3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look stylish and sleek, and have excellent maneuverability. Many of these have an upholstered sling that has a cosy lay flat bed, which is ideal for weight distribution and are suitable for babies from the age of.
The wheels are bigger and usually have suspension to ensure smooth, swift mobility on various terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they tend to be heavier and bulkier to transport and store.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies have lots of stability. They don't tip over more easily when driving straight. They also allow you to maneuver faster. If you stop or turn abruptly, they can lose their stability and fall 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 can also help you navigate off-road terrain. Be sure to look for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) because they can deal with off-road trails and other surfaces including rocks, sand and mud. They'll also come with an adjustable front wheel that locks to add stability over really rough ground.
Buggies are easy to maneuver and agile thanks to the 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a seat made of fabric that are breathable, they tend to be less upright in comparison to modular seats. This means that your baby's center of gravity will be closer to the ground - instantly ensuring an easier ride.
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light pushchair and travel system to its line-up with the eye-catching Citylife. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban life, and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It comes with four wheels as well as a unique pewter-black aluminium frame, which the brand describes as'slim' and compact. It's just 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a good choice of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to fit into smaller space. A lot of these buggies can be folded in one hand and are easy to clean. The smallest models will come with an easy handlebar height adjustment, while others may have an adjustable suspension and an extendable 50+ UV canopy. They may also feature an enormous, spacious basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheel buggy to tackle rough terrain
A 3-wheeled vehicle is generally better equipped to deal with off-road conditions as compared to a 4-wheeled model but both can get stuck on tight corners. However, choosing a model that has larger wheels on both sides can be beneficial. This makes them easier to push over uneven ground and will often help with moving up and down the high kerbs.
The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its surprising agility despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her baby and 3-year-old son and reported that "it does really well on cobbles, bumpy pavements, gravel tracks and dirt roads as well as on a few hills."
Another great alternative is the new all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi, a car seat manufacturer, called Stella. It's suitable for babies when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's a slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim 54cm wide frame) but has big air-filled tyres, three recline positions, and a swift one-hand fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity, though it's compatible with all the brands' infant car seats and strollers. You can build your own travel system, no matter if you're planning to take a shorter walk or a longer one using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres of 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of designs and materials, and each has its pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example provide an effortless ride and superior maneuverability 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 plan to travel often on rough or muddy terrain, you might think about a 3-wheeler that has sturdier tyres. You should also consider the type of suspension you require. Suspensions that are strong are ideal to deal with humps and bumps but they can be heavy and add to the overall weight.
Another aspect to be considered is the size of the tyre. Knowing how to understand tyre sizing is vital to ensure safety as well as performance and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on a tyre's sidewall can be initially, but understanding it allows you to understand the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre that has a size of 185/70 R14 for instance, means that it is a radial tire in 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 a pushchair's tires are rubber or PU, simply slide the tires on a smooth surface. If the tires slide easily they are made of PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheel buggy will make it more comfortable for your child as it will absorb any knocks or bumps that occur from rough terrain. 3 wheeler pushchair that are air-filled, and that can be locked to provide stability while jogging are important. This will enable your buggy to navigate off-road surfaces effortlessly.
There are many choices for buggy designs to fit every budget and lifestyle. The Mountain Buggy, for example was the first to introduce all-terrain agility with three-wheel buggie. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with perfect geometry and engineering that fits snugly inside the frame, instead of on top like modular seats. This provides an lower center of gravity and allows it to be placed at the right height to distribute weight evenly to conquer kerbs.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It features a sleek design, a big wheel that's easy to move and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also features a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it for a hike through rough terrain and found that it handled the terrain really well. She said that it 'flies effortlessly over bumpy grass, pavements, cobbles, dirt tracks and even makes a light work of climbing and descending the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a range of colours to match your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar and a large basket. You can also select from a variety of infant car seats that convert the buggy into a pram. This includes the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a comfortable lie-flat crib for babies and infants that are up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the buggy more stable and less likely to tip over and easier to maneuver. It also makes it more secure for your child as their weight is distributed more evenly throughout the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity and therefore is easier to pop over curbs and up the stairs. The seats made of fabric are positioned inside the frame, not on top like modular seats. This results in a lower seat position and buggy that is easily moved.
If you're looking to go out for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler might be better suited as it comes with suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel which allows you to navigate bumpy roads and rough terrain be aware that 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.