3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are stylish and sleek, with excellent maneuverability. Many of them come with an upholstered sling that has a cosy lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution and are ideal from birth.
3 wheel compact stroller pushchairsandprams are bigger and typically come with suspensions to allow for smooth, fluid moving on different terrains. The only downside is that they can be more heavy and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies provide lots of stability. They don't tip over as easily when you are driving straight. You can also maneuver more swiftly. If you turn or stop abruptly, they may lose stability and tip over. This is why certain 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 with the extra wheel. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road trails and other surfaces like rocks, sand and mud. These models will also feature wheels that lock in the front to improve the stability of the vehicle over rough terrain.
Buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They also pass the same stability standards worldwide and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a fabric sling, then these tend to be placed lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the floor - instantly delivering a smoother ride and a less noticeable kerb pop (you don't have to exert as much pressure or effort to lift the buggy up and over a Kerb).
Popular for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight pushchair and travel system to its range with the attractive Citylife. The model is designed for urban living and can be used starting at birth with a newborn car seat or carrycot for infants. It has four wheels and uses an exclusive pewter black aluminium frame that the manufacturer claims is 'slim and compact' - it's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly 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 an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. Certain models may come with an enormous basket as well as brake levers that are quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheel buggy to tackle rough terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be more able to deal with off-road terrain than one with four wheels, however both can get stuck in tight spots. However, selecting a model with bigger wheels both front and back can be beneficial. This allows them to push across rough terrain and will often help with getting up and down 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 out with her baby and said that "it did really well on cobbles, bumpy surfaces, gravel tracks, dirt roads, and some hills."
Stella Stella, the brand new all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It is suitable for babies from birth if used with a carrycot. It's slightly bigger than the lighter 4-wheelers but it features air-filled tires and three recline positions and an easy fold with one hand.
Its primary selling point is its modularity. It's compatible with all of the brands' car seats and strollers for infants. This means that you can design your ideal travel system for your day-to-day or longer walks, using just the chassis as a base.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of styles and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a comfortable performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres last longer. The type you pick will depend on your lifestyle and where you live.
For example, if you plan to travel often on rough or muddy terrain, you might think about an all-wheeler with more durable tires. Take into consideration the kind of suspension you need. A strong suspension is ideal for handling bumps and humps, however it can be heavy and increase the overall weight of your pushchair.
The size of the tyre is also crucial. Knowing how to understand tyre sizing is vital for maintaining safety performance, durability, and performance. The combination of letters and numbers on the tyre's sidewall might seem confusing however, once you understand it, you will be able to understand the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre's size of "185/70 R14' means that the tire is a 185/70 radius with a 14 inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure if a pushchair has rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires over a smooth and tied surface. If they slide easily then the tires are made from PU. If they don't, then the tires 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 from rough terrain. Having large wheels, that are ideally air-filled and lockable for stability during jogging is crucial to ensure your buggy is able to navigate off road surfaces easily.
There are many choices for buggy designs to fit every lifestyle and budget. For instance the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with the perfect geometry and engineering that fits snugly inside the frame, instead of on top like modular seats. This creates an lower center of gravity, and is placed at the perfect height to distribute weight evenly to conquer kerbs.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It features a sleek design, a large wheel that's easy to move and comes with a superb suspension. It also comes with the twist handbrake to facilitate ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath took this buggy to the test by taking it for a walk through rough ground and found that it adapted to the terrain well saying that it 'navigates effortlessly over bumpy grass, pavements, cobbles dirt tracks, and can be a breeze going up and down the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. It comes in a variety of colours that will complement your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar and a spacious basket. You can also select from a selection of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a comfortable lie-flat bed for newborns and babies that are up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the pushchair more stable and less likely to tip over and easier to maneuver. It is also safer for your child because the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheeler is also likely to have a lower centre of gravity and therefore is easier to lift up and over curbs. The fabric sling seats are placed inside the frame, not on top like modular seats. This results in a lower seat position and a buggy that can be easily maneuvered.
If you're looking to go for an exercise with your child then a four-wheeler is more suitable as it will have a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the rear one so you can tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain Be aware that 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 suspension system specifically designed for them that's been tested by an independent expert across all terrains.