3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look stylish and sleek, and have excellent maneuverability. A lot of them have a fabric sling with a comfortable lay flat bed, which is ideal for weight distribution and are ideal starting at birth.
The wheels are larger, and they also often have suspensions for smooth movement over different terrains. The only downside is that they can be heavier and more bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are remarkably stable - they don't tip over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when going in a straight line. Also, you'll find that you can manoeuvre them much more quickly and efficiently. If you attempt to stop or turn abruptly, they'll lose stability and may be prone to tipping over. For this reason, certain manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also take on off-road terrain by adding an extra wheel. Look for models that have air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that can be used to handle off-road trails, sand, dirt, as well as other surfaces like rocks and sand. These models also come with wheels that lock on the front to increase stability on rough terrain.
Buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a fabric sling, then they are typically 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 less noticeable kerb pop (you do not need to apply as much pressure or exertion to get the buggy over and up a kerb).
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight travel system and pushchair to its range with the eye-catching Citylife. The model is designed for urban living and can be used from birth with a newborn car seat or carrycot for infants. It comes with four wheels and an exclusive pewter-black aluminum frame, which the brand describes as'slim' and compact. It's just 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a wide selection of 3 wheel buggies that fold down to fit into smaller space. Many 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 an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. They may also have an enormous, spacious basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most reliable 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain
A 3-wheeled buggy is usually better equipped to deal with off-road conditions as compared to a 4-wheeled model however both can be a bit stuck on tight corners. A model with bigger front and rear wheels will help. This allows them to push over rough ground and is often helpful in getting up and down high kerbs.
The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its astonishing agility despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her infant and her 3-year-old, and said "it is very well-handled over bumpy pavements, cobbles gravel tracks and dirt roads and also on some hills."
Stella Stella, the all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi is another great option. It can be used from birth if used with a carrycot. It's a bit bigger than the 4-wheelers that are lighter, but it has air-filled tires, three recline positions, and an easy fold with one hand.
Its main selling point is its modularity, though - it's compatible with all the brand's infant car seats and strollers. This means that you can design your ideal travel system for your day-to-day or longer walks, using only the chassis as a starting point.
Tyres
The tyres on 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of styles and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres offer a great ride and manoeuvrability, while foam-filled tyres last longer. The type you choose will depend on your lifestyle and the location you live in.
If you plan to travel on roads that are not paved or rough terrain often you may be interested in a three-wheeler equipped with more robust tyres. Also, you should consider the type of suspension 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 is also crucial. Knowing 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's dimensions. For instance, a tyre size of '185/70 R14 indicates that the tire is a 185/70 radial with 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 a smooth and tied surface. If they move easily, then the tires are made of PU. If they do not, then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a three wheel buggy is a vital component to look for because it absorbs the jolts and bumps of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your child. Large wheels that are air-filled and that can be locked to provide stability when running are essential. This will enable your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces with ease.
There are many options for buggy styles to suit every lifestyle and budget. For instance, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. With perfect geometry and engineering their fabric sling seat rests comfortably within the frame, as opposed to sitting on top like modular seats, resulting in the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the perfect height for optimal weight distribution to easily tackle the kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It sports an elegant design, a huge wheel that's easy to maneuver and comes with a superb suspension. It also comes with a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath really put this buggy to the test by taking it for a walk through rough ground and she was impressed with how it handled the terrain really well. She said that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, pavements, dirt tracks and even makes light work of going up and down the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off road option and similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a range of colours to complement your style. It also features an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket, and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also choose from a selection of infant car seats to convert the buggy into a pram. This includes the stylishly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a cosy lie flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable, less likely for it to tip over and is easier to maneuver. It can also be more secure for your baby since their weight is distributed more evenly over the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled buggy has a lower center of gravity, making it easier to pop over curbs and get up. The seats of the fabric sling are built into the frame and not on top as modular seats. This results in a lower seat position and an automobile that is easily maneuvered.
However, if you want to go out for an exercise with your child then a four-wheeler is more suitable as it comes with suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back one to allow you to tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain - just bear in mind not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most are NOT like the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially designed suspension system that has been independently tested on all types of terrain.