3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability in a stylish and slim frame. A lot of them come with a fabric sling seat with a cosy lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution that is ideal for babies from birth.
The wheels are bigger and, in many cases, come with suspension for agile smooth movement over a variety of terrains. The only downside is that they may be heavier and bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are extremely stable - they don't tip over as easily as pushchairs that have four wheels when they're in a straight line and you'll notice that you can manoeuvre them much more quickly and effortlessly. If you turn or stop abruptly, they could lose stability and even tip over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
You can also conquer off-road terrain with the extra wheel. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road trails and other surfaces including rocks, sand and mud. They'll also usually come with a lockable front wheel to provide stability on rough terrain.
With the right geometry, engineering and weight distribution these buggies can be turned on a dime and are easy to steer with just one hand; feature 360o front swivel wheel that allows mobility and agility to be easy and light in handling. They'll also pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a cloth sling seat, then these tend to be placed 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 less kerb pop (you do not need to apply the same amount of pressure or exertion to get the buggy up and over the curb).
Popular for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light travel system and pushchair to its range with the eye-catching Citylife. This 3-in-1 model is designed for urban living and can be used for newborns with a carrycot or infant car seat. It comes with 4 wheels and uses a unique pewter black aluminium frame that the manufacturer claims is 'slim and compact' - it's actually only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a wide selection of 3 wheel buggies that fold up to fit into smaller space. Many can be folded with just one hand, and are simple to wash down. The smallest models will have an easy height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others could have an adjustable suspension and an extendable 50+ UV canopy. Some models could have a large basket and a brake lever that's quick-release.
The most reliable 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain
A
3 wheel stroller and car seat-wheeled model is typically better equipped to handle off-road terrain in comparison to a model with four wheels but both can get stuck on tight corners. A model with larger front and rear wheels will assist. This will make it easier to push them across rough terrain and will aid in getting up and down high curbs.
The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its remarkable agility despite its
3 Wheel Stroller Set-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her baby and
3 wheel pushchair sale-year-old son and reported that "it is very well-handled over bumpy pavements, cobbles dirt roads and gravel tracks and also on some hills."
Another great alternative is the newest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy made by Maxi-Cosi's car seat brand named Stella. It's suitable for babies when used in conjunction with the carrycot and is a little bigger than the lightweight 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim frame of 54cm wide) but it comes with big, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions and a fast one-hand fold.
Its main selling point is its modularity, though - it's compatible with all the car seats for infants from the brand and strollers. This means that you can design your ideal travel system for day-today or longer walks, using just the chassis as a foundation.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of styles and materials. Each has its own pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres, offer an effortless ride and superior manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you choose will depend on your needs and the location you live in.
For example, if you intend to frequently travel on rough or muddy terrain, you might be interested in a 3-wheeler that has sturdier tires. Consider the type of suspension you require. Strong suspension is useful for handling bumps and humps, but it can be heavy and add to the overall weight of your pushchair.
Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is tyre size. Understanding how to read the tyre size is important for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewalls of tyres can seem confusing, but once you decode it, you can understand the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre size of "185/70 R14 indicates that the tire is a 185/70 radius with a 14 inch rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also lighter and more puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you aren't sure if a
pushchair 3 wheels's tires are rubber or PU, slide the tires across an even surface. If the tires slide smoothly, they are made of PU. If they don't then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheeled 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 air-filled, and can be locked to ensure stability when running are crucial. This will allow your buggy to navigate off-road surfaces effortlessly.
Depending on the style of buggy you're looking for, there are options to suit all lifestyles and budgets. For instance the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with perfect geometry and engineering to fit snugly inside the frame, rather than on top, like modular seats. This gives a lower center of gravity and sits at the ideal height to distribute weight evenly to tackle the kerbs.
Another great option is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule which boasts a sleek design with large highly manoeuvrable front wheel, excellent suspension and an easy-to-use handbrake that twists. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its trials by walking on a rough terrain. She found that it was able to handle it very well, saying that it "navigates over bumpy grass, cobbles, sidewalks, and dirt tracks and makes it easy to go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road choice. It comes 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 pick from a range of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a comfortable lie-flat crib for babies and infants up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable and less likely to tip over and easier to maneuver. It is also safer for your child as the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheeler is also likely to have a lower center of gravity and therefore is easier to pop over curbs and up the stairs. The fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not on top of it like modular seats. This creates a low seating position and a lighter buggy that can be easily maneuverable.