3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are stylish and sleek, with excellent maneuverability. Many of these feature a fabric sling seat with a comfortable lying flat bed and excellent weight distribution that is ideal for babies from birth.
The wheels are larger, and they also often include suspension to allow for smooth movement on various terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they may be heavier and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies have lots of stability. They don't fall over more easily when driving straight. They also allow you to maneuver faster. If you stop or turn abruptly, they may lose their stability and fall over. This is why certain manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also take on off-road terrain using the additional wheel. Look for models with air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road routes, sand and dirt, as well as other surfaces like sand and rock. They'll also typically come with a lockable front wheel to give stability over rough terrain.
Buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They also pass the same stability standards globally and tests as buggies with four wheels.
If you're in search of a fabric sling seat, 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 ground - instantly delivering a smoother ride and a less noticeable kerb pop (you don't have to exert the same amount of pressure or effort to lift the buggy over and up the kerb).
Popular for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight travel system and pushchair to its line-up with the attractive Citylife. The model is designed for urban living and is suitable for newborns with a car seat or carrycot for infants. It has four wheels and has an exclusive pewter black aluminium frame that the manufacturer claims is 'light 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 spaces. Many of them can be folded using just one hand, and are easy to wash down. The smallest models will come with an easy height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others may feature an adjustable suspension as well as an expandable 50+ UV canopy. Some models could have large baskets and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The best 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain
A 3-wheeler will typically be better able to cope with off-road conditions better than a 4-wheel model, but both can get stuck in difficult spots. A model with bigger front and rear wheels will help. This allows them to push over uneven ground and will often help with moving up and down steep kerbs.
One option is the brand new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. 3 wheel pushchair tried it out with her child and reported that "it handled really well on cobbles, bumpy surfaces and dirt roads, gravel tracks, and a few hills."
Stella Stella, the 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It's suitable for babies when used with the carrycot. It's a slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with an impressively slim frame of 54cm wide) but has big air-filled tyres, three recline positions, and a quick one-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity, though it's compatible with all the brands' infant car seats and strollers. You can build your own travel system, whether you want to go on an easy stroll or a longer one, by using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres of 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of designs and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air offer a smooth ride and great maneuverability, while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type of tyre you select will be determined by your lifestyle and where you live.
For instance, if plan to travel often on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you may be interested in an all-wheeler with more durable tires. Take into consideration the type of suspension you require. Strong suspensions are useful to tackle humps and bumps but they can be heavy, adding to the overall weight.
The size of the tyre is also important. Knowing how to read tyre sizing is crucial for ensuring safety, performance, and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewalls of tyres can appear confusing, but once you decode it, you'll be able to comprehend the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre having an 185/70 size R14 for instance indicates that it is a radial tire in 185/70 and has 14-inch rim diameter.
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 on a smooth and tied 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-wheel buggy can make it more comfortable for your child since it will absorb any bumps or knocks from rough terrain. Large wheels that are filled with air, and are able to be locked to ensure stability when running are important. This will allow your buggy to travel on off-road surfaces with ease.
Based on the type of buggy you're looking for There are choices to fit every lifestyle and budgets. For instance the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. Their sling seats made of fabrics are designed with precise geometry and engineering that fits comfortably inside the frame rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This provides a lower center of gravity, and sits at the ideal height to distribute weight evenly to conquer the kerbs.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It features a sleek design, a large wheel that's easy to move and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also comes with a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it for an excursion through the rough terrain and found that it was able to handle the terrain well, stating that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy pavements, cobbles dirt tracks, and makes a light work of climbing and descending kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. It is available in a variety of colours that will complement your style. It also comes with a movable handlebar and a large basket. You can also select from a selection of infant car seats that convert the buggy to pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) which is a comfortable, flat bed for newborns or babies up to 12 month old.
Safety
Having four wheels makes the pushchair much more stable, less likely to tip, and easier to maneuver. It is also more secure for your child since the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheel buggy also tends to have a lower center of gravity and therefore is easier to pop up and over curbs. The fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not on top of it like modular seats do, which makes for a low-slung seating position and a lighter buggy that can be easily manoeuvred.
However, if you'd like to go out for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler may be better suited since it will have a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back one which allows you to navigate rough terrains and bumpy roads be aware that not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most aren't, such as the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception since they feature a specially-designed suspension system that's been tested independently across all types of terrain.