3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are stylish and sleek, and have outstanding maneuverability. Many of them have seats made of fabric that have an incredibly comfortable lying flat bed and excellent weight distribution, perfect from the moment of birth.
The wheels are larger and, in many cases, include suspension to allow for smooth movements on different terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they can be bulkier and heavier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are remarkably solid - they don't fall over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when going in a straight line. Also, you'll notice that you can move them more quickly and effortlessly. If you attempt to turn or stop suddenly they'll lose stability and may tip over. To avoid this, certain manufacturers add an additional wheel to their three wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
You can also conquer off-road terrain with the extra wheel. Look for models that have air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that can be used to handle off-road paths, sand and dirt, as well as other surfaces, such as sand and rock. They'll also include a lockable front wheel to add stability over really rough ground.
With the correct design, engineering, and weight distribution these buggies can turn on a dime easy to steer with one hand; have 360o front swivel wheel that allows agility and mobility to be effortless and easy to handle. They will also pass the same global stability standards and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're in search of a fabric sling, then they are typically placed lower in the frame than modular seats, so that your baby's center of gravity is closer to the floor and provides a more comfortable ride and a lighter kerb pop (you do not need to apply as much pressure or effort to get the buggy over and up the curb).
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light pushchair and travel system to its range with the attractive Citylife. This 3-in-1 model is designed for urban living and can be used for newborns with a carrycot or infant car seat. It has four wheels and an exclusive pewter-black aluminum frame, which the brand describes as'slim' and compact. It's only 2cm wide than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a good choice of 3 wheel buggies that fold down to fit into smaller space. Many of them can be folded using a single hand and are easy to wash down. The smallest models will have a basic height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others could have an adjustable suspension or an expandable 50+ UV canopy. They may also have large, spacious baskets and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most reliable 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain
A 3-wheeler will typically be more adept at dealing with off-road conditions better than a 4-wheel model, but both can get stuck in tight places. A model with bigger front and rear wheels will aid. This will make them easier to push across rough terrain and can help in moving up and down the high kerbs.
One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its responsive handling despite its three-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her baby and 3-year-old and said "it is very well-handled over bumpy pavements, cobbles, gravel tracks and dirt roads as well as on some hills."
Another option is the latest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi's car seat brand named Stella. It's suitable from birth when used with the carrycot. It's little bigger than the lightweight 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim frame of 54cm wide) but it comes with big, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions and a fast one-hand fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity - it's compatible with all the brands' infant car seats and strollers. You can create your own travel system, no matter if you're looking to go for a shorter walk or a longer one using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres on 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of designs and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a comfortable ride and manoeuvrability, while foam-filled tyres last longer. The type you choose will depend on your needs and where you live.
If you intend to travel on unpaved roads or on rough terrain frequently, you might think about a three-wheeler with more durable tyres. You should also think about the type of suspension you need. Strong suspensions are useful to tackle humps and bumps but they can also be 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 letters and numbers on the sidewalls of tyres can seem confusing however, once you understand it, you can understand the tyre dimensions. A tyre having the size 185/70 R14, for example indicates that it is a radial tire with a diameter of 185/70 with a 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure whether a pushchair has rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires across an even and secure surface. If they slide easily then the tires are made of PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheeled buggy will make it more comfortable for your child as it will absorb any knocks or bumps that occur from rough terrain. Large wheels which are filled with air and lockable for stability during jogging is crucial to ensure that your buggy will be capable of navigating off road surfaces easily.
There are many choices for buggy styles to suit every budget and lifestyle. The Mountain Buggy, for example was the first to introduce all-terrain agility with three-wheel buggies. With the perfect geometry and engineering their sling seat made of fabric sits snug inside the frame as opposed to on top like modular seats, resulting in the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the perfect height to ensure optimal weight distribution to easily tackle the kerb pops.
Another option worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that boasts a sleek style with a massive, manoeuvrable front wheel, excellent suspension, and an easy-to-use handbrake that twists. MFM reviewer Kath tested the buggy its trials by taking it for a walk on rough terrain. She was impressed with how it handled it really well, saying that it "navigates over bumpy grass, cobbles, sidewalks, and dirt tracks and makes it easy to go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a variety of colors to match your style. It also features an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also select from a selection of infant car seats to convert the buggy into a pram, such as the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a comfortable lie-flat bed for newborns and babies up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable and less likely to tip over and is easier to maneuver. It is also more secure for your child since the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy has a lower center of gravity, making it easier to climb over curbs and walk up. The seats made of fabric are built into the frame, not on top like modular seats. This results in a lower seating position and a buggy that can be easily moved.
However, if you want to go out for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler might be better suited since it will have a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the rear one to allow you to tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads be aware that not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most aren't like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception since they feature a suspension system specifically designed for them that's been independently tested across all types of terrain.