3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is ideal for off-roading providing an easy ride for your child. They are also easier to move and push than a four-wheeler, especially those with fabric slings or modular seat units that are positioned perfectly within the frame, providing the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is the reason it's an ideal option for off-road walks (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat unit). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that are able to handle bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some models even have a lockable front wheel to give extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies can have a lower center of gravity than models with four wheels, which can mean that they fall over more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs are built with the perfect design to ensure they stay steady in any weather. They should be able to turn at a whim and be able to be controlled with one hand. They also have an incline of 360o for the front wheel, which makes them perfect for navigating difficult terrain.
For surfaces that are extremely challenging be sure to choose a model with air-filled tyres also known as pneumatic tyres. These are made to handle roads that are not paved and can deal with mud, gravel, rock and so on. Many all-terrain buggies come with an swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked for greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great choice for those who run or love to speed up the hill. This is particularly true if you intend to attach to a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It has the flat-reclining seat, 5-point harness and plenty of storage space to keep all your equipment (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It is lightweight, compact, and suitable for use from birth. It can be used with either the car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging, however, it isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy to take on difficult terrain, you should choose one with large tires. They can handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks while providing a smooth ride for all passengers. They are also ideal for jogging because they have a suspension built-in and are able to climb up and down kerbs. However, the trade off is that they can be 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-wheeler is highly maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels as well as the front wheel can be locked. It comes with air tyres which do need occasional pumping, and it can carry a child up to the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler liked the shape of the seat, and she found it easy to steer with her 3-year-old on the board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is an alternative that is also a great choice. It comes with a movable handlebar, a high-quality hood that provides 50+ UV protection as well as a high quality hood. It is also easy to move kerbs up and down and fits in a the car's boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a pram, with an infant car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly within the buggie's frame, as opposed to sitting on top of it as modular seats. This model has a lower centre-of-gravity at the right height. It is simpler to push and lighter to kerb-pop (you don't know how many times you'll need to do this as a new parent!).
Seating
There are many alternatives for seating options in 3 wheelers. For babies, there is the option to use the included carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lie flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can be seated in the parent or world-facing seat unit that is roomy and padded and does have adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to recline fully, but they can be adjusted to the lowest position. This should still allow your child plenty of space and headroom.
3 wheeler pushchair made of fabric is also available. It's a benefit that it is positioned within the frame, instead of on top as a modular seat. This results in a lower centre of gravity and 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 handled challenges.
This kind of buggy comes with a large basket and other useful features, such as an hood that can be extended with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal, and a few innovative lights for visibility that can be positioned on the front of the passengers to ensure safety when riding on rough terrain.
Alternatively, if you are seeking a single stroller that can expand with your family There's a brand new sport(tm) that's the first in the world to take a single newborn from day one and adjust to take 2 or even 3 after your children have developed and all within the footprint of one buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled model is more sturdy and can be moved with one hand. It's also better for difficult terrain. However, it means that the shopping basket doesn't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A high-quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres, and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned to ensure your comfort. It will be able to accept a carrycot or car seat, so you can use it from birth.
MFM's reviewers discovered that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't pass through their doors at home or car boot. If you're concerned about space, make sure to check out the dimensions when the buggy is folded before buying.
Look for a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the most suitable option for your future and will save you money. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the top of them and can be used as a single seat from day dot and later converts to a twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to provide your child with an easier ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They are commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said was "an outstanding ride for her toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres on the Phil and Ted's Sport made it easy for her to navigate the kerbs and other obstacles.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and require having their air pressure topped up regularly. They are also more prone 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 on hand when you are out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres are more commonly used on pushchairs because they are a cheaper option than air-filled tyres but are just as robust. PU tires are easily distinguished by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide easily on even and tied surfaces.
You can usually discern the difference between air-filled and PU tire by running your fingers over each one, if it feels firm, 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 flat, clean surfaces. They should roll easily and fit snugly into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. This can make your buggy less stable as the foam will lose its springy nature. The tyres can also be noisy due to the fact that they create lots of noise when you turn or drive around the town.