3 Wheeler Buggies
A tri-wheeled stroller is ideal for off-road terrain and provides an easy ride for babies. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheeler especially those equipped with slings made of fabric or modular seat units, which are tightly positioned in the frame and provide the most efficient design and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled vehicles are very stable, and this makes them a great option for off-roading (especially when they are equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). They typically have large front tires that are able to handle bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. 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 which means that they can tip over more easily. However, the most reliable 3-wheel pushchairs have an ideal geometry and design to ensure they are stable in all weather conditions. They should be able to turn on a dime and be easy to steer with just one hand, and have a 360o swivelling front wheel which makes them perfect for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
For extremely difficult surfaces be sure to choose models with air-filled tyres which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres. These are made to handle roads that are not paved and can deal with mud, gravel, rock etc. Many all-terrain buggies have an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when tackling extremely rough terrain.
A 3-wheeler is an excellent option for runners or for those who like to walk quickly and uphill, particularly when you plan to attach an infant 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 for all your equipment (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It’s compact, lightweight and suitable for babies and can be used with a carrycot or car seat. It can also handle a bit of moderate jogging, but it’s not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you are looking for a buggy that can take on difficult terrain, you should pick one with big tires. These will cope well over cobbles, grass and dirt tracks, and provide the smoothest ride for anyone. They are also great for jogging as they have a suspension built-in and are easy enough to climb up and down kerbs. However, the downside is that they are quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy comes with 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front which makes it very maneuverable. It has air-filled tyres that require pumping up every now and then. It can be used by children up until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat, and she found it easy to drive with her 3 year old on board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It comes with a movable handlebar, a hood made of high-end materials that provides 50+ UV protection as well as an extremely high-quality hood. It is also easy to move up and down kerbs and fits in a small car boot. It can also be used as a pram with baby car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric slings are positioned inside the frame and not on top of the frame like modular seats. This model has a lower centre-of-gravity at the perfect height. It is simpler to push, and is lighter to kerb-pop (you can’t underestimate the number of times you’ll need to do that as a brand new parent!).
Seating
There are a myriad of options for seating in 3 wheelers. For newborns, there is the option to use the carrycot plus (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lie flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy) and older infants and toddlers can use the world-facing or parent facing seat unit that is roomy and padded and does have adjustable ventilation. The seats don’t recline fully, but they can be adjusted to the lowest point. This should give your child plenty of room and headroom.
A sling seat made of fabric is also available, which is set snugly inside the frame instead of sitting on top as an open-back seat. This provides a lower center of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push, particularly over bumpy terrains or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath was impressed with the way this kind of seat negotiated these obstacles.
In addition to a large shopping basket, this kind of buggy typically has some quite useful features, such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal and some games-changing visibility lights that pop up from the handlebars and can be placed directly in front of the occupants to increase their safety when traversing difficult terrain.
If you’re searching for a single baby buggy that will grow with your family There’s the new sport(tm) that’s the first in the world to take a single infant from day one and adapt to take 2 or even 3 after your little ones have developed, all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy more stable to push one handed and also perfect for handling difficult terrain. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A top-quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres, a padded grip for better comfort, and an excellent suspension. It will be able to accept a carrycot or car seat, meaning you can use it right from birth.
MFM’s reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frame didn’t fit through their home doors or car boot. If you’re worried about space, make sure to verify the dimensions of the buggy once it is folded prior to purchasing.
Find a 3 wheel parent Facing pushchair-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the best 3 wheel pushchair option for your child’s future and will help you save money. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the top of them; it can be used as a single seat from day dot and later converts to twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
These tires cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child’s journey more comfortable. You’ll find these on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted’s Sport which MFM reviewer Kath discovered to provide “an outstanding ride for my toddler”. She also noted that the grippy tyres of the Phil & Ted’s Sport made it simple for her to negotiate the kerbs and other obstacles.
These tyres are sometimes tricky to keep inflated and will need to be topped up frequently. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres. So it is essential that you have repair kits with spare tubes and a pump in case you go out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres can be seen on more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, but they’re just as sturdy. You can recognise PU tires by their smooth appearance and soft, smooth feel. They also slide on flat and tidy surfaces.
If you move your hand over the tyres you can tell if they’re rubber or PU. If it feels like it’s sliding, then it’s a rubber or PU. You can also check whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres by sliding them on flat, clean surfaces. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are commonly used in high-performance buggies as well as joggers because they can cope with the rough terrain associated with this type of pushchair. The downside of this is that the foam could compress and make your buggy appear less stable since it loses its springy nature. The tyres can also be noisy due to the fact that they create lots of noise when you turn and drive around the town.
