Why The Biggest "Myths" About 3 Wheel Buggies Could Be A Lie
3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability in a stylish and slim frame. Many of these feature a fabric sling seat with an incredibly comfortable lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution, ideal from the moment of birth.
The wheels are bigger and often have suspensions for smooth movement over different terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they tend to be bulkier and heavier to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies have a lot of stability. They aren't prone to tipping over as easily when moving straight. They also allow you to maneuver them more quickly. However, if you try to turn or stop suddenly they'll lose stability and may tip over. To avoid this, certain manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel also allows you tackle off-road terrain. Be sure to look for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) because they can deal with off-road trails as well as other surfaces such as sand, mud and rock. They'll also typically come with the option of locking the front wheel to give stability over rough ground.
With the right design, engineering, and weight distribution these buggies can turn at a moment's notice easy to steer with just one hand; have 360o front swivel wheel that allows agility and mobility to be effortless and light in handling. They'll also pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a cloth sling seat, they are typically placed lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the ground and provides a more comfortable ride and less kerb pop (you don't need to apply the same amount of pressure or exertion to get the buggy up and over a kerb).
Popular for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an ultra-light travel system and pushchair to its product line with the striking Citylife. This 3-in-1 is perfect for urban life, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It has four wheels and has an exclusive black pewter frame that the manufacturer claims is 'light and compact' - it's just 2cm larger than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a variety of 3 wheel buggies that can be folded in a compact way to can be tucked away in smaller spaces. Many of them can be folded using one hand and are easy to wipe down. Some of the tiniest models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, whereas others come with adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. They may also have large, spacious baskets and a brake lever with quick release.
The best 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeled model is typically better equipped to deal with off-road conditions as when compared to a four-wheeled model, though both can get stuck on tight corners. However, choosing a model with larger wheels both front and back will help. This allows them to push over rough ground and can help in moving up and down the high kerbs.
One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its quick handling, despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her infant and 3-year-old son and reported that "it is very well-handled over cobbles, bumpy pavements, dirt roads and gravel tracks, as well as on some hills."
Stella Stella, the all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi is another great option. It's suitable for babies when used with the carrycot and is a slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with an impressively slim 54cm wide frame) but it comes with big, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions, and a swift one-hand fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity - it's compatible with all of the car seats for infants from the brand and strollers. This means you can create your ideal travel system for your day-to-day or longer walks, using just the chassis as a base.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of styles and types of materials. Each has its own pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres offer a great performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres last longer. The type you choose will depend on your lifestyle and where you live.
If you intend to travel on roads that are not paved or in rough terrain frequently, you might think about a three-wheeler equipped with more robust tyres. Take into consideration the kind of suspension you need. The suspensions that are strong are great to deal with humps and bumps but they can be heavy and add to the overall weight.
Another aspect to be considered is the tyre's size. Knowing how to read the tyre's size is essential for safety, performance and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewall of a tyre can be at first, but decoding it helps you understand 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 radius with a 14 inch rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber ones. If you are unsure if a pushchair's tires are rubber or PU, simply slide the tires on an even surface. If they slide easily then the tires are made of PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three-wheel buggy can make it more comfortable for your child as it will absorb any bumps or knocks from rough terrain. Having large wheels, that are air-filled, and are lockable to provide stability when jogging essential to ensure that your buggy will be able to navigate off roads with ease.
Depending on the style of buggie you're looking for There are a variety of options that will fit all lifestyles and budgets. For instance the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with perfect geometry and engineering that fits comfortably inside the frame rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This gives a lower center of gravity, and allows it to be placed at the right height to spread weight evenly to conquer bumps.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It features sleek design, a big wheel that's easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also features a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it for a hike through rough terrain and she found that it was able to handle the terrain well. She said that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, pavements dirt tracks, and makes a light work of going up and down kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. It is available in a variety of colours that will complement your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar as well as a large basket. You can also choose from a selection of infant car seats that convert the buggy to pram. This includes the elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) which is a comfortable lie-flat bed for newborns or babies until 12 months old.
Safety
The presence of four wheels makes the pushchair much more stable and less likely to tip over and easier to handle. It is also more secure for your child as their weight is distributed more evenly across the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled buggy also tends to have a lower center of gravity and is therefore easier to pop over curbs and up the stairs. The fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not on top of it like modular seats do, which results in a lower seating position and a comparatively lighter buggy that is more easily maneuverable.
If you're looking to go out for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler might be better suited as it comes with a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel so you can tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads Be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most are NOT like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception because they come with a suspension system specifically designed for them that's been tested independently across all terrains.