3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability, and are a stylish, slim frame. Many of them come with a fabric sling with a comfortable lay flat bed, which is ideal for weight distribution and are suitable for babies from the age of.
The wheels are bigger, and they also often come with suspension for agile smooth movement on different terrains. The only downside is that they could be heavier and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies have plenty of stability. They aren't prone to tipping over as easily when driving straight. You can also manoeuvre faster. If you attempt to stop or turn suddenly, they'll lose stability and could fall over. To avoid this, certain manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also tackle off-road terrain with the extra wheel. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road paths as well as other surfaces such as rocks, sand and mud. They'll also include an adjustable front wheel that locks to provide stability on rough ground.
With the right geometry, engineering and weight distribution these buggies can turn at a moment's notice and are easy to steer with one hand; they have 360o front swivel wheel that allows agility and mobility to be effortless and easy to handle. They will also pass the same stability standards worldwide and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're in search of a fabric sling seat, then they tend to be set lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's center of gravity is closer to the ground which means a smoother ride and a less noticeable kerb pop (you do not need to apply as much pressure or exertion to get the buggy over and up a Kerb).
Popular for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light pushchair and travel system to its range with the striking Citylife. This 3-in-1 is perfect for urban living, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It comes with 4 wheels and uses a unique pewter black aluminium frame, which the company claims is 'light and compact'. It's actually only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to fit in smaller space. Many of them can be folded using one hand and are simple to wash down. The smallest models will come with an easy height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others could have an adjustable suspension and an extendable 50+ UV canopy. They could also come with large, spacious baskets and a brake lever with quick release.
The best 3 wheeler for rocky terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be more able to deal with off-road conditions than one with four wheels, however both can be stuck in difficult places. However, selecting a model with larger wheels on both sides will help. This will make it easier to push them over rough terrain and will help you get up and down high curbs.
One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath has tested it with her baby, and she said that "it did really well on cobbles, bumpy surfaces and gravel tracks, dirt roads, and some hills."
Stella, the new 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi is another great option. 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, 3 recline positions, and a swift one-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity - it's compatible with all the brand's infant car seats and strollers. You can design your own travel system, regardless of whether you want to go on an easy stroll or a longer one, by using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres of 3 wheel buggies are available in a range of styles and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example provide an easy ride and excellent manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you choose will be based on your personal preferences and the location you live in.
If you intend to travel on roads that are not paved or rough terrain often, you might be interested in a three-wheeler that has more robust tyres. Also, you should consider the type of suspension you require. A strong suspension is ideal for handling bumps and humps, but it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.
The size of the tyre is also important. Knowing how to read the tyre size is important for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre's sidewall can be confusing initially, but decoding it helps you understand the tyre's dimensions. A tyre having the size 185/70 R14, for example is a radial tire with a diameter of 185/70 and has 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure whether the tires of a pushchair are rubber or PU, simply slide the tires across a smooth surface. If they slide easily, then the tires are made from PU. If they do not then the tires are composed of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheeled buggy can make it more comfortable for your child as it will absorb any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. Large wheels that are filled with air, and that can be locked to provide stability while jogging are crucial. This will allow your buggy to navigate off-road surfaces with ease.
There are many options for buggy designs to fit every lifestyle and budget. For example, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a 3-wheel buggies. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with perfect design and engineering to fit snugly inside the frame, rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This provides an lower center of gravity, and allows it to be placed at the right height to distribute weight easily to take on kerbs.
three wheel pushchair considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule which boasts a sleek design with a massive, manoeuvrable front wheel, a great suspension and an easy-to-use handbrake that twists. MFM reviewer Kath put the buggy through its tests by going for a ride on rough terrain. She found that it was able to handle it very well, saying that it "navigates over bumpy grass, cobbles, sidewalks and dirt tracks, and even makes it easy to drive up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, like the Urban Glide 2, comes in a range of colours to complement your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar and a spacious basket. You can also choose from a selection of infant car seats to transform the buggy into a pram, such as the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a comfy lie-flat crib for babies and infants that are up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable, less likely for it to tip over and is easier to maneuver. It can also be more secure for your baby since their weight is distributed more evenly throughout the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeler is also likely to have a lower centre of gravity, making it more easy to roll up and over curbs. The fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not over it as modular seats. This makes for a low-slung seating position and a comparatively lighter buggy that is more easily manoeuvred.
However, if you want to go out for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler may be better suited since it has a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel so you can tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads Be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most aren't, such as the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception because they come with an exclusive suspension system that has been independently tested across all kinds of terrain.