3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are stylish and sleek, with outstanding maneuverability. Many of these have an upholstered sling that has a cosy lay flat bed, which is ideal for weight distribution, and are perfect from birth.
The wheels are bigger, and they also often include suspension to allow for smooth movements on a variety of terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they can be more bulky and heavy to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are very stable and don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when traveling in a straight line, and you'll find that you can maneuver them more quickly and easily. If you stop or turn abruptly, they could lose stability and even tip over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs in order to increase the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel also allows you to tackle off-road terrain. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) because they can deal with off-road paths as well as other surfaces such as rocks, sand, and mud. They'll also come with an adjustable front wheel that locks to give stability over rough terrain.
Buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They will also pass the same stability standards globally and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you are looking for a fabric seat, these tend to be less upright in comparison to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground - instantly ensuring the smoothest ride.
Popular for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light pushchair and travel system to its line-up with the striking Citylife. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It has 4 wheels and has a unique pewter black aluminium frame, which the brand claims is 'slim and compact' - it's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a wide selection of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to fit in smaller spaces. Many can be folded with just one hand, and are easy to wash down. The smallest models will have a basic height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others may feature an adjustable suspension as well as an extended 50+ UV canopy. They may also feature large, spacious baskets and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheel buggy to tackle rough terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be more adept at dealing with off-road conditions better than a 4-wheel model, although both can get stuck in tight places. A model with bigger front and rear wheels will assist. This will make it easier to push them over rough terrain and can help you get up and down steep curbs.
The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its surprising agility despite its 3-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath used it with her infant and 3-year-old son and reported that "it handles really well over bumpy pavements, cobbles, gravel tracks and dirt roads, as well as on a few hills."
Another great alternative is the new all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi, called Stella. It is suitable from birth, if it is used in conjunction with a carrycot. It's slightly bigger than the lighter 4-wheelers however, it comes with air-filled tires with three recline positions and a single-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity. It's compatible with all the brands' infant strollers and car seats. This means you can create your ideal travel system for your day-to-day or longer walks using the chassis as a base.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of styles and types of materials. Each comes with its own pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example, offer a smooth ride and great manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you choose will depend on your lifestyle and the location you live in.
For instance, if you are planning to travel frequently on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you may think about a 3-wheeler with sturdier tyres. You should also consider the type of suspension you need. pushchairsandprams that are strong are ideal for tackling bumps and humps however they can be quite heavy and add to the overall weight.
The size of the tyre can be crucial. Understanding the tyre size is important for safety, performance and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewalls of tyres can be confusing initially, but decoding it will allow you to comprehend the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre with a size of 185/70 R14, for example, means that it is a radial tire in 185/70 with 14-inch rim size.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber ones. If you aren't sure if the tires of a pushchair are rubber or PU, try sliding the tires on an even surface. If the tires slide easily, they are made of PU. If they do not, then the tires are composed of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a three wheel buggy is a vital aspect to consider as it will absorb the smacks and bumps of rough terrain, making it more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are air-filled, and are lockable for stability during jogging is also important as this will ensure your buggy is capable of maneuvering off roads with ease.
There are many choices for buggy designs to fit every lifestyle and budget. For instance, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. With the perfect geometry and engineering their fabric sling seat rests comfortably inside the frame as opposed to sitting on top like modular seats, resulting in an lower center of gravity and sitting at the ideal height for optimal weight distribution that allows it to easily handle kerb pops.
Another great option is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that boasts a sleek style with a massive, manoeuvrable front wheel, a great suspension and a simple twist handbrake. MFM reviewer Kath put the buggy through its tests by walking on a rough terrain. She found that it was able to handle it very well and said that it "navigates over grass, bumpy cobbles, sidewalks, and dirt tracks and allows you to easily go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road choice. It is available in a variety of colors that will match your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar, a large basket, and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also choose from a selection of infant car seats that will convert the buggy to pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) which is a comfortable, flat bed for newborns or babies from 12 months old.
Safety
The presence of four wheels makes a buggy much more stable, less likely to tip over and easier to maneuver. It is also more secure for your baby since their weight is distributed more evenly over the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeler is also likely to have a lower centre of gravity and is therefore easier to lift up and over curbs. The fabric sling seat sits in the frame instead of over it as modular seats. This creates a low seating position and a comparatively lighter buggy that can be easily manoeuvred.
If you're looking to run with your child, a 4-wheeler is the ideal option. It has an suspension system that allows the front wheel of the buggie to be independent from the rear one. This will allow you to tackle rough terrains or bumpy roads. However, not all 4 wheel buggies can be used for running. The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been tested by an independent party across all types of terrain.