3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are stylish and sleek, with great maneuverability. Many of these feature seats made of fabric that have an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed and a perfect weight distribution that is ideal from birth.
The wheels are bigger, and they also often have suspensions for smooth movement on a variety of terrains. The only downside is that they could be heavier and more bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies provide lots of stability. They aren't prone to tipping over as easily when driving straight. You can also maneuver them more quickly. If you turn or stop abruptly, they can lose stability and tip over. For this reason, some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel also allows you to tackle off-road terrain. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road trails as well as other surfaces such as sand, mud and rock. These models will also have an adjustable wheel that locks in the front to improve the stability of the vehicle over rough terrain.
The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile thanks to the 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 seat they are typically lower in the frame compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground - instantly ensuring a smoother ride.
Maxi-Cosi is most well-known for its car seat collection However, it has recently expanded its product range with the Citylife, a lightweight travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It has 4 wheels and has an exclusive pewter black aluminium frame, which the brand claims is 'light and compact'. It's actually only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are many 3 wheel buggies that can be folded down to fit into smaller spaces. A lot of these buggies can be folded with one hand and are easy-to-clean. Some of the tiniest models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, while others feature adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. They could also come with a large, spacious basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain
A 3-wheeler will typically be more able to deal with off-road terrain than a 4-wheel model, but both models can get stuck in tight spots. However, selecting a model with bigger wheels both front and back can help. This makes it easier to push them across rough terrain and can assist you in climbing up and down high curbs.
The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its remarkable agility despite its 3-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath has tested it with her baby and reported that "it did really well on cobbles, bumpy surfaces dirt roads, gravel tracks and some hills."
Stella Stella, the brand new 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi is another great option. It's suitable from birth when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with an impressively slim 54cm wide frame) but has big, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions, and a swift one-hand fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity it's compatible with all the brands' infant car seats and strollers. This means you can build your ideal travel system for your day-to-day or longer walks, using just the chassis as a starting point.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are offered in many styles and materials. Each comes with its own pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide a comfortable ride and manoeuvrability, while foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type you select will depend on your lifestyle and the location you live in.
For example, if you are planning to travel frequently on rough or unpaved terrain, you might think about a 3-wheeler with sturdier tires. Take into consideration the type of suspension you require. Suspensions that are strong are ideal to deal with humps and bumps but they can be heavy and add to the overall weight.
The size of the tyre can be crucial. Understanding how to read the tyre size is important for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewall of a tyre can be at first, but decoding it will allow you to comprehend the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre with a size of 185/70 R14 for instance, means that it is a radial tire with a diameter of 185/70 with a 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're not sure if a pushchair has rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires over an even and secure surface. If the tires move easily they are made of PU. If they don't, then the tires are composed of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a three wheel buggy is an essential element to look for as it will absorb the jolts and bumps of rough terrain, making it much more comfortable for your child. Large wheels that are filled with air, and can be locked to ensure stability when running are crucial. This will enable your buggy to navigate off-road surfaces effortlessly.
Depending on the type of buggie you're looking for, there are choices to fit every lifestyle and budgets. The Mountain Buggy, for example is the first all-terrain vehicle to be developed in a three-wheel buggie. With the perfect geometry and engineering their fabric sling seat sits snug inside the frame as opposed to being on top of modular seats, providing the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the perfect height to ensure optimal weight distribution that allows it to easily handle kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It has an elegant design, a big wheel that's easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also comes with an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath really put this buggy to the test by taking it on an excursion through the rough terrain and she found that it handled the terrain really well saying that it 'navigates easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, pavements dirt tracks, and makes light work of going up and down the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a variety of colors to match your style. It also features an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also choose from a variety of infant car seats that convert the buggy into a pram, including the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a comfortable lie-flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns that are up to 12 months old.
Safety
Having four wheels makes the buggy more stable, less likely to tip and easier to handle. It is also safer for your child as the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy has lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to get over curbs and climb up. The fabric sling seats are built into the frame, not on top like modular seats. This creates a low seating position and buggy that is easily pushed.
If you're looking to run with your child, an all-wheeler is the best option. It comes with an suspension system that allows the front wheel of the buggie to be independent from the rear one. This allows you to take on rough terrain or bumpy roads. However, not all four-wheel buggies can be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception since they feature a suspension system specifically designed for them that's been tested independently across all kinds of terrain.