3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability in a stylish and slim frame. Many of these have an sling made of fabric with a comfortable lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution and are suitable starting at birth.
The wheels are bigger and typically come with suspensions to allow for smooth, agile mobility on various terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they can be bulkier and heavier to transport and store.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies have lots of stability. They don't fall over as easily when you are going straight. You can also manoeuvre faster. If you stop or turn abruptly, they can lose stability and even 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. Find models with air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that can be used to handle off-road paths, sand and dirt, as well as other surfaces such as rocks and sand. They'll also include a lockable front wheel to add stability over really rough ground.
The buggies are simple to maneuver and agile with 360o front swivel wheel. They also pass the same global stability standards and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a fabric sling, 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 floor which means a smoother ride and a less noticeable kerb pop (you don't have to exert as much pressure or exertion to get the buggy up and over the kerb).
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an ultra-light pushchair and travel system to its line-up with the eye-catching Citylife. The model is designed for urban living and is compatible for newborns with a car seat or carrycot for infants. It has four wheels and a unique pewter black aluminium frame, which the brand claims is 'slim and compact'. It's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to fit into smaller spaces. Many of these buggies can be folded in one hand, and are easy to clean. The smallest models will have an easy handlebar height adjustment, while others may feature an adjustable suspension and an expandable 50+ UV canopy. Some models could have large baskets and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain
A 3-wheeled model is typically better equipped to handle off-road conditions compared to a 4-wheeled model, though both can be a bit stuck on tight corners. A model with larger rear and front wheels can aid. This makes them easier to push over uneven ground and can help in moving up and down the high kerbs.
The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its remarkable agility despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her infant and 3-year-old son and reported that "it handles really well over bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt roads and gravel tracks as well as on some hills."
Stella Stella, the brand new 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi, is another option. It's suitable for babies when used with the carrycot. It's slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with an impressively slim frame of 54cm wide) but it comes with big air-filled tyres. It also has 3 recline positions, and a swift one-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity. It's compatible with all the brands' infant strollers and car seats. This means you can create your ideal travel system for your day-to-day or longer walks, using only the chassis as a starting point.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of styles and types of materials. Each has its own pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a comfortable performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type you choose will be based on your personal preferences and the location you live in.
If you intend to travel on roads that are not paved or rough terrain often you may want to consider a three-wheeler that has more robust tyres. You should also think about the type of suspension that you require. Strong suspension is useful to handle bumps and humps. However, it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.
The size of the tyre is also important. Knowing how to determine the sizing of a tyre is essential for ensuring safety as well as 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 dimensions of the tyre. A tyre having the size 185/70 R14, for example, means that it is a radial tire with a diameter of 185/70 and has a 14-inch rim diameter.
In Push Chairs And Prams UK to being more durable, PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure if the tires on a pushchair are rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires across a smooth surface and tie them. If they slide easily then the tires are made from PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a three wheel buggy is an essential element to look for as it absorbs the smacks and bumps of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your child. A large wheel which are filled with air and can be locked to ensure stability while jogging is also important as this will ensure your buggy is capable of navigating off road surfaces with ease.
There are many choices for buggy designs to fit every lifestyle and budget. For instance the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. With an engineering and geometry that is perfect, their fabrics sling seat is tucked away inside the frame, in contrast to being on top of modular seats, providing a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the perfect height for optimal weight distribution that allows it to easily handle the kerb pops.
Another great option 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 through its tests by going for a ride on rough terrain. She was impressed with how it handled it really well, saying that it "navigates over grass, bumpy cobbles, sidewalks 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 option. It comes in a variety of colours that will 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 to transform the buggy into a pram, such as the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a comfy lie-flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns that are up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the buggy 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 also tends to have a lower centre of gravity and is therefore easier to lift up and over curbs. The seats of the fabric sling are built into the frame and not on top as modular seats. This creates a low seat position and a buggy that can be easily maneuvered.
However, if you'd like to go out for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler might be more suitable as it comes with suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel so you can tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain Be aware that not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most aren't, such as the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially designed suspension system that has been tested by an independent party on all kinds of terrain.