3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look stylish and sleek, and have great maneuverability. Many of them have an upholstered sling seat that has an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed and a perfect weight distribution, perfect for babies from birth.
The wheels are bigger and usually have suspension to ensure smooth, agile moving on different terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they tend to be more bulky and heavy to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies provide a lot of stability. They don't tip over as easily when you are moving straight. They also allow you to maneuver faster. However, if you attempt to stop or turn abruptly they'll lose stability and could be prone to tipping over. To avoid this, some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their three wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also conquer off-road terrain using the additional wheel. Choose models with air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road routes, sand and mud, and other surfaces like rock and sand. They'll also typically have a lockable front wheel to add stability over really rough terrain.
The buggies are simple to maneuver and agile with 360o front swivel wheel. They also pass the same stability standards globally and tests as buggies with four wheels.
If you're in search of a fabric sling seat, they are typically placed lower in the frame than modular seats, so that your baby's center of gravity is closer to the floor - instantly delivering a smoother ride and a lighter kerb pop (you do not need to apply the same amount of pressure or effort to get the buggy over and up a kerb).
Most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light pushchair and travel system to its product line with the striking Citylife. The model is designed for urban living and can be used starting at birth with a newborn car seat or carrycot for infants. 3 wheeled pushchair has four wheels and a unique pewter black aluminium frame that the manufacturer claims is 'light and compact' - it's just 2cm larger than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to 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 come with an easy adjustable height of the handlebars, while others could have an adjustable suspension as well as an extendable 50+ UV canopy. They could also come with an enormous, spacious basket and a brake lever with quick release.
The most efficient 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheel buggy will usually be more adept at dealing with off-road conditions than one with four wheels, however both can get stuck in difficult places. A model with larger rear and front wheels can assist. This allows you to push them across rough terrain and can help you get up and down high curbs.
The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its remarkable agility despite its 3-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath has tested it with her infant, and she said that "it handled really well on cobbles, bumpy surfaces, dirt roads, gravel tracks and some hills."
Another alternative is the new all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi which is called Stella. It's suitable for babies when used with the carrycot. It's smaller than the light 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim 54cm wide frame) however it has large air-filled tyres, three recline positions, and a quick one-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity. It's compatible with all the brands' baby strollers and car seats. This means that you can design your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks using the chassis as a starting point.
Tyres
The tyres on 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of styles and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a comfortable performance and a smooth ride, whereas foam-filled tyres are more durable. The kind of tyre you pick will depend on your lifestyle and the place you reside.
If you intend to travel on unpaved roads or in rough terrain frequently, you might be interested in a three-wheeler with more durable tyres. Also, you should consider the type of suspension that you require. A strong suspension is ideal for handling bumps and humps. However, it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.
The size of the tyre can be crucial. Understanding how to read the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on a tyre sidewall may be confusing, but once you decode it, you'll be able to comprehend the tyre dimensions. A tyre that has the size 185/70 R14 for instance, means that it is a radial tire that has a size of the 185/70 size with 14-inch rim size.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also less heavy and puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure whether the pushchair you are using has rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires across a smooth surface and tie them. If they move easily, then the tires are made from PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a 3 wheel buggy is an important component to look for because it will absorb the smacks and bumps of rough terrain, making it more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are filled with air, and are able to be locked to provide stability when running are crucial. This will enable your buggy to navigate off-road surfaces with ease.
There are many options for buggy designs to fit every lifestyle and budget. The Mountain Buggy, for example, pioneered all-terrain agility in three-wheel buggies. The sling seats made of fabric are designed with precise geometry and engineering that fits comfortably inside the frame rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This provides a lower center of gravity, and allows it to be placed at the right height to spread weight evenly to conquer the kerbs.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It features a sleek design, a big wheel that is easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also features an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath tested the buggy its paces by walking on rough terrain. She found that it handled it really well and said that it "navigates over bumpy grass, cobbles, sidewalks, and dirt tracks, and even makes it easy to go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. It comes in a variety of colors that match your style. It also comes with a movable handlebar as well as a large basket. You can also pick from a variety of infant car seats that transform the buggy into pram. This includes the elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm), which is a comfy lie-flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns up to 12 month old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy much more stable, less likely to tip, and easier to handle. It is also safer for your baby as their weight is distributed more evenly across the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeler is also likely to have a lower centre of gravity, making it easier to lift up and over curbs. The seat made of fabric is within the frame, not on top of it like modular seats do, which creates a low seating position and a lighter buggy that is more easily manoeuvred.
If you're looking to run with your child, then a 4-wheeler is the best option. It has a suspension system which allows the front wheel to be independent from the rear one. This will allow you to navigate rough terrain or bumpy roads. However it is not the case that all four wheel buggies are able to be used for running. The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been tested by an independent party on all types of terrain.