3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look stylish and sleek, and have outstanding maneuverability. Many of them come with a fabric sling with a cosy lay flat bed that is perfect for weight distribution and are suitable starting at birth.
The wheels are larger, and they also often include suspension to allow for smooth movement on a variety of terrains. The only drawback is that they may be heavier and more bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies offer plenty of stability. They aren't prone to tipping over as easily when driving straight. You can also maneuver more swiftly. If you turn or stop abruptly, they could lose stability and even tip over. To avoid this, some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also tackle off-road terrain by adding an extra wheel. Find models with air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that can be used to handle off-road paths, sand and mud, and other surfaces, such as rock and sand. These models will also feature a lockable wheel on the front, which will increase stability on rough terrain.
Buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a fabric sling seat, these tend to be placed 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 a less noticeable kerb pop (you don't need to apply the same amount of pressure or effort to get the buggy over and up the curb).
Maxi-Cosi is best known for its car seat range However, it recently expanded its product line with the Citylife lightweight travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban life, 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 just 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a good choice of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to fit into smaller space. Many can be folded with a single hand and are easy to wipe down. Some of the smaller models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, whereas others come with adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. Some models could have a large basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most reliable 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 however both may get stuck in tight corners. A model with bigger front and rear wheels can aid. This will make it easier to push them across 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 said that "it handled really well on bumpy surfaces, cobbles and dirt roads, gravel tracks and a few hills."
Another option is the latest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy made by Maxi-Cosi, a car seat manufacturer named Stella. It is suitable from birth when used with a carrycot. It is slightly larger than the lightweight 4-wheelers, but it has air-filled tires, three recline positions, and a single-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity - it's compatible across all the brand's car seats and strollers for infants. This means you can build your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks using the chassis as a foundation.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of styles and materials. Each comes with its own pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide a smooth ride and great manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you select will depend on your needs and where you live.
For instance, if you intend to frequently travel on rough or unpaved terrain, you might be interested in a 3-wheeler that has sturdier tires. Consider the kind of suspension you need. The suspensions that are strong are great for tackling bumps and humps however they can be quite heavy, adding to the overall weight.
The size of the tyre is also important. Understanding the tyre size is important for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre's sidewall can be confusing initially, but decoding it allows you to understand the tyre's dimensions. A tyre that has an 185/70 size R14 for instance, means that it is a radial tire with a diameter of the 185/70 size with 14-inch rim size.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're not sure if the pushchair you are using has rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires over an even and secure surface. If the tires slide smoothly, they are made of PU. If they don't, then the tires are composed of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheeled buggy makes it more comfortable for your child because it absorbs any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. Large wheels that are air-filled and that can be locked to provide stability when jogging are also crucial. This will allow your buggy to navigate off-road surfaces easily.
There are many options for buggy styles that will suit any budget and lifestyle. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a 3-wheel buggies. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with precise geometry and engineering to fit snugly inside the frame, instead of on top like modular seats. This gives a lower center of gravity, and sits at the ideal height to spread weight evenly to conquer bumps.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another great option. It has sleek design, a huge wheel that is easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also has a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath tested the buggy its tests by taking it for a walk on rough terrain. She found that it handled it really well, saying that it "navigates over grass, bumpy sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks, and allows you to easily go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas is another popular off road option and similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes with a variety of colours to complement your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar, a large basket and a 50+ UV hood. You can also pick from a selection of infant car seats that will transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm), which is a comfortable lie-flat mattress for babies and infants up to 12 month old.
Safety
Having four wheels makes the pushchair much more stable and less likely to tip and easier to maneuver. It also makes it more secure for your child as their weight is distributed more evenly over the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled buggy has a lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to get over curbs and climb up. 3 wheel pushchair is affixed in the frame instead of on top of it like modular seats. This results in a lower seating position and a lighter buggy that is easily maneuverable.
If you're looking to run with your child, a 4-wheeler is the ideal option. It has a suspension system that allows the front wheel of the buggie to be independent from the rear one. This allows you to navigate rough terrain or bumpy roads. However, not all four-wheel buggies can be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception because they come with an exclusive suspension system that has been independently tested across all types of terrain.