3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are stylish and sleek, and have great maneuverability. A lot of them have an upholstered sling that has a cosy lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution and are ideal from birth.
The wheels are bigger and usually have suspension to ensure smooth, swift movement on different terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they can be heavier and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies have lots of stability. They don't tip over as easily when you are moving straight. They also allow you to maneuver more swiftly. If you stop or turn abruptly, they may lose stability and tip over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
You can also take on off-road terrain by adding an extra wheel. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road trails and other surfaces like rocks, sand and mud. They'll also typically come with an adjustable front wheel that locks to add stability over really rough terrain.
Buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you are in the market for a seat made of cloth, these tend to be 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 an easier ride.
Maxi-Cosi is best known for its car seat range However, it recently expanded its product line with the Citylife lightweight travel system and pushchair. The 3-in-1 model was designed for urban living and can be used for newborns with a carrycot or infant car seat. It comes with 4 wheels and has an exclusive black pewter frame that the manufacturer claims is 'light and compact' - it's actually only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a variety of three wheel buggies that can be folded down to fit into smaller spaces. Many of them can be folded using just one hand, and are easy to wash down. Some of the smallest models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, whereas others come with adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. Some models may have a large basket and a brake lever that's quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rocky terrain
A 3-wheeled model is typically better equipped to handle off-road conditions in comparison to a model with four wheels but both can be a bit stuck on tight corners. A model with larger front and rear wheels can aid. This allows them to push over rough ground and can help in getting up and down high kerbs.
One option is the new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly quick handling, despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her infant and reported that "it was very well-handled on cobbles, bumpy surfaces and gravel tracks, dirt roads and even some hills."
Another great alternative is the new all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi's car seat brand, called Stella. It's suitable from birth when used with the carrycot and is a smaller than the light 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim 54cm wide frame) but it comes with big air-filled tyres, three recline positions, and a swift one-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity, though it's compatible with all the brands' infant car seats and strollers. This means you can create your ideal travel system for day-today or longer walks, using only the chassis as a base.
Tyres
The tyres on 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of designs and materials, and each has its pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example offer an effortless ride and superior maneuverability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you pick will depend on your lifestyle and where you live.
For example, if you are planning to travel frequently on rough or muddy terrain, you might want to consider an all-wheeler with more durable tyres. Take into consideration the type of suspension you require. Strong suspensions are useful to deal with humps and bumps but they can also be heavy, adding to the overall weight.
The size of the tyre is important. Understanding how to determine the sizing of a tyre is essential for maintaining safety performance, durability, and performance. 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 dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre 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 whether the tires on a pushchair are made of rubber or PU, try sliding the tires on a smooth surface. If the tires slide smoothly they are made of PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a 3 wheel buggy is an important element to look for as it absorbs the jolts and bumps of rough terrain making it more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are air-filled and are able to be locked to ensure stability while jogging are crucial. This will allow your buggy to navigate off-road surfaces effortlessly.
Depending on three wheeled buggies of buggy you're looking for, there are options to suit all lifestyles and budgets. For instance, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. With the perfect geometry and engineering, their fabrics sling seat is tucked away inside the frame as opposed to sitting on top like modular seats, resulting in the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the perfect height for optimal weight distribution that allows it to easily handle the kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It features a sleek design, a large wheel that's easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also comes with the twist handbrake to facilitate ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its tests by taking it for a walk on a rough terrain. She was impressed with how it performed admirably, saying that it "navigates over grass, bumpy sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks, and even makes it easy to drive up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. It comes in a range of colors that will complement your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar and a large basket. You can also select from a range of infant car seats to convert the buggy into a pram, including the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a comfy lie-flat bed for newborns and babies up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the pushchair more stable and less likely to tip over and is easier to maneuver. It also makes it safer for your baby as their weight is distributed more evenly over the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled buggy has a lower center of gravity, making it easier to get over curbs and climb up. The fabric sling seats are positioned inside the frame, not on top like modular seats. This creates a low seating position and a buggy that can be easily pushed.
If you're planning to run with your child, a 4-wheeler is the best option. It has a suspension system which allows the front wheel to move independently from the rear. This will allow you to tackle rough terrains or bumpy roads. However there are some limitations to four-wheel buggies can be used for running. The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been tested independently across all types of terrain.