3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is ideal for tackling off-road terrain and provides an easy ride for your infant. 3 wheel pushchair are also more convenient to maneuver and push than a four-wheeler, especially those with fabric sling seats or seats that are set snugly within the frame, providing the best ergonomics and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled vehicles are very stable, making them an excellent option for off-road walks (especially when equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). They usually have large front wheels, which can cope well with kerbs and bumps and rough ground. Some models even have a lockable front wheel to provide extra stability on uneven terrain.
It's important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower centre of gravity than models with four wheels and this can mean that they can tip over more easily. However, the most reliable 3-wheel buggies have the an ideal geometry and design to ensure that they remain stable in all conditions. They should be able turn at a whim and be easy to steer using one hand. They also come with an incline of 360o for the front wheel, which makes them ideal for maneuvering over difficult terrain.
For really tricky surfaces be sure to choose models with air-filled tyres which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres, which are designed to handle non-paved tracks and should cope with rocks, mud, and more. A majority of all-terrain buggies come with an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to increase stability when tackling extremely rough terrain.
A 3-wheeler is an excellent option for runners or for those who like to walk fast and uphill, especially in the event that you're planning to connect a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It has the flat-reclining seat, five-point harnesses, and plenty of storage space to store everything you need (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It's lightweight, compact and suitable from birth and can be used in conjunction with car seats or a carrycot. It also handles a bit of light jogging, but isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can handle difficult terrain, you need one with large wheels. They will be able to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks, while providing the smoothest ride for any passenger. These are also great for jogging as they have a suspension built-in and are able to climb up and down kerbs. The downside is that they're a bit heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheeler has 16 rear wheels with a lockable swivel front wheel, so it's very manoeuvrable. It has tyres with air which require pumping regularly. It can carry children as young as the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the shape of the seat, and she was able to steer it easily with her three-year-old in the seat.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. It's also easy to get up and down kerbs and fit in small car boots. It can also be used as a stroller with a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly inside the frame of the buggie rather than over it like modular seats. This model has a lower centre of gravity at the ideal height. It is easier to push and lighter to kerb-pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you'll do this as a new parent!).
Seating
There are a variety of alternatives for seating options in 3 wheelers. For a newborn it is possible to use the carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy and comfortable lying flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy) In addition, older babies and toddlers can be seated in the parent or world-facing seat that is spacious and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. The seats don't recline completely, but can be adjusted to the lowest point. This should still allow your child to have plenty of headroom and space.
A fabric sling seat is also available, which has the advantage of being placed snugly within the frame, rather than on top like the modular seat. This gives a lower centre of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat handled the obstacles.
This type of buggy has an extensive basket and other features that are useful, such as an extended hood with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal, and a few innovative lights for visibility that can be positioned in front of the occupants for improved safety on difficult terrain.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a single buggy that will expand with your family There's the new sport(tm) that is the first in the world to take one baby from the moment of birth and change to take two or even 3 once your children have grown and all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy much more sturdy to push one-handed and also perfect for handling rough terrain. However, it means that the shopping basket can't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A high-quality ATP will have pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It is also able to take a carrycot and car seat which means you can use it from the time you are born.
MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't fit through their home doors or car boot. If you're concerned about space, be sure to verify the dimensions when the buggy is folded before purchasing.
It's worth considering 3-wheelers that can accommodate 2 (or even 3!) three wheel pushchair once 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 among the top of them and can be used as a single seat from day dot, and then transforms to a twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to give your child a more comfortable ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They are typically found on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted's Sport, which MFM reviewer Kath said provided "an amazing ride for her toddler". She also noted that its grippy tyres made it easy to navigate cobbles and kerbs.
These tyres can sometimes prove difficult to maintain their inflation and need to be replenished regularly. They are also more susceptible to punctures than foam tyres. So you'll need to ensure that you have repair kits along with a spare inner tube and pump on hand when you are you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres are typically used on pushchairs because they are less expensive than tyres filled with air, but they are just as durable. You can recognise PU tires by their smooth appearance and soft, smooth feel. They also slide easily on smooth and tightly woven surfaces.
If you rub your hands over the tyres you can tell if they are rubber or PU. If it feels as if it is sliding then it's a rubber tyre, which is a. You can also check whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres sliding them on an even, smooth surface. They should roll easily and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are commonly used in high-performance buggies and joggers since they are able to cope with the rough terrain associated with this kind of pushchair. The drawback is that the foam can shrink and make your buggy feel less stable, as it loses its springy nature. The tyres can also be noisy because they generate a lot noise when you turn and navigate around the town.