3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look elegant and sleek, with excellent maneuverability. Many of these have an upholstered sling that has an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed that is perfect for weight distribution and are suitable from birth.
The wheels are larger and often come with suspensions to allow for smooth, agile moving on different terrains. The only downside is that they can be heavier and more bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies provide lots of stability. They aren't prone to tipping over as easily when you are driving straight. They also allow you to maneuver faster. If you attempt to turn or stop suddenly they'll lose stability and can 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 using the additional wheel. Be sure to look for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) because they can deal with off-road trails and other surfaces like sand, mud and rock. They'll also usually have an adjustable front wheel that locks to add stability over really rough terrain.
With the correct geometry, engineering and weight distribution, these buggies can turn at a moment's notice and are easy to steer using just one hand; have 360o front swivel wheels that allow mobility and agility to be easy and light to handle. They will also pass the same stability standards globally and tests as buggies with four wheels.
If you're looking for a cloth 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 the same amount of pressure or effort to lift the buggy over and up a Kerb).
Maxi-Cosi is most well-known for its car seat collection however, it recently expanded its product line with the Citylife compact travel system and pushchair. The model is designed for urban living and is suitable starting at birth with a newborn car seat or carrycot for infants. It comes with four wheels and an unique pewter-black frame, which the brand describes as'slim' and compact. It's smaller at 2cm than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a wide selection of 3 wheel buggies that fold down to fit into smaller space. Many can be folded with a single hand and are easy to wipe down. Some of the smaller models come with a simple handlebar height adjustment, whereas others come with adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. Some models could have a large basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeled model is typically better equipped to handle off-road terrain compared to a 4-wheeled model, though both may get stuck in tight corners. A model with larger rear and front wheels can help. This will make them easier to push across rough terrain and will often help with getting up and down high kerbs.
One option is the brand new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its responsive handling despite its three-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath used it with her baby and 3-year-old son and reported that "it is very well-handled over bumpy pavements, cobbles gravel tracks and dirt roads, as well as on a few hills."
Stella Stella, the all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi, is another option. It's suitable for babies when used with the carrycot. It's little bigger than the lightweight 4wheelers (with an impressively slim 54cm wide frame) but it comes with big air-filled tyres, three recline positions, and a quick one-hand fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity, though - it's compatible with all the brands' infant car seats and strollers. You can build your own travel system, regardless of whether you're looking to go for a a short walk or take a longer stroll, by using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres on 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of styles and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide a smooth ride and manoeuvrability, while foam-filled tyres last longer. The type you choose will be based on your personal preferences and the location you live in.
If you plan to travel on roads that are not paved or in rough terrain frequently you may want to consider a three-wheeler equipped with more robust tyres. Think about the kind of suspension you need. Suspensions that are strong are ideal to tackle humps and bumps but they can also be heavy and add to the overall weight.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the tyre. Understanding the tyre's size is essential for safety, performance, and durability. 3 wheel buggy of numbers and letters on a tyre's sidewall can seem confusing at first, but decoding it allows you to understand the tyre's dimensions. A tyre having an 185/70 size R14, for example indicates that it is a radial tire that has a size of 185/70 and has 14-inch rim size.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber ones. If you aren't sure if the tires on a pushchair are made of rubber or PU, try sliding the tires across an even surface. If the tires move easily, they are made of PU. If they do not then the tires are composed of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheel buggy makes it more comfortable for your child since it will absorb any knocks or bumps that occur from rough terrain. Large wheels that are air-filled, and are able to be locked to provide stability when jogging are also important. This will enable your buggy to navigate off-road surfaces easily.
Based on the type of buggie you're looking for There are options that will fit all lifestyles and budgets. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. With an engineering and geometry that is perfect, their fabrics sling seat sits snug within the frame, as opposed to being on top of modular seats, offering the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the ideal height for the best weight distribution that allows it to easily handle the kerb pops.
Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that has a sleek design with large highly manoeuvrable front wheel, a great suspension and an easy-to-use handbrake that twists. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it on a walk through rough ground and she found that it was able to handle the terrain well. She said that it 'flies effortlessly over bumpy grass, pavements, cobbles dirt tracks, and makes light work of getting up and down the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. It is available in a range of colors that match your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar and a large basket. You can also pick from a selection of infant car seats that convert the buggy into a pram. This includes the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a cosy lie flat bed for newborns and babies that are up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable and less likely to tip over, and more easy to maneuver. It is also safer for your child as 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 pop over curbs and up the stairs. The fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not sitting on top like modular seats. This results in a lower seating position and a lighter buggy that can be easily maneuvered.
However, if you'd like to go for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler might be more suitable as it will have a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the rear one to allow you to tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain be aware that not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most are NOT like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception, as they have a suspension system specifically designed for them that's been tested independently across all terrains.