3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel stroller lightweight wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability, and are a stylish, slim frame. Many of these feature seats made of fabric that have an incredibly comfortable lying flat bed and excellent weight distribution, perfect from the moment of birth.
The wheels are bigger and usually come with suspensions to allow for smooth, swift movement on different terrains. The only downside is that they can be heavier and bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are extremely stable and don't tip over as easily as pushchairs that have four wheels when they're in a straight line, and you'll find that you can manoeuvre them much more quickly and easily. If you turn or stop abruptly, they can lose stability and tip over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel also allows you navigate off-road terrain. Be sure to look for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road trails and other surfaces including rocks, sand and mud. These models also come with wheels that lock on the front to increase stability on rough terrain.
With the correct geometry, engineering and weight distribution these buggies can be turned on a dime and are easy to steer using just one hand; have 360o front swivel wheels allowing mobility and agility to be easy and light in handling. They will also pass the same stability standards globally and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you are looking for a fabric seat they are typically lower in the frame compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly providing a smoother ride.
Maxi-Cosi is most well-known for its car seat range, but it has recently expanded its product line with the Citylife, a lightweight travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban life, and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It comes with four wheels as well as an exclusive pewter-black aluminum frame, which the brand describes as'slim and compact. It's smaller at 2cm than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a wide selection of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to fit in smaller space. Many of them can be folded using just one hand, and are easy to wipe down. Some of the smaller models have a simple handlebar-height adjustment, while others feature adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. Some models could have large baskets and a brake lever that's quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3 wheel stroller reversible seat-wheeled model is typically better equipped to handle off-road terrain compared to a 4-wheeled model however both may get stuck in tight corners. A model with bigger rear and front wheels can aid. This will make it easier to push them over rough terrain, and can help you get up and down the steep slopes.
One option is the new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her infant and 3-year-old and said "it does really well on bumpy pavements, cobbles gravel tracks and dirt roads and also on some hills."
Another great alternative is the newest 3 wheel pushchair with car seat-wheel buggy that is all-terrain from Maxi-Cosi, a car seat manufacturer, called Stella. It's suitable for babies when used with the carrycot. It's a little bigger than the lightweight 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim frame of 54cm wide) but it comes with big air-filled tyres, three recline positions, and a swift one-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity. It's compatible with all of the brands' baby strollers and car seats. You can create your own travel system, regardless of whether you're looking to go for a a short walk or take a longer stroll, by 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. Air-filled tyres, for example, offer an effortless ride and superior manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The kind of tyre you pick will depend on your lifestyle and the place you live.
If you intend to travel on roads that are not paved or in rough terrain frequently you may want to consider a three-wheeler equipped with more durable tyres. You should also think about the type of suspension you need. 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 crucial. Knowing how to understand tyre sizing is vital for ensuring safety, performance, and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewall of a tyre can be initially, but understanding it will allow you to comprehend the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre having a size of 185/70 R14 for instance is a radial tire that has a size of 185/70 with 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you are unsure if a pushchair's tires are rubber or PU, slide the tires on the surface with a smooth surface. If the tires move easily and smoothly, they're made of PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a 3 wheel buggy is an important element to look for as it will absorb the bumps and knocks of rough terrain, making it more comfortable for your child. Large wheels that are filled with air, and are able to be locked to ensure stability while jogging are important. This will allow your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces effortlessly.
Depending on the style of buggy you're looking for, there are options that will fit all lifestyles and budgets. The Mountain Buggy, for example, pioneered all-terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. With the best 3 wheel stroller perfect geometry and engineering, their fabrics sling seat sits snug inside the frame as opposed to on top like modular seats, offering a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the right height for the best weight distribution, allowing it to easily take on kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It has an elegant design, a huge wheel that's easy to move and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also comes with a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it for a walk through rough ground and found that it handled the terrain really well. She said that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, pavements, dirt tracks and even 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 range of colors that will match your style. It also comes with a movable handlebar and a large basket. You can also pick from a selection of infant car seats that will convert the buggy to a pram. This includes the elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) which is a comfortable, flat bed for newborns or babies from 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the buggy more stable, less likely for it to tip over, and more easy to maneuver. It is also safer for your baby 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 therefore is easier to lift over curbs and up the stairs. The fabric sling seats are positioned inside the frame and not on top as modular seats. This creates a low seating position and buggy that is easily pushed.
If you're planning to run with your child, an all-wheeler is the best option. It comes with an suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently from the rear facing 3 wheel stroller wheel. This allows you to tackle rough terrains or bumpy roads. However it is not the case that all 4 wheel buggies can be used for running. The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially designed suspension system that has been tested by an independent party on all types of terrain.