3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is ideal for rough terrain, offering a smooth ride for your infant. They can also be easier to maneuver and push than a four-wheel buggy particularly those with fabric slings or modular seats that are set perfectly in the frame, offering the best ergonomics and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, which makes them an ideal option for off-roading (especially when equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). They typically have large front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some even come with a lockable front wheel to provide extra stability on uneven terrain.
It’s important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than their 4-wheeled counterparts and, therefore, are more likely to fall over. The best 3 wheel Pushchair With Car seat-wheeled pushchairs have been made with the best geometry to ensure they remain steady in any weather. They should be able to turn at a whim, be easy to steer with just one hand, and have 360o swivelling front wheels which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating challenging terrain.
For really tricky surfaces, look out for a model with air-filled tyres also known as pneumatic tyres. These are designed to handle roads that are not paved and can deal with rocks, mud, and more. Many all-terrain buggies have an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when dealing with extremely rough terrain too.
A 3-wheeled pram is a great choice for those who run or love to speed up the hill. This is particularly true if you intend to connect an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a world-facing seat that reclines flat. It also has improved 5-point harness and storage space for all your gear (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It’s light, compact and suitable for babies and can be used with the use of a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging, however, it isn’t designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle the tough terrain, then you’ll need one with large wheels. These are made to handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks with ease while providing an enjoyable ride. They’re also ideal for jogging since they have built in suspension and are easy to climb and descend kerbs. The downside is that they’re a bit heavy to push.
The most suitable 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). The 3 wheeler buggy-wheel buggy comes with 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front, so it’s very manoeuvrable. It has air tyres, which require pumping occasionally and can hold children up to 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler loved the shape of the seat and she found it easy to steer even with her three-year-old child on the board.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar as well as a hood that is of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move up and down kerbs, and can fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a stroller and a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly within the buggie’s frame instead of on top of it like modular seats. This style has a lower centre-of-gravity, which is the perfect height. It is easier to push, and lighter to kerb pop (you don’t know how many times you’ll do this as a new parent!).
Seating
There are a variety of options for seating in three wheelers. For babies, there is the option to use the included carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lie flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy) In addition, older babies and toddlers can be seated in the parent-facing or world-facing seat that is spacious and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to fully recline, but they can be adjusted to the lowest position. 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 set snugly inside the frame instead of on top like an open-back seat. This delivers a much lower centre of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly over bumpy terrain and curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this type of seat handled the obstacles.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this kind of buggy typically has some very useful features like an extendable 50+ UV hood, an easy-to-use brake pedal, and a few games-changing visibility lights that appear from the handlebar and can be positioned in front of the occupants to ensure their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
If you’re seeking a buggy that will grow along with your family, the sport(tm), a world-first that can take in infants and be modified to accommodate three or four children as they grow, all within a single footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled model is more sturdy and can be moved with just one hand. It’s also more suitable for terrains that are difficult to navigate. However, it means that the shopping basket doesn’t hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A good quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres, and a padded handle for your comfort. It should be able to accommodate a car seat, so you can use it right from the time of birth.
MFM’s reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame doesn’t fit through all the doors in their homes or small car boot – be sure you check the dimensions of the buggy once it’s folded before buying if you’re worried about space.
It’s worth looking into an SUV with three wheels that can fit 2 (or even 3!) seats as your family grows – these are the best of both worlds and will help you 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 begins walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child’s ride more enjoyable. They are commonly found on pushchairs, such as the Phil and Ted’s Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be “an outstanding ride for my toddler”. She also said that the grippy tires of the Phil and Ted’s Sport made it easier for her to negotiate the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
These tyres can be difficult to maintain and will require air pressure topped up regularly. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres. So it is essential that you have a repair kit, spare inner tube and pump on hand when you are you’re out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres can be found on a lot more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, yet they’re just as robust. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide across flat and tidy surfaces.
If you move your hand over the tyres, then you can tell if they are PU or rubber. If it feels as if it is sliding then it is a rubber or PU. You can also check whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres sliding them onto an even, smooth surface. They should roll easily and fit comfortably into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are often used in high-performance buggies as well as joggers since they are able to cope with the rough terrain associated with this kind of pushchair. The downside of this is that the foam could expand and cause your buggy to feel less stable, as it loses its springy nature. Also, these kinds of tyres can typically be noisy because they generate a lot of noise as you turn and make your way through the town.