3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer excellent maneuverability, and are a stylish, slim frame. Many of these feature an upholstered sling seat that has a comfortable lay flat bed and a perfect weight distribution that is ideal for babies from birth.
The wheels are bigger, and they also often have suspensions for smooth movements on various terrains. The only drawback is that they could be more heavy and bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are remarkably stable - they don't tip over as easily as pushchairs that have four wheels when going in a straight line, and you'll find that you can move them more quickly and effortlessly. However, if 3 wheeler pushchair attempt to stop or turn abruptly they'll lose stability and can fall over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also conquer off-road terrain using the additional wheel. Choose models with air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres), which can handle off-road routes, sand and dirt, as well as other surfaces, such as sand and rock. They'll also typically come with an adjustable front wheel that locks to give stability over rough ground.
With the correct geometry, engineering and weight distribution these buggies can turn on a dime and are easy to steer with one hand; feature 360o front swivel wheels allowing mobility and agility to be easy and light to handle. They'll also pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a fabric sling, then they are typically placed lower in the frame than modular seats, so that your baby's center of gravity is closer to the floor and provides a more comfortable ride and a less noticeable kerb pop (you do not need to apply the same amount of pressure or effort to lift the buggy over and up the Kerb).
Maxi-Cosi is most well-known for its car seats, but it recently expanded its product range with the Citylife, a lightweight travel system and pushchair. The 3-in-1 model was designed for urban living and is compatible for newborns with a carrycot or infant car seat. It comes with 4 wheels and has an exclusive pewter black aluminium frame, which the company claims is 'light and compact'. It's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold up 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 have an easy handlebar height adjustment, while others could have an adjustable suspension and an extended 50+ UV canopy. Some models may have an enormous basket as well as a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeler will typically be more adept at dealing with off-road conditions better than a 4-wheel model, although both can be stuck in tight places. However, selecting a model with larger wheels both front and back can help. This makes them easier to push across rough terrain and is often helpful in getting up and down high kerbs.
The brand 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 infant and said that "it handled really well on cobbles, bumpy surfaces and dirt roads, gravel tracks, and some hills."
Stella Stella, the all-terrain 3-wheel buggy by Maxi-Cosi is another great option. It is suitable from birth when used with a carrycot. It's a bit bigger than the 4-wheelers that are lighter, however, it comes with air-filled tires and three recline positions and a one-handed fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity - it's compatible with all the brands' baby strollers and car seats. This means you can build your ideal travel system for your day-to-day or longer walks, using only the chassis as a base.
Tyres
The tyres of 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of designs and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example provide an effortless ride and superior maneuverability, while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you pick will depend on your needs and where you live.
If you intend to travel on roads that are not paved or rough terrain often, you might think about a three-wheeler equipped with more robust tyres. You should also consider the type of suspension you need. Suspensions that are strong are ideal to deal with humps and bumps however they can be quite heavy, adding to the overall weight.
Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is the tyre's size. Knowing how to understand tyre sizing is vital to ensure safety, performance, and durability. The combination 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. For instance, a tyre size of "185/70 R14 indicates that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has a 14-inch rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also less heavy and puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure whether the tires on a pushchair are rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires across an even and secure surface. If the tires slide easily, they are made of PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a 3 wheel buggy is an essential element to look for as it absorbs the smacks and bumps of rough terrain, making it more comfortable for your baby. A large wheel which are filled with air and lockable to ensure stability while jogging is also important as this will ensure your buggy is able to navigate off roads with ease.
There are many choices for buggy styles that will suit any budget and lifestyle. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a 3-wheel buggies. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with precise geometry and engineering to fit snugly inside the frame, rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This provides an lower center of gravity, and allows it to be placed at the right height to distribute weight evenly to conquer kerbs.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It features an elegant design, a big wheel that's easy to move and comes with a superb suspension. It also comes with a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put the buggy through its tests by going for a ride through rough terrain. She was impressed with how it was able to handle it very well and said that it "navigates over grass, bumpy cobbles, sidewalks, and dirt tracks, and allows you to easily go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas is another popular off road option and like the Urban Glide 2, comes in a variety of colors to suit your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar and a large basket. You can also pick from a selection of infant car seats to transform the buggy into a pram, such as the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a comfy lie-flat bed for newborns and babies from 12 months to 12 years old.
Safety
Four wheels make the buggy more stable and less likely to tip over, and more easy to maneuver. It is also safer for your baby as their weight is distributed more evenly throughout the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled buggy has a lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to pop over curbs and walk up. The seat made of fabric is within the frame, not on top of it like modular seats. This creates a low seating position and a comparatively lighter buggy that is easily maneuvered.
If you're planning to run with your child, a 4-wheeler is the ideal option. It has a suspension system that allows the front wheel of the buggie to be independent from the rear one. This allows you to navigate rough terrain or bumpy roads. However there are some limitations to four-wheel buggies can be used for running. The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially designed suspension system that has been tested independently across all terrains.