3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look elegant and sleek, with outstanding maneuverability. A lot of them come with an upholstered sling seat that has a cosy lying flat bed and excellent weight distribution, ideal for babies from birth.
The wheels are bigger, and they also often come with suspension for agile smooth movements on a variety of terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they may be more bulky and heavy to transport and store.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are extremely stable - they don't tip over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when traveling in a straight line and you'll be able to maneuver them more quickly and efficiently. If you turn or stop abruptly, they could lose stability and tip over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also tackle off-road terrain by adding an extra wheel. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road paths and other surfaces including sand, mud and rock. They'll also usually come with a lockable front wheel to provide stability on rough terrain.
With the correct geometry, engineering and weight distribution these buggies can turn at a moment's notice - easy to steer with just one hand; have 360o front swivel wheels allowing mobility and agility to be easy and easy to handle. They also meet the same stability standards worldwide and tests as buggies with four wheels.
If you are in the market for a seat made of cloth that are breathable, they tend to be smaller in the frame as compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's center of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly ensuring an easier ride.
Popular for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light pushchair and travel system to its line-up with the attractive Citylife. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban life, and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It has four wheels and uses a unique pewter black aluminium frame that the manufacturer claims is 'slim and compact'. It's actually 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 these buggies can be folded in 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. Certain models may come with large baskets and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be better able to cope with off-road conditions better than a 4-wheel model, although both can be stuck in tight spots. A model with larger front and rear wheels will aid. This will make them easier to push over uneven ground and is often helpful in getting up and down high kerbs.
One option is the brand new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its quick handling, despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her baby and said that "it did really well on cobbles, bumpy surfaces and gravel tracks, dirt roads, and a few hills."
Another option is the latest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi, a car seat manufacturer, called Stella. It's suitable from birth when used with the carrycot. It's a little bigger than the lightweight 4wheelers (with an impressively slim 54cm wide frame) however it has large, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions, and a quick one-hand fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity - it's compatible across all the brand's car seats and strollers for infants. You can design your own travel system, whether you're looking to go for a an easy stroll or take a longer stroll, by using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres of 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of styles and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a smooth ride and great maneuverability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type of tyre you select will be determined by your lifestyle and the place you reside.
If you intend to travel on unpaved roads or in rough terrain frequently, you might think about a three-wheeler with more durable tyres. Consider the kind of suspension you need. A strong suspension is ideal for handling bumps and humps, but it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.
Another aspect to be considered is tyre size. Knowing how to read the tyre size is important for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the tyre's sidewall might appear confusing until you get the hang of it, you can understand the tyre dimensions. A tyre that has the size 185/70 R14, for example is a radial tire in 185/70 with 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you aren't sure if a pushchair's tires are rubber or PU, try sliding the tires on an even surface. If the tires slide smoothly they are made of PU. If they don't then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheel buggy makes it more comfortable for your child because it absorbs any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. Large wheels that are filled with air, and that can be locked to ensure stability when jogging are also essential. This will enable your buggy to travel on off-road surfaces with ease.
There are a variety of buggy designs to fit every budget and lifestyle. The Mountain Buggy, for example was the first to introduce all-terrain agility with three-wheel buggies. With perfect geometry and engineering their fabric sling seat is tucked away within the frame, as opposed to sitting on top like modular seats, offering an lower center of gravity and sitting at the ideal height for the best weight distribution to easily tackle the kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another great option. It has a sleek design, a big wheel that is easy to maneuver 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 paces by walking on rough terrain. She was impressed with how it performed admirably, saying that it "navigates over bumpy grass, sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks, and even makes it easy to drive up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas is another popular off road option and like the Urban Glide 2, comes in a range of colours to match your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket and a 50+ UV hood. 3 wheeler pushchairs can also pick from a variety of infant car seats that will convert the buggy to a pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) which is a comfortable lie-flat bed for newborns or babies from 12 months old.
Safety
The presence of four wheels makes the pushchair much more stable, less likely to tip and easier to handle. It is also more secure for your child since the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheeled vehicle has a lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to climb over curbs and climb up. The sling seat is affixed in the frame instead of sitting on top like modular seats. This creates a low seating position, and a lighter buggy that is easily manoeuvred.
However, if you'd like to go for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler might be better suited since it has suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel to allow you to tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain - just bear in mind not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most aren't like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception since they feature a specially-designed suspension system that's been tested by an independent expert across all types of terrain.