3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look elegant and sleek, with excellent maneuverability. Many of these feature an upholstered sling seat that has a cosy lay flat bed and a perfect weight distribution that is ideal from birth.
The wheels are bigger and, in many cases, include suspension to allow for smooth movement on different terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they tend to be more bulky and heavy to transport and store.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are very stable and don't tip over as easily as pushchairs that have four wheels when traveling in a straight line, and you'll notice that you can manoeuvre them much more quickly and effortlessly. If you turn or stop abruptly, they could lose stability and even tip over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel also allows you navigate off-road terrain. Choose models with air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road trails, sand, mud, and other surfaces such as rocks and sand. These models also come with wheels that lock on the front to increase stability on rough terrain.
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 easy and easy to handle. 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 seat, these tend to be placed lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the ground - instantly delivering a smoother ride and a lighter kerb pop (you don't need to apply the same amount of pressure or effort to get the buggy over and up a kerb).
Maxi-Cosi is best known for its car seats however, it recently expanded its product line with the Citylife, a lightweight travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 model is designed for urban living and can be used from birth with a newborn carrycot or infant car seat. It has 4 wheels and uses an exclusive pewter black aluminium frame, which the company claims is 'slim and compact' - it's just 2cm larger than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a lot of 3 wheel buggies which can be folded compactly and fit into smaller spaces. A majority of these buggies are able to be folded in one hand and are easy to clean. The smallest models will feature an easy adjustable height of the handlebars, while others could have an adjustable suspension as well as an expandable 50+ UV canopy. Some models may have a large basket and a brake lever that's quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheel buggy to tackle rough terrain
A 3-wheeler will typically be better able to cope with off-road conditions better than a 4-wheel model, although both can be stuck in tight spots. However, selecting a model with larger wheels both front and back can be beneficial. This allows you to push them across rough terrain and can help you get up and down steep curbs.
The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its remarkable agility despite its 3-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her baby and 3-year-old and said "it does really well on cobbles, bumpy pavements, gravel tracks and dirt roads and also on some hills."
Stella, the new all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It's suitable for babies when used with the carrycot. It's little bigger than the lightweight 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 main selling point is its modularity, though - it's compatible with all of the brand's infant car seats and strollers. This means that you can design your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks using the chassis as a foundation.
Tyres
The tyres on 3 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 comfortable performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres last longer. The type you pick will depend on your lifestyle and the location you live in.
For instance, if plan to travel often on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you might think about an all-wheeler with more durable tires. Consider the kind of suspension you need. The suspensions that are strong are great to deal with humps and bumps however they can be quite heavy and add to the overall weight.
Another important factor to consider is tyre size. Understanding how to determine the sizing of a tyre is essential for maintaining safety performance, durability, and performance. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewalls of tyres can be initially, but decoding it allows you to understand the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre's 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 on an even and secure surface. If the tires move easily and smoothly, they're made of PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a 3 wheel buggy is an essential 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 that are air-filled, and lockable to provide stability when jogging also important as this will ensure that your buggy will be capable of navigating off road surfaces easily.
There are a variety of buggy designs to fit every budget and style of life. The Mountain Buggy, for example is the first all-terrain vehicle to be developed with three-wheel buggie. With an engineering and geometry that is perfect their fabric sling seat is tucked away within the frame, as opposed to being on top of modular seats, providing a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the perfect height for optimal weight distribution, allowing it to easily take on kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It features an elegant design, a big wheel that is easy to maneuver 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 this buggy to the test by taking it for an excursion through the rough terrain and she found that it was able to handle the terrain well saying that it 'navigates effortlessly over bumpy grass, pavements, cobbles dirt tracks, and can be a breeze climbing and descending kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road choice. It is available in a range of colors that match your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar and a large basket. You can also pick from a variety of infant car seats that convert the buggy to a pram. This includes the elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) that is a comfy lie-flat bed for newborns or babies from 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable and less likely to tip over and is easier to maneuver. It is also more secure for your baby since their weight is distributed more evenly throughout the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheel buggy also tends to have a lower center of gravity, making it easier to lift up and over curbs. The fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not sitting on top like modular seats. This results in a lower seating position and a comparatively lighter buggy that is easily maneuverable.
If you're looking to go out for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler might be more suitable as it will have suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the rear one so you can tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain 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 since they feature a suspension system specifically designed for them that's been independently tested across all terrains.