3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is perfect for off-roading, offering a smooth ride for your child. They are also easier to maneuver and push than a four-wheel buggy, particularly those with fabric sling seats or seats that are set comfortably in the frame, offering the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent stability, which is the reason it's a good option for off-road walks (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat). These buggys often have oversized front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels in the front to give you additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than models with four wheels which means that they topple over 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 to turn on a dime and be able to be controlled with one hand. They also feature an incline of 360o for the front wheel that makes them perfect for maneuvering over difficult terrain.
Look for models with pneumatic tyres. These are made to work on tracks that are not paved, and should be able to handle mud, gravel, rocks and more. Many all-terrain buggies come with an swivelling wheel on the front which can be locked for greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheeler is an excellent option for runners or for those who like to walk fast and uphill, particularly if you're planning to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It has an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with five-point harnesses, and plenty of storage space to keep all your gear (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It's light and compact, and is suitable for use starting at birth. It can be used with either the car seat or carrycot. It also handles a bit of moderate jogging, but it's not designed for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle difficult terrain then you want one with large wheels. These will cope well over cobbles, grass, and dirt tracks and provide an enjoyable 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 best 3 wheel buggy to use on rough terrain (pictured above). 3 wheel pushchair -wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels with a lockable swivel front wheel making it extremely maneuverable. It has air tyres which require pumping occasionally, and it can carry a child up to the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the shape of the seat and was able to steer it easily with her 3-year-old in the seat.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, which has an adjustable handlebar as well as a hood that is of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It's also easy to move up and down kerbs and fit in small car boots. It can be used as a stroller and an infant carrycot or toddlers.
Sling seats made of fabric fit snugly within the buggie's frame instead of over it like modular seats. This design has a lower centre of gravity at the perfect height. It is simpler to push and lighter to kerb pop (you can't underestimate the number of times you'll need to do that as a brand new parent!).
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is quite impressive, and there are a number of different choices to choose from. The included carrycot plus is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a cozy and comfortable lying-flat bed that can be used both in and out of the buggy). Older infants and toddlers will appreciate the large and comfortable seat unit with adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats do not recline completely however, they can be adjusted to the lowest level which should still give your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available, which has the advantage of being set snugly inside the frame, rather than over the top of an open-back seat. This gives a lower centre of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push particularly over bumpy terrains or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath really liked the way this type of seat handled these challenges.
In addition to a large shopping basket, this kind of buggy usually has pretty useful features such as an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy-to-use brake pedal, and some game-changing visibility lights that come up from the handlebar and can be placed in front of the passengers to improve their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.
If you're searching for a single baby buggy that will grow with your family There's the new sport(tm) that's the first of its kind to take a single newborn from day one and adapt to take 2 or even three once your children have developed, all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame is much more stable and can be pushed by one hand. It's also more suitable for terrains that are difficult to navigate. The shopping basket is smaller than a 4-wheeler.
A high-quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres and a padded handle to ensure your convenience. It should be able to accommodate a car seat, meaning you can use it right from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers discovered that the 3-wheeler frame didn't fit through their home doors or car boot. If you're concerned about space, make sure to check out the dimensions when the buggy is folded prior to purchasing.
It's worth looking into 3-wheelers that can accommodate two (or even 3!) seats as your family grows. They are the most efficient of both and can help you to save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the top of them that can be used as a single from day dot, and then transforms to a twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres have been designed to give your child a more comfortable ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They're commonly found on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also noted that the grippy tires of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it easy for her to navigate the kerbs and other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain and must be topped up frequently. These tyres are more susceptible to punctures, and you should always have an repair kit and spare inner tube with you when you're out and out and about.
PU tyres can be seen on more pushchairs than air-filled tyres but they are still just as sturdy. PU tires are easily distinguished by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide well on uneven and tied surfaces.
It's usually possible to discern the difference between PU and air-filled tire by running your fingers over each one, if it feels hard, then it's made of rubber, if it slides then it's a PU. You can also check if your buggy is fitted with PU tyres by sliding them across flat, clean surfaces. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are typically utilized in high-performance buggies and joggers since they are able to cope with the rough terrain associated with this type of pushchair. This can make your buggy less stable as the foam will lose its springy feel. Additionally, these tyres may typically be noisy because they generate a lot of noise when you turn and make your way through the town.