3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability, and are a stylish, slim frame. A lot of them come with an upholstered sling seat that has a cosy lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution that is ideal for babies from birth.
The wheels are larger and typically have suspension to ensure smooth, agile moving on different terrains. The only downside is that they may be more heavy and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are remarkably stable – they don’t tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when going in a straight line. Also, you’ll be able to maneuver them more quickly and easily. However, if you try to stop or turn abruptly they’ll lose stability and could be prone to tipping over. For this reason, certain manufacturers add an additional wheel to their three wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
The extra wheel also helps you tackle off-road terrain. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road trails and other surfaces like sand, mud and rock. These models will also have an adjustable wheel that locks in the front to improve stability on rough terrain.
With the correct design, engineering, and weight distribution, these buggies can be turned on a dime – easy to steer with one hand; they 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 test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you’re looking for a seat made of fabric they are typically less upright in comparison to modular seats. This means that your baby’s centre of gravity will be closer to the ground – instantly ensuring a smoother ride.
Most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight pushchair and travel system to its range with the striking Citylife. This 3 wheel baby stroller-in-1 model is designed for urban living and is compatible for newborns with a car seat or carrycot for infants. It comes with four wheels as well as an exclusive pewter-black aluminum frame, which the brand describes as’slim’ and compact. It’s smaller at 2cm than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are many 3 wheel buggies which can be folded compactly and fit into smaller spaces. Many can be folded with one hand and are easy to wipe down. Some of the smallest models have a simple handlebar-height adjustment, while others have adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. They may also have a large, spacious basket and a brake lever with quick release.
The most efficient 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be better able to cope with off-road terrain than one with four wheels, however both can be stuck in difficult places. However, choosing a model that has larger wheels on both sides can help. This makes it easier to push them over rough terrain, and can help you get up and down the steep slopes.
One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly agile handling despite its 3 wheel stroller-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath has tested it with her infant and said that “it handled really well on cobbles, bumpy surfaces dirt roads, gravel tracks and even a few hills.”
Another great alternative is the new all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi, a car seat manufacturer which is called Stella. It can be used from birth if used with a carrycot. It is slightly larger than the 4-wheelers that are lighter, but it features air-filled tires with three recline positions and a single-hand fold.
Its main selling feature is its modularity. It’s compatible with all of the brands’ infant strollers 3 wheels and car seats. This means you can create your ideal travel system for your day-to-day or longer walks using the chassis as a starting point.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come 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 performance and a smooth ride, whereas foam-filled tyres last longer. The type you pick will be based on your personal preferences and the location you live in.
For example, if you plan to travel often on rough or unpaved terrain, you might think about a 3-wheeler that has sturdier tires. Also, you should consider the type of suspension you require. Strong suspensions are useful for tackling bumps and humps but they can also be heavy and add to the overall weight.
The size of the tyre is also crucial. Understanding the tyre size is important for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre sidewall may be confusing however, once you understand it, you’ll be able to comprehend the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre that has the size 185/70 R14, for example indicates that it is a radial tire that has a size of 185/70 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 the tires on a pushchair are made of rubber or PU, slide the tires on a smooth surface. If they move easily, then the tires are made from PU. If they don’t then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a best 3 wheel buggy wheel buggy is a vital component to look for because it will absorb the jolts and bumps of rough terrain making it more comfortable for your baby. A large wheel that are ideally air-filled and lockable for stability during jogging is also important as this will ensure that your buggy is capable of maneuvering off road surfaces easily.
Based on the type of buggie you’re seeking, there are options to suit all lifestyles and budgets. For instance the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three wheeler pushchairs-wheel buggies. The sling seats made of fabric are designed with precise geometry and engineering to fit comfortably 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 conquer the kerbs.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It sports an elegant design, a huge wheel that is easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also has the twist handbrake to facilitate ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath took this buggy to the test by taking it for an excursion through the rough terrain and she was impressed with how it handled the terrain really well, stating that it ‘flies easily over grass, bumpy pavements, cobbles dirt tracks, and can be a breeze getting up and down the kerbs’.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road model and, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes with a variety of colours to suit your style. It also features an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket and a 50+ UV hood. You can also choose from a variety of infant car seats that will transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm), which is a comfy lie-flat mattress for babies and infants up to 12 month old.
Safety
Four wheels make the buggy more stable, less likely to tip and easier to maneuver. It is also safer for your baby as their weight is distributed more evenly across the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled buggy has a lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to climb over curbs and get up. The seat made of fabric is within the frame, not on top of it like modular seats. This makes for a low-slung seating position and a lighter buggy that is easily maneuverable.
If you’re looking to go for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler may be more suitable as it will have a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back one so you can tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most aren’t like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception because they come with a suspension system specifically designed for them that’s been tested independently across all terrains.