3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-roading and provides the most comfortable ride for infants. They are also more convenient to push and maneuver than a four-wheeler, particularly those with fabric sling seats or modular seat units that are placed snugly within the frame, providing the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled vehicles are very stable, which makes them a great option for off-roading (especially when equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). They often feature oversized front wheels, which can cope well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheel in the front to give you additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies may have a lower centre of gravity than 4-wheeled models and this can mean that they fall over more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been built with the perfect geometry to ensure they remain stable in any condition. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer with just one hand, and have the front wheel rotate 360o which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
For 3 wheel pushchair travel system , look out for a model with air-filled tyres which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres, which are designed to handle roads that are not paved and can deal with rocks, mud, etc. Many all-terrain buggies have an swivelling front wheel that can be locked to add stability when tackling extremely rough ground too.
A 3-wheel pram is also an excellent option for runners or for those who prefer to walk quickly and uphill, especially when you plan to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a wide-facing seat that can recline flat and comes with a new 5-point harness as well as storage space for all your equipment (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It is lightweight, compact, and suitable for use from birth. It can be used with either the car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for jogging with a light pace, but is not intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle difficult terrain, then you'll need one with big wheels. They can handle cobbles, grass, and dirt tracks while providing a smooth ride for all passengers. These are also great for jogging, as they come with built-in suspension 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 for use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheeler has 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front, so it's very manoeuvrable. It has air tyres which do need occasional pumping and can hold children up to the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler enjoyed the shape of the seat and found it easy to steer even with her three-year-old child on the seat.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. It's also easy to move up and down kerbs and can fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a stroller with a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed in the frame and not on top of the frame like modular seats. This model has a lower centre-of-gravity at the right height. It is simpler to push, and lighter to kerb pop (you don't know how many times you'll need to do this as a new parent!).
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are many different options to choose from. The carrycot that comes with it is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfy and cozy lay-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy). Older babies and toddlers will love the spacious and comfortable seat unit with adjustable ventilation. The seats don't fully recline, but they can be lowered to the lowest point. This should allow your child plenty of space and headroom.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It is advantageous in that it is positioned inside the frame rather than on top as a modular seat. This results in a lower centre of gravity with perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push, especially over bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath was impressed with the way that this style of seat dealt with these challenges.
In addition to a large shopping basket, this kind of buggy typically has some pretty useful features such as an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal, and some game-changing visibility lights that pop up from the handlebar and can be positioned directly in front of the occupants to increase their safety when traversing difficult terrain.
If you're seeking a buggy that can grow with your family it's the sport(tm), a world-first that can take in the newborn, and later be adapted to accommodate three or more children as they grow, all in one footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy much more stable to push with one hand and also perfect for handling rough terrain. However, it means that the shopping basket doesn't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A top-quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres, and padding for the handle to ensure your ease. It is also equipped to carry a carrycot and car seat so you can use it right from the time you are born.
MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't fit through all the doors of their homes or small car booties - make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before buying for those who are concerned about space.
It's worth looking into a 3-wheeler that can take two (or even 3!) seats once 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 most popular that can be used as a single from day dot and later converts into twin buggies once your baby starts walking.
Tyres
These tires cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. You'll find these on pushchairs, such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an outstanding ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres on the Phil & Ted's Sport made it simple for her to navigate the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
These tyres can be difficult to maintain and require having their air pressure topped up regularly. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres. So you'll need to make sure that you have repair kits, spare inner tube and pump handy when out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres can be found on pushchairs as they are less expensive than air-filled tyres but are equally robust. You can tell PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft feel. They also slide over flat and tidied surfaces.
You can usually identify the difference between PU and air-filled tires by running your hands over each one. If it feels firm, then it's a rubber tyre, and when it slides, it's a PU. You can also determine whether your buggy comes with PU tyres, by sliding them onto an even, smooth surface. They should roll easily and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are able to withstand the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. This could make your buggy less stable since the foam loses its springy nature. Additionally, these types of tyres can often be noisy as they generate a lot of noise when you turn and make your way through town.