3 Wheel Buggies: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

3 wheel pushchair off road Wheel Buggies

3 wheel double pushchair wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability, and are a stylish, streamlined frame. Many of them come with an sling made of fabric with an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed, which is ideal for weight distribution, and are perfect from birth.

The wheels are larger and often have suspension to allow for smooth, agile movement on different terrains. The only downside is that they can be heavier and more bulkier to store & transport.

Stability

Three wheel buggies are remarkably solid - they don't fall over as easily as pushchairs that have four wheels when they're in a straight line. Also, you'll notice that you can move them more quickly and easily. However, if you attempt to stop or turn suddenly they'll lose stability and could fall over. For this reason, certain manufacturers add an extra wheel to their three wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.

The extra wheel also helps you navigate off-road terrain. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road routes as well as other surfaces such as rocks, sand and mud. They'll also have a lockable front wheel to add stability over really rough ground.

The 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 are looking for a seat made of fabric, these tend to be less upright in comparison to modular seats. This means that your baby's center of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly providing an easier ride.

Popular for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an ultra-light pushchair and travel system to its range with the attractive Citylife. The model is designed for urban living and can be used for newborns with a car seat or carrycot for infants. It has four wheels and an exclusive black pewter frame that the manufacturer claims is 'light and compact' - it's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.

Folding

There are a variety of three wheel buggies that can be folded down to fit into smaller spaces. A majority of these buggies are able to be folded in one hand and are easy to clean. The smallest models will come with an easy handlebar height adjustment, while others may have an adjustable suspension or an extended 50+ UV canopy. They may also have a large, spacious basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.

The best 3 wheeler for rough terrain

A 3 wheel pushchair off road-wheeler will typically be more able to deal with off-road terrain than a 4-wheel model, although both can be stuck in tight places. A model with larger front and rear wheels can help. This will make it easier to push them across rough terrain and will aid in getting up and down steep curbs.

The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its remarkable ability to move despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her baby and said that "it was very well-handled on cobbles, bumpy surfaces gravel tracks, dirt roads and even some hills."

Another alternative is the newest 3 wheel stroller for newborn-wheel buggy that is all-terrain from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi, called Stella. It is suitable for babies from birth when used with a carrycot. It is slightly larger than the lighter 4-wheelers but it has air-filled tires and three recline positions and a one-handed fold.

Its main selling feature is its modularity. It's compatible across all the brand's baby strollers and car seats. You can design your own travel system, no matter if you're planning to take a an easy stroll or take a longer stroll, using the chassis.

Tyres

The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are offered in a variety of styles and materials. Each one has its own pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air, offer a smooth ride and great maneuverability, while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you select will depend on your needs and the location you live in.

If you intend to travel on roads that are not paved or on rough terrain frequently, you might think about a three-wheeler equipped with more robust tyres. Think about the kind of suspension you need. Strong suspension is useful for handling bumps and humps. However, it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.

Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is the size of the tyre. Understanding how to read the tyre size is important for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewalls of tyres can appear confusing until you get the hang of it, you can understand the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre that has a size of 185/70 R14 for instance is a radial tire in 185/70 with a 14-inch rim diameter.

In addition to being more durable, PU tires are lighter and more puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure whether the tires of a pushchair are rubber or PU, slide the tires on an even surface. If they slide easily, then the tires are made from PU. If they don't then the tires are made of rubber.

Suspension

The suspension on a three wheel buggy is a vital component to look for because it absorbs the bumps and knocks of rough terrain, making it much more comfortable for your baby. Having large wheels, that are air-filled, and lockable for stability during jogging is crucial to ensure your buggy is able to navigate off road surfaces with ease.

There are many choices for buggy styles to suit every budget and lifestyle. The Mountain Buggy, for example is the first all-terrain vehicle to be developed with three-wheel buggies. The sling seats made of fabric are designed with perfect geometry and engineering to fit snugly inside the frame, instead of on top like modular seats. This creates a lower center of gravity, and sits at the ideal height to distribute weight easily to take on bumps.

The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It sports sleek design, a huge wheel that's easy to maneuver 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 put this buggy through its trials by walking on rough terrain. She was impressed with how it performed admirably and said that it "navigates over grass, bumpy cobbles, sidewalks, and dirt tracks and makes it easy to drive up and down kerbs".

The Roma Atlas is another popular off road option and like the Urban Glide 2, comes with a variety of colours to match your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar, a large basket, and a 50+ UV hood. You can also select from a variety of infant car seats that will transform the buggy into pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) that is a comfortable, flat bed for newborns or babies up to 12 month old.

Safety

Having four wheels makes the buggy more stable and less likely to tip, and easier to maneuver. It also makes it more secure for your baby since their weight is distributed more evenly throughout the frame of the pushchair.

A four-wheeler is also likely to have a lower center of gravity, making it easier to lift up and over curbs. The seats of the fabric sling are positioned inside the frame and not on top as modular seats. This results in a low seating position and a buggy that can be easily moved.

If you're looking to run with your child, then a 4-wheeler is the ideal option. It has an suspension system that allows the front wheel of the buggie to move independently from the rear one. This allows you to tackle rough terrains or bumpy roads. However, not all 4 wheel buggies can be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception since they feature an exclusive suspension system that has been independently tested across all terrains.