3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel stroller and car seat wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability in a stylish and slim frame. Many of them have a fabric sling seat with a comfortable lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution that is ideal from birth.
The wheels are bigger and, in many cases, have suspensions for smooth movements on different terrains. The only drawback is that they may be heavier and bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are extremely stable and don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when going in a straight line and you'll be able to manoeuvre them much more quickly and efficiently. If you stop or turn abruptly, they can lose stability and even tip over. For this reason, some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their three wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
You can also conquer off-road terrain using the additional wheel. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) because they can deal with off-road paths as well as other surfaces such as rocks, sand and mud. They'll also usually come with the best 3 wheel stroller option of locking the front wheel to give stability over rough ground.
The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a cloth 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 the same amount of pressure or effort to get the buggy over and up a Kerb).
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an ultra-light travel system and pushchair to its line-up with the attractive Citylife. This 3-in-1 is perfect for urban life, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It comes with four wheels as well as a unique pewter-black aluminium frame that is described by the brand as'slim and compact. It's only 2cm wide than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a variety of three wheel buggies that can be folded down to can be tucked away in smaller spaces. They can be folded with one hand and are easy to wipe down. The smallest models will have a simple height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others may have an adjustable suspension as well as an extended 50+ UV canopy. They may also feature large, spacious baskets and a brake lever with quick release.
The best 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeled model is typically better equipped to handle off-road terrain compared to a 4-wheeled model however both can get stuck on tight corners. But, picking a model that has larger wheels on both sides will help. This makes them easier to push over rough 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 child and said that "it handled really well on bumpy surfaces, cobbles gravel tracks, dirt roads and some hills."
Stella Stella, the 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It is suitable for babies from birth when used with a carrycot. It's a bit bigger than the lighter 4-wheelers however, it comes with air-filled tires and three recline positions and a one-handed fold.
Its main selling point is its modularity, though it's compatible with all the car seats for infants from the brand and strollers. You can design your own travel system, whether you want to go on shorter walk or a longer one, using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel push chair wheel buggies come in a variety of styles and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide a smooth ride and great manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type of tyre you select will depend on your lifestyle and where you reside.
For example, if you plan to travel often on rough or muddy terrain, you may want to consider a 3 wheel twin stroller-wheeler with sturdier tyres. You should also think about the type of suspension you need. The suspensions that are strong are great to deal with humps and bumps but they can be heavy and add to the overall weight.
Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is tyre size. Understanding the tyre size is important for safety, performance and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewalls of tyres may be confusing initially, but understanding it will allow you to comprehend the tyre's dimensions. For instance, a tyre size of "185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has a 14 inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure whether the tires on a pushchair are rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires across an even and secure 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 on a three wheel buggy is an important element to look for as it will absorb the smacks and bumps of rough terrain making it more comfortable for your child. 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 navigate off-road surfaces easily.
Depending on the type of buggie you're seeking There are choices to fit every lifestyle and budgets. For instance the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a 3-wheel buggies. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with precise geometry and engineering to fit perfectly inside the frame instead of on top like modular seats. This gives an lower center of gravity, and is placed at the perfect height to spread weight evenly to tackle bumps.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It sports a sleek design, a big wheel that's easy to move and is paired with an impressive suspension. It also features an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath put the buggy through its tests by walking on a rough terrain. She was impressed with how it was able to handle it very well and said that it "navigates over grass, bumpy cobbles, sidewalks and dirt tracks and makes it easy to go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road choice. It is available in a variety of colors that match your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar, a large basket, and a 50+ UV hood. You can also pick from a range of infant car seats that will transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) that is a comfy lie-flat mattress for babies and infants until 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the buggy more stable, less likely to tip, and easier to handle. It is also safer for your child because the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity and therefore is easier to pop over curbs and up the stairs. The seats made of fabric are built into the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This results in a low seating position and buggy that is easily maneuvered.
However, if you'd like to go out for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler might be more suitable as it has suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the rear 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 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 types of terrain.