3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is ideal for rough terrain and provides an easy ride for your infant. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheeler, particularly those with fabric slings or modular seat units that are positioned tightly in the frame and provide the best geometry and distribution of weight.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent stability, which is the reason it is a great option for off-road walking (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat unit). They often feature oversized front wheels that can deal well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheel in the front to give you extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies may have a lower centre of gravity than 4-wheeled models, which can mean that they fall over more easily. That said, the best 3-wheel buggies have the perfect geometry and engineering to ensure that they remain stable in all weather conditions. They must be able to pivot on a dime and be able to steer with one hand, and have a 360o swivelling front wheel which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating challenging terrain.
For extremely difficult surfaces, look out for an air-filled model which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres, which are designed to work on non-paved tracks and should cope with mud, gravel, rock and so on. A lot of all-terrain buggies have an swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked for added stability when tackling very rough terrain.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great choice for those who run and love to speed up the hill. This is particularly true if you are planning to attach to a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. three wheel pushchair features a flat-reclining seat with five-point harnesses, and plenty of storage space to keep all your gear (plus the ability to extend 50+ of the sun hood). It's compact, lightweight and suitable for babies and can be used in conjunction with the use of a car seat or carrycot. It also handles some moderate jogging, but it's not designed for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that can handle difficult terrain, then you'll need one with large wheels. These are designed to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks with ease, while still providing an enjoyable ride. They are also ideal for jogging because they have built-in suspension and are easy enough to climb up and down kerbs. The downside is that they're a bit heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy to use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheeler has 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front making it extremely maneuverable. It has air tyres, which do need occasional pumping, and it can carry children until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by 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 an adjustable handlebar, a top-quality hood that offers 50+ UV protection and an extremely high-quality hood. It's also easy to move up and down kerbs and fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a stroller and a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Sling seats made of fabric fit snugly inside the frame of the buggie, as opposed to on top of it like modular seats. This design provides a lower centre of gravity and a perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you cannot think about how often you'll be doing that as new parents!)
Seating
The seating capacity of 3 wheelers is impressive and there are a variety of different options to choose from. For babies it is possible to use the carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lying flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can be seated in the parent-facing or world-facing seat unit that is roomy and padded and does have adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to fully recline, but they can be adjusted to the lowest point. This should still give your child plenty of headroom and space.
A fabric sling seat is also available. It has the advantage of being set snugly inside the frame instead of sitting on top as an open-back seat. This gives a lower centre of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this style of seat dealt with obstacles.
This type of buggy comes with an extensive basket and other features that are useful like an extendable hood with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal and some innovative visibility lights that can be positioned in front of the occupants to ensure safety when riding on rough terrain.
Alternatively, if you are seeking a single stroller that can adapt to your family's needs There's the new sport(tm) which is a world's first that can take a single newborn from day one and adjust to take 2 or even three once your baby has developed, all within the footprint of one buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy more sturdy to push one-handed and is also ideal for handling difficult terrain. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A good quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as an ergonomic handle that is cushioned for your comfort. It will also be able to take a carrycot and car seat and you can use it from the moment you are born.
The MFM reviewers noted that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't fit through their home's doors or car boot. If you're worried about space, be sure to check out the dimensions of the buggy when it is folded before purchasing.
It's worth looking into 3-wheelers that can accommodate 2 (or even 3!) seats as your family grows. These are the best of both worlds and future proof your money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most sought-after. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggie and then converted into twin buggies when your baby is walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres have been designed to give your child more comfort while riding by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. They're commonly found on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an amazing ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres make it easier to handle cobbles and kerbs.
They can be difficult to maintain and require having their air pressure topped up regularly. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres, so you'll need to make sure that you have a repair kit, spare inner tube and pump on hand when you are you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres can be seen on more pushchairs than air-filled tyres but they are still just as durable. You can recognise PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft feel. They also slide across flat and tidy surfaces.
It's usually possible to identify the difference between PU and air-filled tire by running your fingers over each one, if it feels hard, then it's a rubber tyre, and if it slides then it's a PU. You can also determine if your buggy is fitted with PU tyres sliding them on an even, smooth surface. They should roll easily and fit snugly into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are typically utilized in high-performance buggies and Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain associated with this kind of pushchair. The downside is that the foam can expand and cause your buggy to appear less stable since it loses its springy feel. Additionally, these tyres may frequently be noisy, as they generate a lot of noise as you turn and navigate your way through the town.