3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability with a stylish and slim frame. Many of these feature a fabric sling seat with an incredibly comfortable lying flat bed and excellent weight distribution, perfect from the moment of birth.
The wheels are larger and usually have suspension to ensure smooth, swift mobility on various terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they may be heavier and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are remarkably stable - they don't tip over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when they're in a straight line and you'll be able to maneuver them more quickly and efficiently. If you attempt to turn or stop suddenly they'll lose stability and could be prone to tipping over. To avoid this, some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel can also help you tackle off-road terrain. Find models that have air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres), which can handle off-road trails, sand, dirt, as well as other surfaces, such as sand and rock. They'll also have a lockable front wheel to provide stability on rough terrain.
The buggies are simple to maneuver and agile with 360o front swivel wheel. They also meet the same stability standards globally and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a cloth sling, then these tend to be placed lower in the frame than modular seats, so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the floor - instantly delivering a smoother ride and a lighter kerb pop (you do not need to apply as much pressure or exertion to get the buggy up and over a Kerb).
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight travel system and pushchair to its line-up with the striking Citylife. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban life, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It comes with four wheels as well as an unique pewter-black frame that is described by the brand as'slim and compact. It's smaller at 2cm than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a variety of three wheel buggies that can be folded in a compact way to fit into smaller spaces. Many can be folded with one hand and are simple to wash down. Some of the smallest models come with a simple handlebar height adjustment, whereas others come with adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. Certain models may come with a large basket and brake levers that are quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeler will typically be better able to cope with off-road conditions better than a 4-wheel model, although both models can get stuck in tight spots. A model with bigger front and rear wheels will assist. This will make it easier to push them over rough terrain and will aid in getting up and down high curbs.
The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its surprising ability to move despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath used it with her baby and 3-year-old and said "it handles really well over bumpy pavements, cobbles gravel tracks and dirt roads, as well as on some hills."
Stella Stella, the all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi is another great option. It's suitable for babies when used with the carrycot and is a smaller than the light 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim frame of 54cm wide) however it has large air-filled tyres. It also has 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. This means you can create your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks, using just the chassis as a starting point.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are offered in a variety of styles and types of materials. Each one has its own pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide a comfortable ride and manoeuvrability, while foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type of tyre you choose will be determined by your lifestyle and where you live.
If you plan to travel on roads that are not paved or rough terrain often, you might be interested in a three-wheeler with more durable tyres. You should also think about the type of suspension you need. Suspensions that are strong are ideal to tackle humps and bumps but they can also be heavy and add to the overall weight.
Another important factor to consider is tyre size. Understanding the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre's sidewall can be confusing initially, but decoding it helps you understand the tyre's dimensions. A tyre having the size 185/70 R14 for instance is a radial tire that has a size of 185/70 and has 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, simply slide the tires on an even surface. If they move easily, then the tires are made of PU. If they don't then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a 3 wheel buggy is an important component to look for because it absorbs the smacks and bumps of rough terrain, making it more comfortable for your child. Large wheels that are air-filled, and that can be locked to provide stability while jogging are essential. This will allow your buggy to navigate off-road surfaces easily.
There are many options for buggy styles that will suit any budget and style of life. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a 3-wheel buggies. Their sling seats made of fabrics are designed with precise design and engineering to fit comfortably inside the frame instead of on top like modular seats. This creates a lower center of gravity and is placed at the perfect height to spread weight evenly to tackle the kerbs.
Another option worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that has a sleek design with large highly manoeuvrable front wheel, excellent suspension, and an easy-to-use handbrake that twists. MFM reviewer Kath took this buggy to the test by taking it on a hike through rough terrain and she was impressed with how it was able to handle the terrain well, stating that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, roads dirt tracks, and can be a breeze going up and down the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road choice. It is available in a variety of colours that match your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar, a large basket, and a 50+ UV hood. You can also select from a selection of infant car seats that will convert the buggy to a pram. This includes the elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) which is a comfortable lie-flat mattress for babies and infants from 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable and less likely to tip over and easier to maneuver. It is also more secure for your child since the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheeler is also likely to have a lower centre of gravity, making it more easy to roll up and over curbs. The fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not over it as modular seats do, which creates a low seating position and a comparatively lighter buggy that is easily manoeuvred.
If you want to run with your child, then a 4-wheeler is the ideal option. It comes with a suspension system that allows the front wheel of the buggie to be independent from the rear. This will allow you to take on rough terrain 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 independently tested across all types of terrain.