3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-road terrain and offers a smooth ride for baby. They are also simpler to push and maneuver than a four-wheeler and are especially suitable for those with fabric slings or seat units that are tightly positioned in the frame to provide the best design and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeler has great stability, which is why it's an ideal option for off-road walking (especially with an all terrain or off-road-style seat). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some even feature a lockable front tire for extra stability on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than their 4-wheeled counterparts and, therefore, could fall more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs are built with the perfect design to ensure they stay stable in any condition. They should be able turn on a dime and be easy to steer using one hand. They also have an incline of 360o for the front wheel, which makes them ideal to navigate difficult terrain.
For surfaces that are extremely challenging, look out for models with air-filled tyres, also known as pneumatic tyres, which are designed to handle non-paved tracks and should cope with rocks, mud, and more. A lot of all-terrain buggies have a swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked for greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheel stroller is an ideal option for runners and those who prefer to walk quickly and uphill, particularly when you plan to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It has an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with 5-point harness and plenty of storage space for all your gear (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's compact, lightweight and suitable from birth and can be used in conjunction with a carrycot or car seat. It can also handle some light jogging but isn't intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that can take on difficult terrain, you should select one with large tires. 3 wheeled pushchair can handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks, while providing an enjoyable ride for all passengers. These are also great for jogging as they have built-in suspension and are easy enough to climb up and down kerbs. However, the downside is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy to use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front which makes it very maneuverable. It comes with tyres filled with air that need to be pumped up every now and then. It can accommodate children as young as the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the shape of the seat and was able to steer it easily with her 3 year old on board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It comes with a movable handlebar, a top-quality hood that provides 50+ UV protection, and a high quality hood. It's also easy to get up and down kerbs, and it can fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a pram that comes with an infant car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly inside the frame of the buggie instead of on top of it like modular seats. This design delivers a lower centre of gravity that is at the ideal height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you can never think about the amount of times you'll have to do that as new parents!)
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are a variety of different choices to choose from. The included carrycot plus is ideal for a newborn (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfortable and cosy lie-flat bed that can be used in and out of the buggy). Older children and toddlers will love the spacious and padded seat unit with adjustable ventilation. The seats don't recline completely, but can be lowered down to the lowest position. This should give your child plenty of space and headroom.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available. It is placed snugly within the frame, rather than sitting on top as the modular seat. This delivers a much lower centre of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push especially over bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath loved the way this kind of seat dealt with these obstacles.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this kind of buggy usually has very useful features like an extendable 50+ UV hood, an easy-to-use brake pedal, and some game-changing visibility lights that come up from the handlebars and can be placed in front of the occupants to increase their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
If you're looking for a single buggy that will expand with your family, there's the brand-new sport(tm) which is the first of its kind to take a single newborn from day one and change to take two or even 3 after your little ones have grown and all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is much more sturdy and can be moved by one hand. It's also better for terrain that is difficult. However, it does mean that the basket won't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A high-quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres, and a padded handle to ensure your comfort. It will accept a carrycot or car seat, so you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't pass through all doors in their homes, or small car boot - be sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before purchasing if you're worried about space.
It's worth looking into a 3-wheeler that can take 2 (or even 3!) seats when your family grows - these are the most efficient of both and will help you save money in the future. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most popular. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggie and later converted into twin buggies when your baby is walking.
Tyres
These tires cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. They are commonly found on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath discovered to provide "an amazing ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres on it made it easy to tackle kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres can be difficult to maintain and will require air pressure regularly topped up. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres, so you'll need to make sure that you have repair kits along with a spare inner tube and pump on hand when you are traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres are more commonly found on pushchairs as they are a cheaper option than tyres filled with air, but they are equally durable. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide across flat and tidied surfaces.
If you run your hand over the tyres, you can tell if they're rubber or PU. If it feels as if it is sliding then it is a rubber tyre, which is a. You can also check whether your buggy has PU tyres simply by sliding the tyres on flat, clean surfaces They'll roll easily and should fit snugly into their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are commonly used in high-performance buggies and joggers because they can cope with the rough terrain associated with this type of pushchair. This can make your buggy less stable as the foam will lose its springy quality. Also, these kinds of tyres can often be noisy as they create a lot of noise when you turn and make your way through town.