3 wheel pushchair provide excellent maneuverability in a stylish and sleek frame. Many of them have seats made of fabric that have a cosy lying flat bed and excellent weight distribution, ideal from the moment of birth.
The wheels are larger and often come with suspensions to allow for smooth, agile moving on different terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they tend to be heavier and bulkier to transport and store.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies have a lot of stability. They don't fall over as easily when going straight. You can also maneuver them more quickly. However, if you attempt to stop or turn abruptly, they'll lose stability and could be prone to tipping over. For this reason, certain manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also conquer off-road terrain with the extra wheel. Find models that have air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres), which can handle off-road routes, sand and dirt, as well as other surfaces such as sand and rock. They'll also have the option of locking the front wheel to give stability over rough terrain.
With the correct design, engineering and weight distribution, these buggies can turn on a dime and are easy to steer using just one hand; feature 360o front swivel wheel that allows mobility and agility to be effortless and light in handling. They'll also pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you are looking for a seat made of cloth they are typically less upright in comparison to modular seats. This means that your baby's center of gravity will be closer to the ground - instantly ensuring an easier ride.
Popular for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an ultra-light travel system and pushchair to its line-up with the eye-catching Citylife. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living 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's a wide selection of 3 wheel buggies that fold up to fit in smaller space. A lot of these buggies can be folded with one hand and are easy to clean. Some of the smaller models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, while others have adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. Some models may have large baskets and a brake lever that's quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain
A 3-wheeler will typically be better able to cope with off-road conditions better than one with four wheels, however both can get stuck in tight spots. However, selecting a model with larger wheels on both sides can be beneficial. This will make them easier to push across rough terrain and will often help with moving up and down steep 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 baby and said that "it did really well on bumpy surfaces, cobbles, dirt roads, gravel tracks and even some hills."
Stella Stella, the all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It's suitable from birth when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's a slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim frame of 54cm wide) but has big air-filled tyres, three recline positions and a fast one-hand fold.
Its main selling feature is its modularity - it's compatible with all the brands' car seats and strollers for infants. You can create your own travel system, no matter if you want to go on an easy stroll or a longer one using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of designs and materials, and each has its pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example provide an effortless ride and superior manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you choose will depend on your lifestyle and where you live.
If you plan to travel on unpaved roads or rough terrain often you may be interested in a three-wheeler equipped with more durable tyres. Also, you should consider the type of suspension that you need. A sturdy suspension is helpful for handling bumps and humps. However, it can be heavy and add to the overall weight of your pushchair.
The size of the tyre is also crucial. Knowing how to understand tyre sizing is vital to ensure safety performance, durability, and performance. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre sidewall may seem confusing however, once you understand it, you will be able to understand the dimensions of the tyre. For example, a tyre size of "185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radius with 14 inches of rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber ones. If you're not sure if a pushchair has rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires on a smooth surface and tie them. If they slide easily, then the tires are made from PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a three wheel buggy is a vital aspect to consider as it will absorb the smacks and bumps of rough terrain, making it much more comfortable for your baby. A large wheel which are filled with air and are lockable to provide stability when jogging essential to ensure that your buggy is able to navigate off road surfaces easily.
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 3-wheel buggies. With an engineering and geometry that is perfect their sling seat made of fabric sits snug inside the frame as opposed to sitting on top like modular seats, offering an lower center of gravity and sitting at the ideal height for optimal weight distribution to easily tackle the kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It sports a sleek design, a large wheel that's easy to maneuver and comes with a superb suspension. It also comes with an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its tests by walking through rough terrain. She found that it handled it really well and claimed that it "navigates over grass, bumpy cobbles, sidewalks, and dirt tracks, and even allows you to easily 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 colours that match your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar and a spacious basket. You can also pick from a variety of infant car seats that convert the buggy into a pram, including the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a comfortable lie-flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns from 12 months to 12 years old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable, less likely for it to tip over and is easier to maneuver. It is also safer for your child as the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy has a lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to pop over curbs and walk up. The fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not on top of it like modular seats do, which creates a low seating position, and a lighter buggy that can be easily maneuverable.
However, if you'd like to go for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler might be better suited since it has suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel to allow you to tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most aren't like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception because they come with a specially-designed suspension system that's been tested by an independent expert across all kinds of terrain.