3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-roading and provides a smooth ride for baby. They can also be easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy, especially if they have fabric slings or modular seat units that are placed snugly in the frame, delivering the most efficient geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is why it's an ideal choice for off road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road-style seat). They typically have larger front wheels, which cope well with bumps and kerbs as well as rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheel on the front to provide additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than models with four wheels and this can mean that they fall over more easily. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs are designed with perfect geometry and engineering to make them very solid in all conditions. They should be able to turn at a whim and be able to be controlled with one hand. They also come with a 360o rotating front wheel, which makes them ideal to navigate difficult terrain.
For extremely difficult surfaces be sure to choose an air-filled model which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres. These are designed to work on roads that are not paved and can deal with mud, gravel, rock and so on. Many all-terrain buggies feature a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to add stability when tackling extremely rough ground too.
A 3-wheeler is a good option for runners or for those who prefer to walk quickly and uphill, particularly if you're planning to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, offering a world-facing seat that can recline flat and comes with a new 5-point harness as well as storage space for all your gear (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's light, compact and suitable for babies and can be used with the use of a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that will take on tricky terrain, then you'll need one with big wheels. They can handle grass, cobbles, and dirt tracks while providing a smooth ride for anyone. They're also good for jogging as they have built in suspension and are easy to move up and down kerbs. The downside is that they're a bit heavy to push.
The best 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy comes with 16 rear wheels with a lockable swivel front wheel, so it's very manoeuvrable. 3 wheel pushchair has air tyres which do need occasional pumping and can hold children up to 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat and found steering it easy even with her three-year-old in the seat.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar as well as a hood that is of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move kerbs upwards and downwards and fits in a the boot of a car that is small. It can also be used as a stroller along with a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Fabric slings are set within the frame and not on top as modular seats. This design provides a lower centre of gravity that is at the ideal height, making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you should never think about how often you'll do this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is impressive and there are a variety of different options to pick from. The carrycot that comes with it is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfy and cozy lay-flat bed that can be used both in and out of the buggy). Older children and toddlers will enjoy the large and comfortable seat with adjustable ventilation. It's important to note that these seats don't recline fully however they can be adjusted to the lowest setting that will still allow your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A sling seat made of fabric is also available, which is placed snugly within the frame rather than on top like a modular seat and this provides a lower center of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push particularly over bumpy terrains or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath was impressed with the way this kind of seat handled these obstacles.
This type of buggy comes with an extensive basket and other useful features like an hood that can be extended with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal and some innovative visibility lights that can be positioned in front of the occupants to increase safety on rough terrain.
If you're searching for a stroller that will grow with your family The sport(tm), a world-first, can accommodate the newborn, and later be adapted to accommodate three or more children as they grow, all within one footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame is more stable and can be pushed with just one hand. It's also more suitable for terrains that are difficult to navigate. However, it does mean that the basket won't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A high-quality ATP will have pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It will also be equipped with a carrycot and car seat which means you can use it right from birth.
The MFM reviewers noted that the 3-wheeler frame didn't fit through their home's doors or car boot. If you're concerned about space, make sure you check the dimensions when the buggy is folded before purchasing.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. seats once your family grows - these are the best of both worlds and will help you save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the most popular; it can be used as a single from day dot, and then transforms into twin buggies once your baby starts walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more enjoyable. They are commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil & Ted’s Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said offered "an outstanding ride for her toddler". She also mentioned that the grippy tyres of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it easy for her to navigate the kerbs and other obstacles.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and require air pressure topped up regularly. These tyres are more susceptible to punctures, so it is recommended to always carry a repair kit as well as an spare inner tube with you when you're out and about.
PU tyres can be found on a lot more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, but they're still as durable. PU tires are easily distinguished by their matte finish and soft feel. They also glide well on uneven and tied surfaces.
You can usually identify the difference between air-filled and PU tires by running your hands over each one. If it feels hard, then it's rubber and if it slides then it's a PU. You can also confirm whether your buggy has PU tyres by sliding the tyres over an even, clean surface They'll be able to roll easily and fit comfortably in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. The downside is that the foam could expand and cause your buggy to feel less stable, as it loses its springy feel. Additionally, these kinds of tyres can typically be noisy because they create a lot of noise when you turn and navigate your way through town.
