3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are stylish and sleek, and have outstanding maneuverability. Many of these feature seats made of fabric that have a cosy lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution, ideal for babies from birth.
The wheels are bigger and often come with suspension for agile smooth movements on different terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they tend to be more bulky and heavy to transport and store.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies offer lots of stability. They don't fall over as easily when you are going straight. They also allow you to maneuver more swiftly. If you stop or turn abruptly, they could lose their stability and fall over. To avoid this, certain manufacturers add an additional wheel to their three wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel can also help you navigate off-road terrain. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) because they can deal with off-road routes and other surfaces including sand, mud and rock. These models will also feature a lockable wheel on the front, which will increase the stability of the vehicle over rough terrain.
Buggies are easy to maneuver and agile thanks to the 360o front swivel wheel. They will also pass the same stability standards globally and tests as buggies with four wheels.
If you're looking for a fabric sling seat, then 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 do not need to apply as much pressure or effort to get the buggy over and up a Kerb).
Maxi-Cosi is most well-known for its car seat collection, but it has recently expanded its product line with the Citylife lightweight travel system and pushchair. The model is designed for urban living and is suitable from birth with a newborn car seat or carrycot for infants. It has four wheels and an exclusive pewter-black aluminum frame that is described by the brand as'slim' and compact. It's just 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a variety of 3 wheel buggies that can be folded compactly and fit into smaller spaces. Many of these buggies can be folded with one hand and are easy to clean. The smallest models will come with a basic adjustable height of the handlebars, while others may have an adjustable suspension as well as an expandable 50+ UV canopy. Some models could have an enormous basket as well as a brake lever that's quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeled vehicle is generally better equipped to deal with off-road conditions as when compared to a four-wheeled model but both can get stuck on tight corners. However, choosing a model with larger wheels on both sides can help. This makes it easier to push them across rough terrain and can help you get up and down high curbs.
One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly quick handling, despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath used it with her infant and 3-year-old son and reported that "it is very well-handled over cobbles, bumpy pavements, gravel tracks and dirt roads and also on a few hills."
Stella, the new 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi is another great option. It is suitable from birth, if it is used in conjunction with a carrycot. It's slightly bigger than the lighter 4-wheelers but it features air-filled tires and three recline positions and an easy fold with one hand.
Its primary selling point is its modularity, though - it's compatible with all the car seats for infants from the brand and strollers. This means you can build your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks, using only the chassis as a base.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are available 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 smooth performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type you pick will depend on your needs and where you live.
For example, if you plan to travel often on rough or unpaved terrain, you might be interested in an all-wheeler with more durable tyres. Take into consideration the type of suspension you require. The suspensions that are strong are great to deal with humps and bumps but they can be heavy, adding to the overall weight.
The size of the tyre is important. Understanding the tyre's size is essential for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewall of a tyre may be initially, but understanding it helps you understand the tyre's dimensions. A tyre that has a size of 185/70 R14, for example, means that it is a radial tire with a diameter of the 185/70 size with 14-inch rim size.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure whether the pushchair you are using has rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires on an even and secure surface. If they slide easily then the tires are made from PU. If they don't, then the tires are composed 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 much more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are ideally air-filled and are lockable for stability during jogging is crucial to ensure that your buggy will be capable of navigating off road surfaces with ease.
Depending on the style of buggy you're looking for, there are choices to fit every lifestyle and budgets. The Mountain Buggy, for example is the first all-terrain vehicle to be developed in three-wheel buggies. Their sling seats made of fabrics 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 sits at the ideal height to distribute weight easily to take on kerbs.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It features an elegant design, a big wheel that's easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also has an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath took this buggy to the test by taking it on a walk through rough ground and found that it was able to handle the terrain well saying that it 'navigates easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, roads, dirt tracks and even makes light work of getting up and down the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road model and, like the Urban Glide 2, comes with a variety of colours to match your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar, a large basket and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also select from a selection of infant car seats that will convert the buggy to a pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm), which is a comfy lie-flat bed for newborns or babies up to 12 month old.
Safety
Four wheels make the pushchair much more stable, less likely to tip over and easier to maneuver. It also makes it safer for your child because the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheeler is also likely to have a lower centre of gravity and therefore is easier to pop over curbs and up the stairs. The fabric sling seats are placed inside the frame, not on top like modular seats. This results in a low seat and buggy that is easily moved.
If you're looking to run with your child, an all-wheeler is the best option. It comes with a suspension system which allows the front wheel of the buggie to be independent from the rear. This will allow you to tackle rough terrains or bumpy roads. However there are some limitations to 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 kinds of terrain.