3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is ideal for tackling off-road terrain, offering the most comfortable ride for your infant. They are also easier to move and push than a four-wheeler, especially those with fabric sling seats or modular seats that are set comfortably in the frame, delivering the best ergonomics and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, and this makes them an excellent option for off-road walks (especially when equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). They typically have large front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some models have a lockable wheel on the front to provide additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than the 4-wheeled versions and, therefore, are more likely to fall over. The most reliable 3-wheeled pushchairs are built with the perfect design to ensure they stay steady in any weather. They must be able to pivot at a whim, be easy to steer with one hand, and have a 360o swivelling front wheel which makes them ideal for maneuvering and navigating challenging terrain.
Look for 3 wheel buggy that have pneumatic tyres. These are designed to be able to navigate tracks that aren't paved and should be able to take on rocks, mud, gravel and more. Many all-terrain buggies have a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to provide 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 an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a wide-facing seat that reclines flat. It also features a more comfortable 5-point harness and storage space for all your gear (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's light, compact, and suitable to use from birth. 3 wheeler pushchair can be used with a car seat or a carrycot. It also allows for a bit of light jogging, but isn't designed for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle the tough terrain, you need one with large wheels. They will be able to handle grass, cobbles, and dirt tracks and provide an enjoyable ride for anyone. They are also great for jogging because they have a suspension built-in and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. However, the downside is that they are quite heavy to push.
The best 3-wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy is extremely mobile due to its 16 rear wheels and an adjustable front wheel that locks. It has tyres with air which require pumping up from time to time. It can be used by children up until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler liked the design of the seat, and she found it easy to steer even 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 and an extremely high-quality hood. It is also easy to move kerbs upwards and downwards and fits into a the car's boot space in a small size. It can be used as a stroller and a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed inside the frame, not on top like modular seats. This style has a lower centre-of-gravity at the perfect height. It is much easier to push and lighter to kerb-pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you'll need to do that as a new parent!).
Seating
The seating capacity of 3 wheelers is quite impressive, and there are a number of different options to choose from. The included carrycot plus is ideal for a newborn (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfortable and cosy lay-flat bed that can be used both in and out of the buggy). Older children and toddlers will appreciate the spacious and comfortable seat unit that has adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats do not recline completely, but they can be adjusted to the lowest setting which should still give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It's a benefit that it is located 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 easier and lighter to push, particularly over bumpy terrains or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath was impressed with the way this type of seat dealt with these challenges.
This type of buggy comes with an enormous basket, along with other features that are useful like an hood that can be extended with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal and some unique visibility lights that can be positioned on the front of the passengers to increase safety on rough terrain.
If you're looking for a buggy that will grow with your family it's the sport(tm) is a world first designed to accommodate the newborn, and later be modified to fit three or four children as they grow, all within a single footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled model is more stable and can be pushed with one hand. It's also more suitable for difficult terrain. However, it also means that the shopping basket can't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A top-quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres, and padding for the handle for your ease. It will be able to accept a carrycot or car seat, which means you can use it from birth.
MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame can't pass through all doors in their homes, or small car boot - be sure to check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before buying for those who are concerned about space.
It's worth considering 3-wheelers that can accommodate 2 (or even 3!) This is the most suitable option for your future and will save you money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most sought-after. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggy, and later transformed into twin buggies after your baby is walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are made to provide your child with a more comfortable ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. 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 it made it easier to handle kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and need to have their air pressure regularly topped up. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres so you'll need to ensure that you have a repair kit with spare tubes and a pump in case you go out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres are typically used on pushchairs because they are a cheaper option than tyres filled with air, but they are just as robust. You can recognise PU tires by their smooth appearance and soft texture. They also slide well on uneven and tied surfaces.
It's usually possible to identify the difference between air-filled and PU tires by running your hands over each one, if it feels hard then it's made of rubber, when it slides, it's a PU. You can also check whether your buggy comes with PU tyres sliding them onto an even, smooth surface. They should roll easily and fit snugly into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are commonly used in high-performance buggies as well as Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain that's associated with this type of pushchair. The downside is that the foam may shrink and make your buggy appear less stable as it loses its springy feel. These tyres are also noisy due to the fact that they create a lot noise when you turn and navigate around the town.