlessly.
There are many choices for buggy styles that will suit any budget and lifestyle. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a 3-wheel buggies. With the perfect geometry and engineering their fabric sling seat sits snug within the frame, as opposed to on top like modular seats, resulting in the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the ideal height for the best weight distribution that allows it to easily handle the kerb pops.
3 wheel pushchair by Thule is another excellent option. It features an elegant design, a large wheel that's easy to maneuver and is paired with an impressive suspension. It also has the twist handbrake to facilitate ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its trials by going for a ride on a rough terrain. She was impressed with how it was able to handle it very well and claimed that it "navigates over bumpy grass, cobbles, sidewalks, and dirt tracks and makes it easy to go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. It is available in a variety of colors that will match your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also pick from a range of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram, such as the stylishly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a comfy lie-flat crib for babies and infants that are up to 12 months old.
Safety
Having four wheels makes the buggy more stable, less likely to tip over and easier to maneuver. It can also be more secure for your baby since their weight is distributed more evenly over the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheel buggy also tends to have a lower center of gravity and therefore is more easy to roll over curbs and up the stairs. The seats of the fabric sling are placed inside the frame, not on top like modular seats. 3 wheel pushchair results in a low seat position and a buggy that can be easily pushed.
However, if you'd like to go for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler might be more suitable as it has a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel so you can tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain - just bear in mind not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most are NOT, such as the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been tested by an independent party across all kinds of terrain.
