3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are elegant and sleek, with excellent maneuverability. Many of these feature an upholstered sling seat that has an incredibly comfortable lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution, ideal for babies from birth.
The wheels are larger and typically have suspension to allow for smooth, agile moving on different terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they may be heavier and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are remarkably stable - they don't tip over as easily as pushchairs that have four wheels when traveling in a straight line. Also, you'll be able to maneuver them more quickly and effortlessly. If you stop or turn abruptly, they could lose stability and tip over. For this reason, certain manufacturers add an additional wheel to their three wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also conquer off-road terrain using the additional wheel. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road paths as well as other surfaces such as rocks, sand, and mud. These models will also feature wheels that lock in the front to improve stability on rough terrain.
With the correct design, engineering and weight distribution these buggies can turn on a dime easy to steer with one hand; have 360o front swivel wheels allowing mobility and agility to be easy and easy to handle. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a fabric seat that are breathable, they 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 an easier ride.
3 wheeler pushchairs -Cosi is a household name for its car seat range however, it recently expanded its product range with the Citylife, a lightweight travel system and pushchair. 3 wheeled pushchairs is designed for urban living and can be used starting at birth with a newborn car seat or carrycot for infants. It has 4 wheels and uses an exclusive black pewter frame that the manufacturer claims is 'slim and compact'. It's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a wide selection of 3 wheel buggies that fold up to fit into smaller spaces. Many of these buggies can be folded in one hand and are easy to clean. 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 could also come with a large, spacious basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most reliable 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be better able to cope with off-road terrain than a 4-wheel model, although both can get stuck in tight spots. A model with bigger front and rear wheels can assist. This makes them easier to push over rough ground and can help in moving up and down the high kerbs.
The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its surprising agility despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her infant and 3-year-old son and reported that "it handles really well over bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt roads and gravel tracks as well as on a few hills."
Another great alternative is the newest 3-wheel buggy that is all-terrain from Maxi-Cosi's car seat brand named Stella. It's suitable for babies when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's little bigger than the lightweight 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim 54cm wide frame) but it comes with big air-filled tyres. It also has 3 recline positions, and a swift one-hand fold.
Its main selling feature is its modularity - it's compatible with all the brands' car seats and strollers for infants. This means you can build your ideal travel system for day-today or longer walks using the chassis as a base.
Tyres
The tyres of 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of styles and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a comfortable ride and manoeuvrability, while foam-filled tyres last longer. The kind of tyre you pick will depend on your lifestyle and where it is that you live.
If you intend to travel on unpaved roads or in rough terrain frequently, you might want to consider a three-wheeler equipped with more durable tyres. Also, you should consider the type of suspension you require. The suspensions that are strong are great to tackle humps and bumps however they can be quite heavy and add to the overall weight.
Another aspect to be considered is the tyre's size. Understanding how to read the tyre size is important for safety, performance and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on a tyre sidewall may be confusing until you get the hang of it, you can understand the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre having a size of 185/70 R14, for example is a radial tire that has a size of 185/70 with 14-inch rim size.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you aren't sure if the tires on a pushchair are made of rubber or PU, simply slide the tires on a smooth surface. If the tires slide easily and smoothly, they're made of PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three wheel buggy can make it more comfortable for your child as it absorbs any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. Large wheels that are ideally air-filled and can be locked for stability during jogging is also important as this will ensure that your buggy will be able to navigate off roads with ease.
There are many choices for buggy designs to fit every budget and lifestyle. The Mountain Buggy, for example was the first to introduce all-terrain agility in three-wheel buggies. With the perfect geometry and engineering their sling seat made of fabric is tucked away inside the frame, in contrast to on top like modular seats, resulting in an lower center of gravity and sitting at the right height for optimal weight distribution that allows it to easily handle kerb pops.
Another great option is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that has a sleek design with large highly manoeuvrable front wheel, a great suspension and an easy-to-use handbrake with a twist. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its tests by walking through rough terrain. She found that it handled it really well, saying that it "navigates over bumpy grass, cobbles, sidewalks and dirt tracks, and makes it easy to go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes with a variety of colours to match your style. It also comes with a movable handlebar as well as a large basket. You can also pick from a variety of infant car seats that convert the buggy into a pram, such as the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a comfortable lie-flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns that are up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the pushchair much more stable and less likely to tip, and easier to maneuver. It also makes it safer for your child because the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheeled vehicle has a lower center of gravity, making it easier to climb over curbs and walk up. The fabric sling seats are positioned inside the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This creates a low seating position and a buggy that can be easily maneuvered.
However, if you want to go for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler may be more suitable as it has suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel which allows you to navigate rough terrains and bumpy roads - just bear in mind not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most are NOT like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception since they feature an exclusive suspension system that has been tested by an independent expert across all types of terrain.