"The Ultimate Cheat Sheet For 3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel travel system Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability with a stylish and sleek frame. Many of them come with a fabric sling with a comfortable lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution and are suitable for babies from the age of.
The wheels are bigger and typically come with suspensions to allow for smooth, agile mobility on various terrains. The only downside is that they could be more heavy and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are extremely solid - they don't fall over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when they're in a straight line. Also, you'll notice that you can maneuver them more quickly and efficiently. If you turn or stop abruptly, they may lose stability and even tip over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also tackle off-road terrain with the extra wheel. Find models with air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that can be used to handle off-road routes, sand and mud, and other surfaces such as rocks and sand. These models will also feature an adjustable wheel that locks on the front to increase stability over rough terrain.
Buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They also meet the same stability standards globally and tests as buggies with four wheels.
If you're looking for a fabric sling seat, then these tend to be placed lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the floor - instantly delivering a smoother ride and less kerb pop (you don't need to apply the same amount of pressure or exertion to get the buggy up and over the curb).
Maxi-Cosi is best known for its car seat collection however, it has recently expanded its product line with the Citylife compact travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 model is designed for urban living and can be used from birth with a newborn carrycot or infant car seat. It comes with four wheels as well as a unique pewter-black aluminium frame, which the brand describes as'slim and compact. It's smaller at 2cm than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a lot of 3 wheel buggies which can be folded in a compact way to can fit into smaller spaces. A lot of these buggies can be folded in one hand, and are easy to clean. The smallest models will come with a simple adjustable height of the handlebars, while others may feature an adjustable suspension as well as an extended 50+ UV canopy. Certain models may come with an enormous basket as well as a brake lever that's quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeler will typically be more adept at dealing with off-road conditions than a 4-wheel model, although both can get stuck in difficult spots. A model with larger rear facing 3 wheel stroller and front wheels can help. This makes them easier to push across rough terrain and will often help with getting up and down high kerbs.
One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her infant and 3 wheel pushchair off road-year-old son and reported that "it does really well on cobbles, bumpy pavements, dirt roads and gravel tracks, as well as on a few hills."
Another great option is the latest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi named Stella. It is suitable from birth if used with a carrycot. It's slightly bigger than the 4-wheelers that are lighter, but it has air-filled tires, three recline positions, and a single-hand fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity - it's compatible across all the brand's baby strollers and car seats. You can create your own travel system, whether you're planning to take a shorter walk or take a longer stroll, by using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres on 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of designs and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air, offer an effortless ride and superior maneuverability, while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type of tyre you select will depend on your lifestyle and the place you reside.
For instance, if you are planning to travel frequently on rough or muddy terrain, you may think about a 3 wheel stroller for running-wheeler with sturdier tyres. You should also think about the type of suspension that you require. A strong suspension is ideal for handling bumps and humps. However, it can be heavy and add to the overall weight of your pushchair.
Another important factor to consider is the tyre's size. Understanding how to read tyre sizing is crucial to ensure safety as well as performance and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewall of a tyre can seem confusing at first, but decoding it allows you to understand the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre's size of "185/70 R14 indicates that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has a 14-inch rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also lighter and more puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you are unsure if the tires of a pushchair are rubber or PU, try sliding the tires on a smooth surface. If they move easily, then the tires are made from PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheel buggy can make it more comfortable for your child since it absorbs any bumps or knocks from rough terrain. Large wheels that are air-filled, and that can be locked to ensure stability while jogging are important. This will allow your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces easily.
There are many options for buggy styles to suit every lifestyle and budget. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a 3-wheel buggies. The sling seats made of fabric are designed with the perfect geometry and engineering to fit perfectly inside the frame rather than on top, like modular seats. This gives an lower center of gravity, and allows it to be placed at the right height to distribute weight evenly to tackle the kerbs.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It has a sleek design, a big wheel that is easy to maneuver and comes with a superb suspension. It also features the twist handbrake to facilitate ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its trials by walking on rough terrain. She was impressed with how it handled it really well, saying that it "navigates over bumpy grass, cobbles, sidewalks, and dirt tracks, and allows you to easily go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. It is available in a range of colors that match your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar as well as a large basket. You can also pick from a range of infant car seats that convert the buggy to a 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
Having four wheels makes a buggy much more stable and less likely to tip over and easier to maneuver. It is also more secure for your child since the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy has lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to climb over curbs and walk up. The fabric sling seats are positioned inside the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This results in a low seat and a buggy that can be easily moved.
However, if you'd like to go out for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler may be better suited as it will have suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel which allows you to navigate rough terrains and bumpy roads be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most aren't, such as the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception, as they have a specially-designed suspension system that's been tested by an independent expert across all kinds of terrain.