3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look stylish and sleek, and have outstanding maneuverability. A lot of them have an upholstered sling that has an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed that is perfect for weight distribution and are suitable from birth.
The wheels are larger and usually have suspension to ensure smooth, agile moving on different terrains. The only drawback is that they could be heavier and more bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies have plenty of stability. They aren't prone to tipping over more easily when going straight. They also allow you to maneuver faster. If you attempt to turn or stop suddenly they'll lose stability and can be prone to tipping over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also take on off-road terrain with the extra wheel. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road paths and other surfaces including rocks, sand, and mud. These models will also feature wheels that lock on the front, which will increase stability over rough terrain.
With the correct design, engineering, and weight distribution these buggies can be turned on a dime easy to steer using just one hand; they have 360o front swivel wheel that allows agility and mobility to be easy and easy to handle. They also pass the same stability standards worldwide and tests as buggies with four wheels.
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 - instantly delivering a smoother ride and a lighter kerb pop (you don't need to apply the same amount of pressure or exertion to get the buggy over and up the kerb).
Maxi-Cosi is best known for its car seats however, it has recently expanded its product range with the Citylife, a lightweight travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban life, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It comes with four wheels and a unique pewter-black aluminium frame that is described by the brand as'slim' and compact. It's smaller at 2cm than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are many 3 wheel buggies that can be folded down to can be tucked away in smaller spaces. A lot of these buggies can be folded in one hand, and are easy to clean. Some of the tiniest models have a simple handlebar-height adjustment, whereas others come with adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. Certain models may come with a large basket and a brake lever that's quick-release.
The best 3 wheel buggy to tackle rough terrain
A 3-wheel buggy will usually be more adept at dealing with off-road terrain than a 4-wheel model, but both can get stuck in tight places. A model with larger front and rear wheels can assist. This makes them easier to push across rough terrain and can help in moving up and down steep kerbs.
One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her baby and 3-year-old son and reported that "it does really well on bumpy pavements, cobbles, gravel tracks and dirt roads, as well as on some hills."
Another great alternative is the newest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi named Stella. 3 wheeler pushchair for babies when used with the carrycot and is a slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with an impressively slim frame of 54cm wide) however it has large, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions and a fast one-hand fold.
Its main selling feature is its modularity. It's compatible with all of the brands' baby strollers and car seats. This means that you can design your ideal travel system for your day-to-day or longer walks, using just the chassis as a starting point.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of styles and types of materials. Each has its own pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example provide an effortless ride and superior maneuverability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The kind of tyre you pick will depend on your lifestyle and the place you live.
For instance, if you plan to travel often on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you might be interested in a 3-wheeler that has sturdier tires. Consider the kind 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 important. Understanding how to determine the sizing of a tyre is essential for ensuring safety as well as performance and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the tyre's sidewall might seem confusing however, once you understand it, you'll be able to comprehend the tyre's dimensions. For instance, a tyre size of "185/70 R14' means that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has a 14 inch rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber ones. If you aren't sure if the tires on a pushchair are made of rubber or PU, simply slide the tires across an even surface. If the tires move easily they are made of PU. If they do not then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheeled buggy will make it more comfortable for your child because it will absorb any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. Large wheels that are filled with air, and that can be locked to ensure stability when jogging are also crucial. This will enable your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces effortlessly.
There are a variety of buggy styles that will suit any lifestyle and budget. For example, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. The sling seats made of fabric are designed with precise design and engineering to fit comfortably inside the frame rather than sitting 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 take on kerbs.
Another great option is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that boasts a sleek style with a large, highly maneuverable front wheel, excellent suspension and an easy-to-use handbrake with a twist. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it on an excursion through the rough terrain and she was impressed with how it adapted to the terrain well, stating that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, pavements, dirt tracks and even can be a breeze going up and down kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off road option and similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a range of colours to complement 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 that will transform the buggy into pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) which is a comfortable, flat bed for newborns or babies until 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable, less likely for it to tip over and easier to maneuver. It is also more secure for your child as their weight is distributed more evenly across the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheel buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity, making it easier to pop over curbs and up the stairs. The seats of the fabric sling are placed inside the frame, not on top like modular seats. This creates a low seat position and buggy that is easily moved.
If you're looking to run with your child, then a 4-wheeler is the best option. It has a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently from the rear one. This allows 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 on all terrains.