3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel infant stroller wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability in a stylish and sleek frame. A lot of them have a fabric sling with a cosy lay flat bed that is perfect for weight distribution, and are perfect starting at birth.
The wheels are larger and, in many cases, have suspensions for smooth movements on various terrains. The only drawback is that they may be heavier and bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three Wheel Buggies (Demo.Emshost.Com) are very stable and don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when they're in a straight line. Also, you'll be able to move them more quickly and easily. However, if you attempt to stop or turn abruptly, they'll lose stability and could tip over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs in order to increase the stability of the chassis.
You can also tackle off-road terrain with the extra wheel. Be sure to look for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road routes as well as other surfaces such as rocks, sand and mud. These models will also feature wheels that lock on the front, which will increase stability on rough terrain.
The 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 the 4-wheel buggies.
If you are in the market for a seat made of fabric, these 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 the smoothest ride.
Popular for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an ultra-light pushchair 3 wheels and travel system to its line-up with the striking Citylife. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It has four wheels and uses an exclusive pewter black aluminium frame, which the company claims is 'slim and compact' - it's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are many three wheel buggies that can be folded compactly and can fit into smaller spaces. Many of them can be folded using a single hand and are simple to wash down. The smallest models will have an easy adjustable height of the handlebars, while others may feature an adjustable suspension as well as an expandable 50+ UV canopy. They may also feature large, spacious baskets and a brake lever with quick release.
The most efficient 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3 wheel travel system-wheeler will typically be better able to cope with off-road conditions better than one with four wheels, however both can get stuck in difficult places. A model with larger front and rear wheels will help. This makes them easier to push over uneven ground and is often helpful in moving up and down the high kerbs.
The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its remarkable ability to move despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her baby and 3-year-old and said "it handles really well over cobbles, bumpy pavements, gravel tracks and dirt roads, as well as on a few hills."
Another alternative is the new 3 wheel stroller lightweight-wheel buggy that is all-terrain from Maxi-Cosi, a car seat manufacturer which is called Stella. It can be used from birth if used with a carrycot. It's a bit bigger than the lightweight 4-wheelers, however, it comes with air-filled tires and three recline positions and a single-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity it's compatible with all the car seats for infants from the brand and strollers. You can build your own travel system, no matter if you want to go on shorter walk or take a longer stroll, using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of designs and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a comfortable ride and manoeuvrability, while foam-filled tyres last longer. The type of tyre you choose will depend on your lifestyle and where it is that you live.
If you plan to travel on unpaved roads or on rough terrain frequently you may want to consider a three-wheeler with more robust tyres. You should also think about the type of suspension that you require. Strong suspensions are useful to tackle humps and bumps but they can also be heavy and add to the overall weight.
Another aspect to be considered is the size of the tyre. Understanding how to determine the sizing of a tyre is essential for maintaining safety as well as performance and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewall of a tyre can be confusing at first, but decoding it will allow you to comprehend the tyre's dimensions. A tyre that has a size of 185/70 R14, for example indicates that it is a radial tire in 185/70 with 14-inch rim size.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure if the tires on a pushchair are 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 not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a three wheel buggy is an essential aspect to consider as it absorbs the smacks and bumps of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your baby. Having large wheels, that are air-filled, and lockable for stability during jogging is also important as this will ensure your buggy is able to navigate off road surfaces with ease.
Depending on the style of buggie you're looking for, there are options that will fit all lifestyles and budgets. For instance, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with the perfect geometry and engineering that fits perfectly inside the frame rather than on top 3 wheel strollers, like modular seats. This gives a lower center of gravity and sits at the ideal height to distribute weight evenly to take on the kerbs.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It features sleek design, a large wheel that's easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also has an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath really put this buggy to the test by taking it for a walk through rough ground and she found that it handled the terrain really well, stating that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, roads 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 colors that will match your style. It also features an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket, and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also choose from a range of infant car seats that convert the buggy into a pram, including the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a cosy lie flat bed for newborns and babies that are up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the pushchair more stable, less likely for it to tip over and is easier to maneuver. It is also more secure for your baby since their weight is distributed more evenly over the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeler is also likely to have a lower centre of gravity and is therefore easier to lift up and over curbs. The fabric sling seat sits inside the frame rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This results in a lower seating position, and a lighter buggy that is more easily maneuvered.
However, if you want to go out for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler might be more suitable as it will have a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back one which allows you to navigate bumpy roads and rough terrain - just bear in mind not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most are NOT like the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially designed suspension system that has been tested independently across all kinds of terrain.