3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for off-roading, offering an easy ride for your infant. They are also more convenient to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy particularly those with fabric sling seats or modular seat units that are placed comfortably in the frame, offering the best ergonomics and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are extremely stable, making them a great choice for off-road walking (especially when equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheel in the front to give you extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than the 4-wheeled versions, which could mean they can topple over more readily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs are designed with perfect geometry to ensure they remain solid in all conditions. They should be able of turning at a single click and be able to steer using just one hand, and feature the front wheel rotate 360o which makes them ideal for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
For surfaces that are extremely challenging, look out for an air-filled model also known as pneumatic tyres. These are designed to handle non-paved tracks and are able to deal with mud, gravel, rock etc. Many all-terrain buggies feature a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when tackling extremely rough ground too.
A three-wheeled stroller is a great option for those who run and like to walk fast uphill. This is especially true if you plan to attach to a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It has the flat-reclining seat, five-point harnesses, and plenty of storage space to keep everything you need (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It's lightweight compact and safe for use from birth. It can be used in conjunction with a car seat or a carrycot. It can also handle some light jogging but isn't intended for serious joggers.
Weight
If you are looking for a buggy to tackle terrain that is difficult, you should select one with large tires. They will be able to handle grass, cobbles, and dirt tracks while providing a smooth ride for any passenger. They are also great for jogging, as they have built-in suspension and are able to climb up and down kerbs. The trade-off is that they're quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable
3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels and an swivel wheel lockable to the front, so it's very manoeuvrable. It comes with air tyres which do need occasional pumping and it can be used to carry children up to the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat and found steering it easy even with her 3 year old on board.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, which has an adjustable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. It's also simple to get up and down kerbs, and it can fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a pram, with an infant car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric sling seats are tucked inside the frame of the buggie rather than sitting on top of it as modular seats. This design has a lower centre of gravity at the perfect height. It is easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you don't know how many times you'll do this as a new parent!).
Seating
There are a variety of options for seating in 3 wheelers. The carrycot included is ideal for a baby (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfortable and cosy lie-flat bed that can be used both on and off the
double buggy 3 wheels). Older children and toddlers will enjoy the large and comfortable seat with adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats aren't fully reclined however they can be adjusted to the lowest setting which will give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It has the advantage that it is placed within the frame, instead of being placed on top of it as a modular seat. This results in a lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push especially over bumpy terrain or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath really liked the way that this style of seat handled these challenges.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this kind of buggy usually has pretty useful features such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, an easy-to-use brake pedal, and some bright, game-changing lights that come up from the handlebar and can be positioned directly in front of the occupants to ensure their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.
If you're looking for a single buggy that can grow with your family, there's the brand-new sport(tm) that's the first in the world to take one baby from day one and change to take two or even three once your baby has developed and all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy much more sturdy to push one-handed, and it's also great for handling difficult terrain. The shopping basket is smaller than a 4-wheeler.
A high-quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres and a padded handle to ensure your convenience. It should be able to accommodate a carrycot or a car seat, meaning you can use it right from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers have found that the
3 wheel stroller set-wheeler frame won't fit through all the doors of their homes or small car boot - be sure you check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before purchasing for those who are concerned about space.
Choose a 3-wheeler with 2 (or
3 wheeled pushchairs!) seats. seats once your family grows - these are the most efficient of both and can help you to save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the best of these and can be used as a single from day dot, and then transforms to a twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to provide your child with a more comfortable ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. These are found on pushchairs like the Phil & Ted's Sport that MFM reviewer Kath said provided "an amazing ride for her toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres make it easy to tackle kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres can sometimes prove difficult to maintain and need to be replenished regularly. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres. So you'll need to make sure that you have a repair kit with spare tubes and a pump in case you go traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres are more commonly used on pushchairs because they are less expensive than air-filled tyres but are just as durable. You can recognise PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft feel. They also glide well on smooth and tightly woven surfaces.
If you move your hand over the tyres you can tell if they are rubber or PU. If it feels like it's sliding, then it's a rubber or PU. You can also check that your buggy has PU tyres by slipping the tyres onto a clean, flat surface They'll be able to roll easily and fit snugly in their 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 type of pushchair. This could make your buggy less stable since the foam will lose its springy quality. You'll also find that these types of tyres can often be noisy as they create lots of noise when you turn and navigate your way through the town.