3 Wheel Buggies: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

· 6 min read
3 Wheel Buggies: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

three wheel pushchair  offer superb maneuverability, and are a stylish, streamlined frame. Many of these have an upholstered sling that has a comfortable lay flat bed that is perfect for weight distribution, and are perfect starting at birth.

The wheels are larger and, in many cases, have suspensions for smooth movements on a variety of terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they may be more bulky and heavy to store and transport.

Stability

Three wheel buggies are very stable and don't tip over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when they're in a straight line. Also, you'll notice that you can maneuver them more quickly and effortlessly. If you attempt to stop or turn abruptly they'll lose stability and could fall over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs in order to increase the stability of the chassis.

The additional wheel also allows you tackle off-road terrain. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) because they can deal with off-road routes as well as other surfaces such as sand, mud and rock.  three wheel pushchair 'll also typically include the option of locking the front wheel to add stability over really rough terrain.

Buggies are easy to maneuver and agile with 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.

If you're looking for a seat made of fabric, these tend to be smaller in the frame as compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's center of gravity will be closer to the ground - instantly providing an easier ride.

Maxi-Cosi is most well-known for its car seat range however, it recently expanded its product range with the Citylife, a lightweight travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 model is designed for urban living and is suitable for newborns with a carrycot or infant car seat. It comes with four wheels and an unique pewter-black frame that is described by the brand as'slim and compact. It's smaller at 2cm than the Babyzen Yoyo.

Folding

There are a lot of 3 wheel buggies that can be folded in a compact way to can fit into smaller spaces. Many can be folded with just one hand, and are easy to wash down. Some of the tiniest models have a simple handlebar-height adjustment, while others feature adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. Certain models may come with an enormous basket as well as a brake lever that is quick-release.

The most efficient 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain

A 3-wheeler is likely to be better able to cope with off-road terrain than a 4-wheel model, although both can get stuck in difficult places. But, picking a model that has larger wheels both front and back can help. This makes it easier to push them across rough terrain and will help you get up and down high curbs.

The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its remarkable ability to move despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath used it with her infant and 3-year-old son and reported that "it does really well on cobbles, bumpy pavements, gravel tracks and dirt roads, as well as on some hills."

Stella Stella, the brand new 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It's suitable from birth when used with the carrycot. It's little bigger than the lightweight 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim 54cm wide frame) but it comes with big, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions, and a swift one-hand fold.


Its main selling feature is its modularity. It's compatible with all of the brands' infant strollers and car seats. This means that you can design your ideal travel system for day-today or longer walks using the chassis as a base.

Tyres

The tyres on 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of designs and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide an easy ride and excellent manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type of tyre you choose will depend on your lifestyle and where you live.

For instance, if plan to travel often on rough or unpaved terrain, you may be interested in an all-wheeler with more durable tyres. Consider the type of suspension you require. A strong suspension is ideal for handling bumps and humps. However, it can be heavy and increase the overall weight of your pushchair.

Another important factor to consider is the tyre's size. Knowing how to read the tyre's size is essential for safety, performance and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewall of a tyre may be initially, but decoding it will allow you to comprehend the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre's size of "185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has a 14 inch rim diameter.

In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also less heavy and puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you aren't sure if a pushchair's tires are rubber or PU, simply slide the tires across the surface with a smooth surface. If they slide easily then the tires are made of PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.

Suspension

The suspension on a  3 wheel buggy  is a vital component to look for because it will absorb the bumps and knocks of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels which are filled with air and lockable to ensure stability while jogging is essential to ensure your buggy is capable of maneuvering off road surfaces easily.

There are many choices for buggy designs to fit every lifestyle and budget. For instance, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a 3-wheel buggies. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with perfect geometry and engineering to fit perfectly inside the frame rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This gives an lower center of gravity and is placed at the perfect height to spread weight evenly to take on the kerbs.

Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that boasts a sleek style with large highly manoeuvrable front wheel, a great suspension and an easy-to-use handbrake that twists. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it on a walk through rough ground and she found that it adapted to the terrain well, stating that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, roads, dirt tracks and even makes a light work of getting up and down kerbs'.

The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road model and, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a range of colours to match your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar and a large basket. You can also choose from a selection of infant car seats that will convert the buggy to pram. This includes the elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm), which is a comfortable, flat mattress for babies and infants up to 12 month old.

Safety

Four wheels make the buggy more stable and less likely to tip over and easier to maneuver. It is also more secure for your child as their weight is distributed more evenly throughout the frame of the pushchair.

A four-wheeled vehicle has a lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to get over curbs and walk up. The seat made of fabric is inside the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This makes for a low-slung seating position and a lighter buggy that can be easily maneuverable.

If you're looking to go out for an exercise with your child then a four-wheeler is better suited as it comes with a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the rear one to allow you to tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads Be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most aren't, such as the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been tested by an independent party across all types of terrain.