3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are stylish and sleek, with great maneuverability. A lot of them come with an upholstered sling seat that has a cosy lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution, perfect from birth.
The wheels are bigger and often come with suspension for agile smooth movements on various terrains. The only downside is that they can be heavier and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies provide a lot of stability. They don't tip over as easily when you are going straight. You can also manoeuvre them more quickly. However, if you attempt to stop or turn abruptly they'll lose stability and can fall over. To avoid this, certain manufacturers add an extra 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 called pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road trails and other surfaces like rocks, sand, and mud. These models will also have wheels that lock on the front, which will increase stability on rough terrain.
The buggies are simple to maneuver and agile thanks to the 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a fabric seat that are breathable, they tend to be smaller in the frame as compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground - instantly providing a smoother ride.
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an ultra-light travel system and pushchair to its range with the attractive Citylife. This 3-in-1 is perfect for urban life, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It has four wheels and uses an exclusive black pewter frame, which the brand claims is 'slim and compact'. It's just 2cm larger than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to fit in smaller space. Many can be folded with one hand and are easy to wash down. The smallest models will feature a simple height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others may have an adjustable suspension or an extendable 50+ UV canopy. Some models may have large baskets and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rocky terrain
A 3-wheeled vehicle is generally better equipped to deal with off-road conditions as in comparison to a model with four wheels however both can be a bit stuck on tight corners. However, selecting a model with larger wheels both front and back can be beneficial. This makes them easier to push over rough ground and is often helpful 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 infant and her 3-year-old, and said "it is very well-handled over cobbles, bumpy pavements, dirt roads and gravel tracks and also on some hills."
Stella, the new all-terrain 3-wheel buggy by Maxi-Cosi, is another option. It's suitable from birth when used with the carrycot. It's a slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim 54cm wide frame) but it comes with big, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions, and a quick one-hand fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity. It's compatible with all the brands' baby strollers and car seats. You can design your own travel system, no matter if you're planning to take a shorter walk or a longer one using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in many styles and materials. Each one has its own pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example offer an effortless ride and superior maneuverability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you choose will depend on your needs and the location you live in.
If you plan to travel on unpaved roads or on rough terrain frequently, you might be interested in a three-wheeler with more durable tyres. Also, you should consider the type of suspension you require. A sturdy suspension is helpful for handling bumps and humps, however it can be heavy and increase the overall weight of your pushchair.
The size of the tyre can be important. Understanding the tyre size is important for safety, performance and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on a tyre sidewall may seem confusing however, once you understand it, you'll be able to comprehend the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre with a size of 185/70 R14 for instance is a radial tire that has a size of the 185/70 size with 14-inch rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also less heavy and puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure whether the tires on a pushchair are made of rubber or PU, simply slide the tires on an even surface. If they move easily, then the tires are made of PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three wheel buggy can make it more comfortable for your child since it will absorb any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. Large wheels that are ideally air-filled and are lockable to ensure stability while jogging is also important as this will ensure your buggy is capable of maneuvering off roads with ease.
There are a variety of buggy styles to suit every budget and style of life. The Mountain Buggy, for example was the first to introduce all-terrain agility with three-wheel buggies. With the perfect geometry and engineering their fabric sling seat sits snug inside the frame as opposed to on top like modular seats, offering the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the right height for the best weight distribution that allows it to easily handle kerb pops.
Another great option is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule which boasts a sleek design with a large, highly maneuverable front wheel, excellent suspension, and a simple handbrake that twists. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its tests 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 sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks, and even 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 range of colors that will complement your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket, and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also choose from a range of infant car seats that will transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) that is a comfortable, flat mattress for babies and infants up to 12 month old.
Safety
Four wheels make the pushchair more stable and less likely to tip over and is easier to maneuver. It is also more secure for your child since the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity, making it easier to lift up and over curbs. The fabric sling seats are placed inside the frame, not on top like modular seats. This results in a lower seating position and a buggy that can be easily maneuvered.
If you're looking to run with your child, then a 4-wheeler is the best option. It comes with a suspension system that allows the front wheel to be independent from the rear one. 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 specially-designed suspension system that's been independently tested across all terrains.