3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look stylish and sleek, with great maneuverability. Many of them come with an upholstered sling that has a comfortable lay flat bed, which is ideal for weight distribution, and are perfect from birth.
The wheels are larger and, in many cases, have suspensions for smooth movement over various terrains. The only downside is that they could be heavier and more bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are extremely stable - they don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when traveling in a straight line, and you'll be able to move them more quickly and easily. However, if you attempt to turn or stop suddenly, they'll lose stability and may tip over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel can also help you to tackle off-road terrain. Choose models that have air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres), which can handle off-road trails, sand, mud, and other surfaces, such as rocks and sand. They'll also typically have the option of locking the front wheel to give stability over rough terrain.
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 are looking for a fabric seat, these tend to be lower in the frame compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's center of gravity will be closer to the ground - instantly ensuring the smoothest ride.
Popular for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light pushchair and travel system to its range with the eye-catching Citylife. The 3-in-1 model was designed for urban living and is suitable from birth with a newborn carrycot or infant car seat. It comes with 4 wheels and has a unique pewter black aluminium frame, which the brand claims is 'light and compact' - it's just 2cm larger than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a variety of three wheel buggies that can be folded compactly and can be tucked away in smaller spaces. Many of them can be folded using just one hand, and are simple to wash down. The smallest models will feature an easy height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others may have an adjustable suspension and an extendable 50+ UV canopy. They may also have a large, spacious basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain
A 3-wheel buggy will usually be better able to cope with off-road terrain than a 4-wheel model, although both can be stuck in tight spots. A model with bigger front and rear wheels will assist. This makes them easier to push over rough ground and will often help with moving up and down the high kerbs.
One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its quick handling, despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it out with her infant, and she said that "it did really well on bumpy surfaces, cobbles gravel tracks, dirt roads and some hills."
Another alternative is the new 3-wheel buggy that is all-terrain from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi which is called Stella. It can be used from birth when used with a carrycot. It's slightly bigger than the 4-wheelers that are lighter, but it features air-filled tires and three recline positions and a single-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity - it's compatible with all of the brands' infant strollers and car seats. You can build your own travel system, whether you're planning to take a shorter walk or a longer one, by using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of styles and types of materials. Each one has its own pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example provide a smooth ride and great maneuverability, while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you pick will depend on your lifestyle and where you live.
If you plan to travel on unpaved roads or on rough terrain frequently, you might think about a three-wheeler with more durable tyres. You should also think about the type of suspension that you require. Strong suspensions are useful for tackling bumps and humps however they can be quite heavy and add to the overall weight.
Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is the size of the tyre. Understanding the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewalls of tyres can be confusing however, once you understand it, you can understand the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre with an 185/70 size R14 for instance, means that it is a radial tire in 185/70 and has a 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you are unsure if the tires of a pushchair are rubber or PU, try sliding the tires on a smooth surface. If they slide easily then the tires are made of PU. If they don't then the tires are composed of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three wheel 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 are able to be locked to provide stability while jogging are crucial. This will enable your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces with ease.
Depending 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-wheel buggies. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with perfect geometry and engineering to fit comfortably inside the frame rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This gives an lower center of gravity and allows it to be placed at the right height to distribute weight evenly to conquer bumps.
Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule which boasts a sleek design with a large, highly maneuverable front wheel, excellent suspension, and an easy-to-use handbrake with a twist. 3 wheel pushchair tested the buggy its paces by walking on a rough terrain. She was impressed with how it performed admirably, saying that it "navigates over grass, bumpy cobbles, sidewalks, and dirt tracks, and even makes it easy to drive 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 match your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar and a spacious basket. You can also choose from a range of infant car seats to transform the buggy into a pram, including the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a comfortable lie-flat crib for babies and infants up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the pushchair more stable and less likely to tip over and easier to maneuver. It can also be more secure for your child as their weight is distributed more evenly over the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled vehicle has a lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to get over curbs and walk up. The seats made of fabric are placed inside the frame, not on top like modular seats. This creates a low seat position and buggy that is easily pushed.
If you're planning to run with your child, then a 4-wheeler is the ideal option. It comes with a suspension system which allows the front wheel to be independent from the rear. This allows you to navigate rough terrain or bumpy roads. However, not all 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 on all kinds of terrain.