What Is The Heck Is 3 Wheel Buggies
3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look stylish and sleek, and have outstanding maneuverability. A lot of them come with a fabric sling seat with a cosy lying flat bed and excellent weight distribution, ideal for babies from birth.
The wheels are bigger and, in many cases, have suspensions for smooth movement on a variety of terrains. The only downside is that they may be heavier and more bulkier to store & transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are extremely stable and don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when traveling in a straight line and you'll notice that you can maneuver them more quickly and easily. However, if you attempt to turn or stop suddenly, they'll lose stability and could fall over. To avoid this, certain manufacturers add an additional wheel to their three wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also tackle off-road terrain with the extra wheel. Look for models with air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road routes, sand and dirt, as well as other surfaces such as rock and sand. They'll also typically include an adjustable front wheel that locks to add stability over really rough terrain.
Buggies are easy to maneuver and agile thanks to the 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're in search of a fabric sling seat, then these tend to be placed lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's center of gravity is closer to the floor which means a smoother ride and a less noticeable kerb pop (you don't have to exert the same amount of pressure or effort to get the buggy over and up the Kerb).
Maxi-Cosi is best known for its car seat range, but it has recently expanded its product range with the Citylife lightweight travel system and pushchair. The 3-in-1 model was designed for urban living and is compatible from birth with a newborn carrycot or infant car seat. It comes with four wheels and an unique pewter-black frame, which the brand describes as'slim' and compact. It's just 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a lot of three wheel buggies that can be folded in a compact way to fit into smaller spaces. Many of these buggies can be folded in one hand and are easy to clean. Some of the smallest models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, while others feature adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. Certain models may come with large baskets and a brake lever that's quick-release.
The most reliable 3 wheel compact stroller wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain
A 3 wheel running stroller-wheel buggy will usually be better able to cope with off-road terrain than one with four wheels, however both models can get stuck in tight spots. However, selecting a model with larger wheels on both sides can help. This allows you to push them over rough terrain and will assist you in climbing up and down steep curbs.
One option is the brand new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its agile handling despite its 3 wheel stroller and car seat-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath has tested it with her child and reported that "it handled really well on bumpy surfaces, cobbles, dirt roads, gravel tracks and a few hills."
Stella Stella, the brand new 3 Wheel bassinet stroller-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi, is another option. It's suitable from birth when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's smaller than the light 4wheelers (with an impressively slim 54cm wide frame) however it has large, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions, and a quick one-hand fold.
Its main selling point is its modularity, though - it's compatible with all of the brands' infant car seats and strollers. This means you can build your ideal travel system for day-today or longer walks, using just the chassis as a base.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheeler stroller wheel buggies come in a variety of designs and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres offer an easy ride and excellent maneuverability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The kind of tyre you pick will be determined by your lifestyle and the place you reside.
If you intend to travel on roads that are not paved or on rough terrain frequently you may want to consider a three-wheeler that has more durable tyres. You should also consider the type of suspension you need. Strong suspensions are useful to tackle humps and bumps but they can also be heavy, adding to the overall weight.
Another aspect to be considered is tyre size. Understanding the tyre size is important for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewall of a tyre may be initially, but decoding it helps you understand the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre that has a size of 185/70 R14, for example indicates that it is a radial tire in the 185/70 size with 14-inch rim size.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure if the pushchair you are using has rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires over a smooth and tied surface. If the tires slide easily and smoothly, they're made of PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a 3 wheel buggy is an essential aspect to consider as it will absorb the jolts and bumps of rough terrain, making it much more comfortable for your child. A large wheel that are ideally air-filled and are lockable for stability during jogging is also important as this will ensure your buggy is able to navigate off roads with ease.
There are many options for buggy styles that will suit any budget and lifestyle. The Mountain Buggy, for example was the first to introduce all-terrain agility in three-wheel buggies. The sling seats made of fabric are designed with the perfect design and engineering to fit snugly inside the frame, instead of 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 tackle the kerbs.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another great option. It sports a sleek design, a big wheel that's easy to move and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also has an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath took this buggy to the test by taking it on an excursion through the rough terrain and she was impressed with how it adapted to the terrain well. She said that it 'flies effortlessly over bumpy grass, cobbles, pavements dirt tracks, and can be a breeze getting up and down kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road choice. It comes in a variety of colors that match your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar and a large basket. You can also choose from a selection of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram, including the stylishly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a comfy lie-flat bed for newborns and babies that are up to 12 months old.
Safety
The presence of four wheels makes a buggy much more stable and less likely to tip and easier to maneuver. It is also more secure for your child as their weight is distributed more evenly across the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled buggy has a lower center of gravity, making it easier to get over curbs and walk up. The seat made of fabric is inside the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats do, which results in a lower seating position and a lighter buggy that can be easily manoeuvred.
However, if you'd like to go out for an exercise with your child then a four-wheeler is better suited since it will have suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back one to allow you to tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads Be aware that not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most aren't like the Phil and Teds). 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.