3 Wheel Buggies

3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability in a stylish and slim frame. Many of these feature seats made of fabric that have an incredibly comfortable lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution, perfect from birth.

The wheels are bigger and typically have suspension to allow for smooth, swift movement on different terrains. The only drawback is that they could be heavier and more bulkier to store & transport.

Stability

Three-wheel buggies have a lot of stability. They don't fall over as easily when you are driving straight. You can also maneuver them more quickly. However, if you try to turn or stop suddenly, they'll lose stability and could tip over. This is why some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3 wheel all terrain pushchair wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.

The additional wheel can also help you to tackle off-road terrain. Look for models that have air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that can be used to handle off-road paths, sand and mud, and other surfaces like rock and sand. These models will also have a lockable wheel in the front to improve the stability of the vehicle over rough terrain.

With the correct geometry, engineering and weight distribution these buggies can turn at a moment's notice easy to steer with one hand; feature 360o front swivel wheels allowing mobility and agility to be effortless and light in handling. They will also pass the same global stability standards and test as 4-wheel buggies.

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 centre of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly ensuring a smoother ride.

Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light travel system and pushchair to its product line with the striking Citylife. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban life, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It has 4 wheels and uses an exclusive pewter black aluminium frame, which the brand 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 them can be folded using just one hand, and are simple to wash down. The smallest models will come with a simple adjustable height of the handlebars, while others may have an adjustable suspension and an expandable 50+ UV canopy. They may also feature a large, spacious basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.

The most efficient 3 wheeler for rough terrain

A 3-wheeled model is typically better equipped to handle off-road terrain in comparison to a model with four wheels but both can be a bit stuck on tight corners. A model with bigger front and rear wheels can help. This allows them to push across rough terrain and is often helpful in moving up and down steep kerbs.

One option is the brand new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her infant and 3 wheel stroller for newborn-year-old and said "it does really well on bumpy pavements, cobbles gravel tracks and dirt roads, as well as on a few hills."

Stella Stella, the brand new 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It's suitable for babies when used with the carrycot. It's a smaller than the light 4wheelers (with an impressively slim 54cm wide frame) however it has large 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 across all the brand's baby strollers 3 wheels and car seats. You can create your own travel system, no matter if you're looking to go for a a short walk or a longer one using the chassis.

Tyres

The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of designs and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air offer a great performance and a smooth ride, whereas foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type of tyre you choose will be determined by your lifestyle and where you reside.

For example, if you intend to frequently travel on rough or muddy terrain, you might think about an all-wheeler with more durable tires. You should also think about the type of suspension you require. Suspensions that are strong are ideal to tackle humps and bumps but they can be heavy and add to the overall weight.

The size of the tyre is important. Understanding how to read the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewall of a tyre can seem initially, but understanding it will allow you to comprehend the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre size of "185/70 R14 indicates that the tire is a 185/70 radial with a 14-inch rim diameter.

PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure if the pushchair you are using has rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires on a smooth surface and tie them. If they slide easily, then the tires are made of PU. If they don't then the tires are made of rubber.

Suspension

The suspension of a three wheel pushchair-wheeled buggy can make it more comfortable for your child because it absorbs any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. Having large wheels, that are ideally air-filled and are lockable for stability during jogging is also important as this will ensure your buggy is capable of maneuvering off road surfaces with ease.

There are a variety of buggy styles that will suit any budget and style of life. For instance, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. With perfect geometry and engineering, their fabrics sling seat is tucked away inside the frame, in contrast to sitting on top like modular seats, offering a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the perfect height for optimal weight distribution to easily tackle the kerb pops.

The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It features sleek design, a large wheel that's easy to move and combines it with exemplary 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 on a walk through rough ground and found that it adapted to the terrain well saying that it 'navigates effortlessly over bumpy grass, cobbles, pavements, dirt tracks and even makes a light work of going up and down kerbs'.

The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. It is available in a variety of colours that will match your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar and a large basket. You can also select from a selection of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram, including the stylishly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a cosy lie flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns up to 12 months old.

Safety

Four wheels make a buggy more stable and less likely to tip over, and more easy 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 buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity and is therefore easier to lift up and over curbs. The sling seat is affixed within the frame, not on top of it like modular seats do, which makes for a low-slung seating position and a comparatively lighter buggy that is easily maneuvered.

However, if you want to go for an exercise with your child then a four-wheeler is better suited since it comes with a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back one to allow you to tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain be aware that not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most aren't, such as the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been tested by an independent party on all kinds of terrain.