3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-road terrain and provides a smooth ride for baby. They are also more convenient to move and push than a four-wheel buggy, especially those with fabric slings or modular seat units that are placed perfectly within the frame, providing the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are extremely stable, and this makes them an ideal option for off-roading (especially when equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). They often feature oversized front wheels that can deal well with kerbs and bumps and rough ground. Some even have a lockable front wheel to provide extra stability on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than their 4-wheeled counterparts and, therefore, could fall more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been made with the best geometry to ensure that they remain stable in any condition. They should be able turn at a whim and be easy to steer using one hand. They also come with the ability to rotate 360o on the front wheel, which is ideal for maneuvering over difficult terrain.
For really tricky surfaces be sure to choose a model with air-filled tyres which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres. These are designed to work on non-paved tracks and are able to deal with mud, gravel, rock and more. Many all-terrain buggies have an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when working on extremely rough ground too.
A 3-wheeler is a good option for runners or those who like to walk fast and uphill, particularly when you plan to attach a carrycot or car seat. 3 wheeler pushchair is an excellent example. It features the flat-reclining seat, a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space to keep all your gear (plus the ability to extend 50+ of the sun hood). It's light compact and safe to use from birth. It can be used with either a car seat or a carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging however, it isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can handle the tough terrain, you need one with large wheels. They are designed to tackle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks easily and still provide a smooth ride. They're also good for jogging as they have built in suspension and are simple to climb and descend kerbs. The trade-off is that they are quite heavy to push.
The most suitable 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels with an swivel wheel lockable to the front which makes it very maneuverable. It comes with air tyres which require pumping occasionally, and it can carry children until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler liked the shape of the seat, and she found it easy to steer even with her three-year-old child on the board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another great option. It comes with a movable handlebar, a top-quality hood that provides 50+ UV protection, and a high-quality hood. It is also easy to move up and down kerbs and fits into a the boot of a car that is small. It can also be used as a pram that comes with a carrycot or infant car seat for infants and toddlers.
Sling seats made of fabric fit snugly inside the buggie's frame rather than over it like modular seats. This design provides a lower center of gravity at the perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you should never underestimate the amount of times you'll have to do this as a new parent!)
Seating
There are many options for seating in 3 wheelers. The carrycot that comes with it is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfy and cozy lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy). Older children and toddlers will enjoy the spacious and padded seat unit that has adjustable ventilation. The seats don't fully recline, but they can be lowered to the lowest point. This should give your child plenty of room and headroom.
A sling seat made of fabric is also available. It offers the advantage of being positioned snugly inside the frame instead of on top like a modular seat and this gives a lower centre of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly over bumpy terrain and curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this type of seat handled challenges.
In addition to a large shopping basket, this kind of buggy usually has pretty useful features such as an extended 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal and some bright, game-changing lights that come up from the handlebar and can be placed directly in front of the occupants to increase their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.
If you're looking for a buggy that will grow with your family The sport(tm), a world-first, can accommodate a newborn and then be adapted to accommodate three or more children as they grow. All in one footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is much more stable and can be pushed by one hand. It's also better for difficult terrain. However, it also means that the shopping basket can't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A high-quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres, and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned to ensure your ease. It will be able to accept a carrycot or car seat, meaning you can use it right from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frame didn't fit through their home's doors or car boot. If you're concerned about space, make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it is folded before purchasing.
It's worth considering a 3-wheeler that can take two (or even 3!) seats as your family grows. These are the most efficient of both and will help you save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the most popular and can be used as a single seat from day dot and later converts to a twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more enjoyable. They are commonly found on pushchairs, such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an outstanding ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tires of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it simple for her to maneuver around kerbs and other obstacles.
These tyres are sometimes tricky to keep inflated and must be filled regularly. They are also more susceptible to punctures than foam tyres so you'll need to ensure that you have a repair kit along with a spare inner tube and pump handy when out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres are found on more pushchairs than the air-filled tyres but they're still as sturdy. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide easily on smooth and tightly woven surfaces.
If you rub your hands 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 determine whether your buggy comes with PU tyres, by sliding them onto an even, smooth surface. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are typically utilized in high-performance buggies and Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain that's associated with this type of pushchair. The downside is that the foam may expand and cause your buggy to feel less stable because it loses its springy quality. These tyres are also noisy, as they make a lot noise when you turn and navigate around town.