3 Wheeler Buggies: The Good The Bad And The Ugly
3 wheel pushchair with car seat wheel tandem stroller (navigate to this site) Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-road terrain and provides a smooth ride for baby. They are also easier to move and push than a four-wheel buggy especially if they have fabric sling seats or modular seat units that are positioned snugly in the frame, delivering the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three wheeler pushchair-wheeler has great stability, which is why it is a great option for off-road walks (especially with an all-terrain or off-road-style seat). These buggys often have oversized front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels on the front to provide additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower centre of gravity than 4-wheeled models and this can mean that they topple over more easily. But, the top 3-wheel pushchairs have perfect geometry and engineering to ensure they are stable in all conditions. They should be able turn at a whim and be easy to steer using one hand. They also have a 360o rotating front wheel which makes them perfect for navigating difficult terrain.
Look for models with pneumatic tyres. These are made to handle nonpaved tracks, and should be able to take on rocks, mud, gravel, etc. Many all-terrain buggies include a swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked for greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheel stroller is an excellent option for runners or for those who prefer to walk quickly and uphill, particularly if you're planning to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a wide-facing seat that reclines flat and features a more comfortable 5-point harness and storage space for all your kit (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It is lightweight and compact, and is suitable to use from birth. It can be used with either a car seat or a carrycot. It can also be used for jogging with a light pace, but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy to tackle difficult terrain, then you should choose one with large tires. They can handle cobbles, grass, and dirt tracks while providing the smoothest ride for anyone. These are also great for jogging, as they have a suspension built-in and are easy enough to climb up and down kerbs. However, the drawback is that they are quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel running stroller wheel buggy for use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheeler has 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front making it extremely maneuverable. It has air tyres, which require pumping occasionally, and it can carry a child up to the age of 3 wheel stroller set. 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 son on the seat.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another great option. It comes with a movable handlebar, a high-quality hood that offers 50+ UV protection and an extremely high-quality hood. It's also easy to move up and down kerbs and 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 sit snugly inside the frame of the buggie, as opposed to on top of it like modular seats. This style has a lower centre of gravity at the ideal height. It is simpler to push, and is lighter to kerb-pop (you can't underestimate the number of times you will do this as a new parent!).
Seating
There are a myriad of alternatives for seating options in 3 wheelers. For newborns, there is the option to use the carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy and comfortable lie flat bed that can be used 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 don't recline fully, but they can be adjusted to the lowest point. This should allow your child to have plenty of space and headroom.
A fabric sling seat is also available, which is placed snugly within the frame rather than over the top of the modular seat. This gives a lower centre of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push, especially over bumpy terrain or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath loved the way this type of seat dealt with these obstacles.
This kind of buggy comes with a large basket and other beneficial features, such as an hood that can be extended with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal and some innovative visibility lights which can be put on the front of the passengers to ensure safety when riding on rough terrain.
If you're seeking a buggy that will grow with your family it's the sport(tm) is a first in the world that can take in a newborn and then be modified to accommodate three or more children as they grow. All in one footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is more sturdy and can be moved by one hand. It's also ideal for terrain that is difficult. However, it also means that the shopping basket doesn't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A top-quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres and padding for the handle to ensure your ease. It is also equipped to carry car seats and a carrycot so you can use it right from the time you are born.
The MFM reviewers noted that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't pass through their doors at home or car boot. If you're worried about space, make sure to check out the dimensions when the buggy is folded prior to purchasing.
Look for a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the most suitable option for your future and will help you save money. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the best 3 wheel stroller of these; it can be used as a single from day dot and then converts to a twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres have been designed to give your child more comfort while riding by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They're commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath discovered to provide "an amazing ride for my toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres on the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easier for her to maneuver around the kerbs and other obstacles.
These tyres can sometimes prove tricky to keep inflated and need to be topped up frequently. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres, so it is essential that you have a repair kit, spare inner tube and pump in case you go you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres are more commonly found on pushchairs as they are a cheaper option than tyres filled with air, but they are equally durable. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide across flat and tidied surfaces.
It's usually possible to discern the difference between air-filled and PU tyres by running your hand over them, if it feels firm, then it's a rubber tyre, and when it slides, it's a PU. You can also test if your buggy is fitted with PU tyres sliding them across flat, clean surfaces. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain of high-performance buggies. The drawback is that the foam could compress and make your buggy appear less stable since it loses its springy feel. You'll also find that these kinds of tyres can typically be noisy because they create lots of noise when you turn and make your way around town.