3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for rough terrain, offering a smooth ride for your baby. They are also more convenient to maneuver and push than a four-wheel buggy, especially those with fabric sling seats or seats that are set snugly in the frame, offering the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeler has great stability, which is why it is a great choice for off road walking (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat). They typically have larger front wheels, which can cope well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheel on the front for additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have lower center of gravity than their 4-wheeled counterparts which means they could fall more easily. However, the most reliable 3-wheel pushchairs have an ideal geometry and design to ensure that they remain stable in all conditions. 3 wheel pushchair must be able to pivot at a whim and be able to steer with one hand and have the front wheel rotate 360o which makes them ideal for maneuvering and navigating challenging terrain.
For really tricky surfaces be sure to choose a model with air-filled tyres, also known as pneumatic tyres, which are designed to handle roads that are not paved and can deal with rocks, mud, and more. Many all-terrain buggies have a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to add stability when tackling extremely rough terrain.
A 3-wheel stroller is a good option for runners or those who prefer to walk quickly and uphill, particularly in the event that you're planning to connect a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, offering a world-facing seat that reclines flat. It also has improved 5-point harness and storage space for all your equipment (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight, compact, and suitable to use from birth. It can be used with the car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging, but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that can tackle terrain that is difficult, you should select one with large tires. They will be able to handle cobbles, grass, and dirt tracks and provide a smooth ride for any passenger. They're also ideal for jogging because they're equipped with suspension and are easy to get up and down kerbs. However, the downside is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The best 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy is very maneuverable because it has 16 rear wheels as well as the front wheel can be locked. It comes with tyres filled with air that require pumping regularly. It can be used by children as young as the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat, and she was able to steer it easily with her 3-year-old in the seat.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, which has an adjustable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. It's also easy to get up and down kerbs and can fit in small car boots. It can also be used as a pram that comes with a carrycot or infant car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric sling seats are tucked within the frame of the buggie, as opposed to sitting on top of it as modular seats. This design provides a lower centre of gravity at the perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you should never overestimate how often you'll do this as a new parent!)
Seating
There are a variety of options for seating in three wheelers. The carrycot included is ideal for a newborn (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfy and cozy lay-flat bed that can be used both in and out of the buggy). Older babies and toddlers will enjoy the spacious and padded seat with adjustable ventilation. The seats don't recline fully, but they can be lowered to the lowest point. This should still allow your child plenty of headroom and space.
A sling seat made of fabric is also available. It offers the advantage of being positioned snugly inside the frame rather than sitting on top as the modular seat. This gives a lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push particularly over bumpy terrains or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath loved the way this type of seat handled these challenges.
This type of buggy has a large basket and other features that are useful, such as an extendable 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 searching for a single baby buggy that will expand with your family There's the new sport(tm) that's the first in the world to take a single infant from day dot and then change to take two or even 3 after your little ones have grown, all within the footprint of one buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy much more stable to push with one hand and is also ideal for handling difficult terrain. However, it does mean that the basket won't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A top-quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres, a padded grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It should also be able to take car seats and a carrycot and you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't pass through their doors at home or car boot. If you're worried about space, make sure you check the dimensions when the buggy is folded prior to purchasing.
It's worth considering an SUV with three wheels that can fit two (or even 3!) This is the best option for your child's future and will help you save money. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the best of these and can be used as a single unit from day dot and later converts to twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. You'll find these 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 tyres on the Phil and Ted's Sport made it easier for her to maneuver around the kerbs and other obstacles.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and require having their air pressure topped up regularly. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres. So it is essential that you have repair kits, spare inner tube and pump handy when traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres are more commonly found on pushchairs as they are a cheaper option than air-filled tyres, but they are equally durable. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide over flat and tidied surfaces.
You can usually discern 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 verify whether your buggy has PU tyres by slipping the tyres on flat, clean surfaces They'll be able to roll easily and fit snugly into their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are typically utilized in high-performance buggies and joggers since they are able to cope with the rough terrain common to this type of pushchair. The downside is that the foam may expand and cause your buggy to feel less stable, since it loses its springy quality. 3 wheel pushchair can also be noisy, as they make a lot noise when you turn and navigate around the town.