3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is perfect for off-roading providing the most comfortable ride for your infant. They are also more convenient to move and push than a four-wheel buggy, especially those with fabric sling seats or modular seats that are set comfortably within the frame, providing the best ergonomics and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, which makes them an excellent choice for off-road walking (especially when they are equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that are able to handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some models have a lockable wheel in the front to give you additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have lower centers of gravity than their 4-wheeled counterparts and, therefore, are more likely to fall over. But, the top 3-wheel pushchairs are designed with an ideal geometry and design to ensure they are stable in all conditions. They must be able to pivot on a dime and be easy to steer with one hand, and feature the front wheel rotate 360o which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating challenging terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. They are made to be able to navigate tracks that aren't paved and should be able to handle mud, gravel, rocks and more. A lot of all-terrain buggies have an swivelling wheel on the front which can be locked for extra stability when you're dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheeler is an ideal option for runners or for those who prefer to walk quickly and uphill, particularly in the event that you're planning to connect an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a world-facing seat that can recline flat and comes with a new 5-point harness as well as storage space for all your kit (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight, compact and suitable for infants and can be used with the use of a car seat or carrycot. It also handles some light jogging but isn't intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle difficult terrain, then you'll need one with large wheels. These are designed to handle dirt, cobbles, and grass tracks with ease and still provide smooth riding. They are also great for jogging since they have built in suspension and are simple to get up and down kerbs. However, the drawback is that they are quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy for use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy is very maneuverable because it has 16 rear wheels as well as an adjustable front wheel that locks. It comes with air tyres that require occasional pumping and can hold children up to 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler loved the design of the seat and she found it easy to steer even with her three-year-old child on board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a hood made of high-end materials that provides 50+ UV protection and an extremely high-quality hood. It is also easy to move up and down kerbs and fits in a the boot of a car that is small. It can be used as a stroller and a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Fabric slings are positioned in the frame and not on top as modular seats. This design provides an lower centre of gravity and a perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you should never think about how often you'll do this as a new parent!)
Seating
There are a myriad of options for seating in three wheelers. For a newborn, there is the option to use the included carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy) and older infants and toddlers can sit in the parent-facing or world-facing seat that is spacious and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats don't recline fully, but they can be lowered to the lowest position which will give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available. It has the advantage of being positioned snugly inside the frame instead of over the top of the modular seat. This delivers a much lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push especially when you're on bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath really liked the way this kind of seat dealt with these obstacles.
This kind of buggy comes with a large basket and other features that are useful, such as an hood that can be extended with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal, and some innovative visibility lights that can be positioned on the front of the passengers for improved safety on difficult terrain.
Alternatively, if three wheel pushchair are seeking a single stroller that will grow with your family, there's the brand-new sport(tm) that is a world's first that can take a single newborn from day dot and then change to take two or even 3 after your little ones have developed and all within the footprint of one buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled model is more sturdy and can be moved with just one hand. It's also more suitable for terrain that is difficult. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A top-quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as padding for the handle for your convenience. It will also be equipped with the form of a car seat and carrycot which means you can use it from the time you are born.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame won't pass through all doors of their homes or small car boot - be sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before buying if you're worried about space.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. seats when your family grows. They are the best of both worlds and can help you to save money in the future. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most sought-after. It can be used as early as day dot as a single buggy, and later transformed into twin buggies once your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to provide your child with a more comfortable ride by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. They are commonly found on pushchairs, such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also said that its grippy tyres made it easier to handle cobbles and kerbs.
They can be tricky to keep inflated and need to be replenished regularly. These tyres are more prone to punctures, and you should always carry a repair kit as well as an spare inner tube when you're out and out and about.
PU tyres can be used on pushchairs because they are less expensive than tyres filled with air, but they are equally robust. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide over flat and tidied surfaces.
It's usually possible to discern the distinction between air-filled and PU tires by running your hands over each one. If it feels hard then it's a rubber tyre, and if it slides then it's a PU. You can also confirm that your buggy is fitted with PU tyres by sliding the tyres over flat, clean surfaces They'll be able to roll easily and fit snugly in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain of high-performance buggies. This could make your buggy less stable because the foam loses its springy quality. The tyres can also be noisy, as they make lots of noise when you turn and drive around the town.