3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look elegant and sleek, with outstanding maneuverability. Many of them come with a fabric sling with 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 often include suspension to allow for smooth movement on different terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they can be bulkier and heavier to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies have lots of stability. They don't tip over as easily when driving straight. You can also manoeuvre more swiftly. If you stop or turn abruptly, they can lose stability and tip over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel can also help you tackle off-road terrain. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road trails and other surfaces including rocks, sand and mud. They'll also usually come with an adjustable front wheel that locks to give stability over rough terrain.
With the correct design, engineering, and weight distribution these buggies can turn on a dime easy to steer using just one hand; they have 360o front swivel wheels allowing mobility and agility to be effortless and light in handling. They'll also pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're in search of a fabric sling, then they tend to be set 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 less kerb pop (you don't have to exert the same amount of pressure or exertion to get the buggy over and up a kerb).
Maxi-Cosi is most well-known for its car seat range, but it has recently expanded its product range with the Citylife, a lightweight travel system and pushchair. The 3-in-1 model was designed for urban living and is compatible from birth with a newborn car seat or carrycot for infants. It comes with four wheels and a unique pewter-black aluminium frame, which the brand describes as'slim' and compact. It's smaller at 2cm than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold down to fit in smaller space. They can be folded with one hand and are easy to wipe down. Some of the smallest models have a simple handlebar-height adjustment, whereas others come with adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. They may also feature a large, spacious basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeled buggy is usually better equipped to deal with off-road conditions as compared to a 4-wheeled model however both may get stuck in tight corners. A model with bigger front and rear wheels will aid. This makes it easier to push them over rough terrain, and can help you get up and down the steep slopes.
One option is the brand new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her infant 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 great alternative is the new all-terrain 3 wheel buggy made by car seat brand Maxi-Cosi named Stella. It can be used from birth if used with a carrycot. It's a bit bigger than the lighter 4-wheelers however, it comes with 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 brands' infant car seats 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 on 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of designs and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide a comfortable performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type you choose will depend on your needs and the location you live in.
For instance, if you intend to frequently travel on rough or muddy terrain, you may be interested in an all-wheeler with more durable tyres. You should also think about the type of suspension you need. A sturdy suspension is helpful to handle bumps and humps, but it can be heavy and add to the overall weight of your pushchair.
The size of the tyre is crucial. Understanding how to read the tyre's size is essential for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the tyre's sidewall might seem confusing however, once you understand it, you will be able to understand the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre that has an 185/70 size R14, for example is a radial tire in 185/70 and has 14-inch rim size.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure whether the tires on a pushchair are rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires over a smooth surface and tie them. If they slide easily, then the tires are made of PU. If they do not then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a 3 wheel buggy is a vital aspect to consider as it will absorb the bumps and knocks of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels which are filled with air and are lockable for stability during jogging is also important as this will ensure your buggy is capable of maneuvering off road surfaces with ease.
There are many options for buggy styles that will suit any lifestyle and budget. The Mountain Buggy, for example, pioneered all-terrain agility in three-wheel buggies. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with the perfect geometry and engineering that fits snugly inside the frame, rather than on top, like modular seats. This gives an lower center of gravity, and is placed at the perfect height to distribute weight easily to conquer kerbs.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another great option. It features sleek design, a large wheel that's easy to move and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also comes with an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath tested the buggy its trials by taking it for a walk on a rough terrain. She found that it was able to handle it very well and claimed that it "navigates over grass, bumpy cobbles, sidewalks, and dirt tracks, and makes it easy to drive up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road choice. It is available in a variety of colours that will complement your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar, a large basket and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also pick from a range of infant car seats that convert the buggy into a pram, including the stylishly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a comfy lie-flat crib for babies and infants that are up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable, less likely for it to tip over, and more easy to maneuver. 3 wheel pushchair can also be more secure for your child as their weight is distributed more evenly over the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeler is also likely to have a lower center of gravity and therefore is more easy to roll up and over curbs. The seats made of fabric are built into the frame, not on top like modular seats. This creates a low seat position and a buggy that can be easily pushed.
If you're planning to run with your child, then a 4-wheeler is the ideal option. It has a suspension system which allows the front wheel to move independently from the rear. This will allow you to tackle rough terrains or bumpy roads. However it is not the case that all 4 wheel buggies can be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception because they come with a suspension system specifically designed for them that's been tested independently across all kinds of terrain.