3 Wheeler Buggies: The Good The Bad And The Ugly
3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-roading and provides an easy ride for babies. They can also be easier to move and push than a four-wheel buggy, especially if they have fabric slings or modular seat units that are positioned snugly in the frame, offering the most efficient geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are extremely stable, making them a great option for off-road walks (especially when equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). They usually have large front wheels, which can cope well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough terrain. Some even come with a lockable front wheel to provide extra stability on uneven terrain.
It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies may have a lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled models and this can mean that they can tip over more easily. However, the most reliable 3-wheel pushchairs are designed with perfect geometry and engineering to make them very solid in all conditions. They should be able turn on a dime and be easy to steer with one hand. They also feature a 360o rotating front wheel, which is ideal to navigate difficult terrain.
Look for models that have pneumatic tyres. These are made to work on tracks that are not paved, and are able to withstand rocks, mud, gravel, etc. Many all-terrain buggies have an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to add stability when tackling extremely rough ground too.
A 3-wheel pram is also an excellent option for runners or for those who like to walk quickly and uphill, particularly if you're planning to attach a carrycot or car seat. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It features the flat-reclining seat, five-point harnesses, and plenty of storage space for all your equipment (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's light compact and safe for use from birth. It can be used with a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you are seeking a buggy that can tackle terrain that is difficult, you should pick one with big tires. These are designed to handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks easily and still provide a smooth ride. They are also great for jogging since they come with suspension and are easy to move up and down kerbs. The downside is that they're a bit heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best Lightweight 3 Wheel Buggy wheel buggy to use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheeler is highly maneuverable because it has 16 rear wheels as well as a lockable front wheel. It has air tyres, which do need occasional pumping and it can be used to carry a child until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the seat shape and she found it easy to drive with her three-year-old riding along.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, which has an adjustable handlebar and a hood made of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move up and down kerbs and fits in a small 3 wheel stroller car boot. It can also be used as a pram with a carrycot or infant car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed in the frame, not on top like modular seats. This model has a lower centre-of-gravity, which is the right height. It is easier to push and is lighter to kerb-pop (you don't know how many times you'll do that as a brand new parent!).
Seating
There are a variety of options for seating in 3 wheel tandem stroller wheelers. For newborns, there is the option to use the included carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lying flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can sit in the parent or world-facing seat that is large and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. The seats don't fully recline, but they can be lowered to the lowest position. This should still allow your child plenty of headroom and space.
A fabric sling seat is also available. It has the advantage of being set snugly inside the frame instead of on top like a modular seat and this delivers a much lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this style of seat handled challenges.
This type of buggy has a large basket and other features that are useful like an extendable hood with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal, and some unique visibility lights which can be put on the front of the passengers for improved safety on difficult terrain.
If you're searching for a stroller that can grow with your family, the sport(tm) is a world first that can take in a newborn and then be modified to fit three or four children as they grow. All within a single footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame is more stable and can be pushed with just one hand. It's also ideal for terrains that are difficult to navigate. The shopping basket is smaller than a 4-wheeler.
A good quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres, and a padded handle to ensure your ease. It will be able to accommodate a car seat, which means you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers discovered that the 3-wheeler frame didn't fit through their home's doors or car boot. If you're worried about space, be sure to verify the dimensions of the buggy once it is folded prior to purchasing.
Choose a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. seats once your family grows. They are the best of both worlds and future proof your money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most sought-after. It can be used from day dot as a single buggy, and then converted into twin 3 wheel stroller buggies after your baby is walking.
Tyres
These tyres absorb bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. They are commonly found on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath discovered to provide "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres make it easy to navigate cobbles and kerbs.
They can be difficult to maintain and require having their air pressure regularly topped up. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres so you'll need to make sure that you have repair kits along with a spare inner tube and pump handy when you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres are more commonly used on pushchairs since they are a cheaper option than tyres filled with air, but they are equally durable. You can identify PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft, smooth feel. They also slide on flat and tidy surfaces.
If you move your hand over the tyres, then you can tell if they are rubber or PU. If it feels as if it's moving, then it's a PU. You can also determine if your buggy is fitted with PU tyres sliding them on an even, smooth surface. They should roll easily and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. The downside is that the foam may expand and cause your buggy to feel less stable because it loses its springy nature. These tyres also make a lot of noise because they generate lots of noise when you turn or drive around town.