3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer excellent maneuverability in a stylish and slim frame. Many of them come with a fabric sling with a comfortable lay flat bed that is perfect for weight distribution and are ideal starting at birth.
The wheels are bigger and typically come with suspensions to allow for smooth, agile moving on different terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they can be heavier and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies offer a lot of stability. They don't tip over more easily when going straight. They also allow you to maneuver faster. If you attempt to stop or turn suddenly they'll lose their stability and can tip over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
You can also conquer off-road terrain with the extra wheel. 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. These models will also have wheels that lock on the front to increase stability over rough terrain.
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 the 4-wheel buggies.
If 3 wheel pushchair in search of a fabric sling seat, they tend to be set lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the ground which means a smoother ride and a lighter kerb pop (you don't need to apply the same amount of pressure or effort to get the buggy up and over a kerb).
Most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an ultra-light pushchair and travel system to its range with the striking Citylife. This 3-in-1 is perfect for urban living, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It comes with 4 wheels and has an exclusive black pewter frame, which the company claims is 'light and compact'. It's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold up to fit into smaller space. A lot of these buggies can be folded with one hand, and are easy to clean. Some of the smaller models come with a simple handlebar height adjustment, while others feature 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 most reliable 3 wheel buggy to tackle rough terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be more able to deal with off-road conditions better than one with four wheels, however both models can get stuck in difficult spots. However, selecting a model with bigger wheels on both sides can be beneficial. This makes them easier to push over rough ground and can help in moving up and down steep kerbs.
The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its surprising agility despite its 3-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her infant and 3-year-old and said "it handles really well over cobbles, bumpy pavements, gravel tracks and dirt roads and also on a few hills."
Another great alternative is the new all-terrain 3 wheel buggy made by car seat brand Maxi-Cosi which is called Stella. It is suitable for babies from birth when used with a carrycot. It is slightly larger than the lighter 4-wheelers but it has air-filled tires and three recline positions and an easy fold with one hand.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity, though - it's compatible with all of the car seats for infants from the brand and strollers. This means that you can design your ideal travel system for your day-to-day or longer walks, using only the chassis as a foundation.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of styles and materials. Each has its own pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide an effortless ride and superior manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type of tyre you choose will depend on your lifestyle and where you live.
For example, if you plan to travel often on rough or muddy terrain, you may want to consider a 3-wheeler with sturdier tires. You should also consider the type of suspension that you require. A sturdy suspension is helpful to handle bumps and humps. However, it can be heavy and add to the overall weight of your pushchair.
The size of the tyre is important. Knowing how to read tyre sizing is crucial for maintaining safety as well as performance and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewalls of tyres can be confusing however, once you understand it, you'll be able to comprehend the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre that has an 185/70 size R14, for example indicates that it is a radial tire in 185/70 with 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 the tires slide smoothly they are made of PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a three wheel buggy is an important aspect to consider as it will absorb the smacks and bumps of rough terrain, making it much more comfortable for your child. Large wheels which are filled with air and can be locked to provide stability when jogging crucial to ensure that your buggy is capable of maneuvering off roads with ease.
Depending on the type of buggie you're seeking, there are options to suit all lifestyles and budgets. For instance the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a 3-wheel buggies. With the perfect geometry and engineering, their fabrics sling seat sits snug inside the frame, in contrast to sitting on top like modular seats, resulting in a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the ideal height for optimal weight distribution that allows it to easily handle kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It features a sleek design, a large wheel that is easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also has the twist handbrake to facilitate 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 adapted to the terrain well saying that it 'navigates easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, pavements, dirt tracks and even makes a light work of climbing and descending kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a range of colours to suit 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 variety of infant car seats to convert the buggy into a pram, such as the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a cosy lie flat crib for babies and infants from 12 months to 12 years old.
Safety
Having four wheels makes the pushchair much more stable and less likely to tip and easier to handle. It is also safer for your child because 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 get over curbs and get up. The fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not sitting on top like modular seats. This results in a lower seating position, and a lighter buggy that can be easily maneuverable.
However, if you'd like to go for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler may be better suited since it has a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the rear one so you can tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most aren't like the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially designed suspension system that has been independently tested across all kinds of terrain.