3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are stylish and sleek, with excellent maneuverability. Many of them have seats made of fabric that have a cosy lay flat bed and a perfect weight distribution, perfect from the moment of birth.
The wheels are bigger and typically come with suspensions to allow for smooth, fluid moving on different terrains. The only drawback is that they could be heavier and bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies have lots of stability. They don't tip over more easily when driving straight. You can also maneuver them more quickly. However, if you try to stop or turn suddenly, they'll lose stability and could fall over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.
The extra wheel also helps you to tackle off-road terrain. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road trails and other surfaces including rocks, sand and mud. They'll also usually have a lockable front wheel to add stability over really rough terrain.
The buggies are simple to maneuver and agile with 360o front swivel wheel. They also pass the same global stability standards and tests as buggies with four wheels.
If you're looking for a fabric seat they are typically less upright in comparison to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground - instantly ensuring an easier ride.
Most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight travel system and pushchair to its product line with the striking Citylife. This 3-in-1 is perfect for urban living and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It has four wheels and an unique pewter-black frame that the brand calls'slim and compact. It's only 2cm wide than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to fit into smaller space. Many of them can be folded using just one hand, and are simple to wash down. The smallest models will have a simple height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others may have an adjustable suspension and an expandable 50+ UV canopy. They may also feature a large, spacious basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The best 3 wheel buggy to tackle rough terrain
A 3-wheeled vehicle is generally better equipped to deal with off-road conditions as compared to a 4-wheeled model however both can get stuck on tight corners. But, picking a model that has larger wheels both front and back can be beneficial. This makes them easier to push across rough terrain and can help in moving up and down the high kerbs.
The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its remarkable agility despite its 3-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath used it with her infant and 3-year-old and said "it is very well-handled over bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt roads and gravel tracks, as well as on some hills."
Another great option is the latest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy made by car seat brand Maxi-Cosi which is called Stella. It's suitable for babies when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's a slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim frame of 54cm wide) but it comes with big air-filled tyres. It also has 3 recline positions and a fast one-hand fold.
Its main selling feature is its modularity - it's compatible with all of the brands' infant strollers and car seats. This means you can build your ideal travel system for your day-to-day or longer walks using the chassis as a foundation.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are offered in many styles and materials. Each comes with its own pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide a smooth performance and a smooth ride, whereas foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type you select will be based on your personal preferences and where you live.
If you plan to travel on unpaved roads or rough terrain often you may think about a three-wheeler equipped with more robust tyres. You should also think about 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 can be important. Understanding how to determine the sizing of a tyre is essential for maintaining safety as well as performance and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the tyre's sidewall might be confusing, but once you decode it, you will be able to understand the tyre 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.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure whether a pushchair's tires are rubber or PU, simply slide the tires on an even surface. If they move easily, then the tires are made from PU. If they don't then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a 3 wheel buggy is a vital aspect to consider as it will absorb the bumps and knocks of rough terrain making it more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are air-filled, and can be locked to ensure stability while jogging is essential to ensure that your buggy will be able to navigate off road surfaces with ease.
There are many choices for buggy styles to suit every lifestyle and budget. The Mountain Buggy, for example is the first all-terrain vehicle to be developed with three-wheel buggie. Their sling seats made of fabrics are designed with perfect geometry and engineering to fit comfortably inside the frame rather than on top, like modular seats. This provides an lower center of gravity and sits at the ideal height to distribute weight easily to tackle bumps.
Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that boasts a sleek style with large highly manoeuvrable 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 a walk through rough ground and found that it adapted to the terrain well saying that it 'navigates effortlessly over bumpy grass, cobbles, pavements, dirt tracks and even makes light work of getting up and down kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a range of colours to complement your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar and a large basket. You can also select from a range of infant car seats that will convert the buggy to pram. This includes the elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) that is a comfortable lie-flat mattress for babies and infants up to 12 month old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable, less likely for it to tip over and easier to maneuver. It also makes it more secure for your child since the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy has lower center of gravity, making it easier to get over curbs and walk up. The fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not sitting on top like modular seats do, which makes for a low-slung seating position and a comparatively lighter buggy that is more easily manoeuvred.
If you're looking to run with your child, then a 4-wheeler is the ideal option. It has a suspension system which allows the front wheel of the buggie to move independently from the rear one. This allows 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 since they feature an exclusive suspension system that has been tested by an independent expert across all terrains.