3 Wheeler Buggies
A tri-wheeled stroller is ideal for off-road terrain and offers the most comfortable ride for infants. They are also more convenient to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy especially if they have fabric slings or modular seat units that are placed comfortably in the frame, delivering the best ergonomics and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeler has great stability, which is the reason it is a great option for off-road walks (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat). They typically have large front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels on the front for additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have lower centers of gravity than their 4-wheeled counterparts which means they could fall more easily. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs have an ideal geometry and design to ensure that they remain stable in all conditions. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer using one hand. They also feature an incline of 360o for the front wheel which is ideal for navigating difficult terrain.
Look for models with pneumatic tyres. They are made to handle nonpaved tracks, and are able to withstand dirt, gravel, rocks and more. Many all-terrain buggies include a swivelling wheel on the front which can be locked for extra stability when you're dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheel stroller is an ideal option for runners and those who like to walk fast and uphill, especially in the event that you're planning to connect a carrycot or car seat. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It has the flat-reclining seat, a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space for all your gear (plus the ability to extend 50+ of the sun hood). It's light, compact, and suitable for use from birth. It can be used with the car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for jogging with a light pace, but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle difficult terrain, then you'll need one with large wheels. They are designed to tackle dirt, cobbles, and grass tracks with ease and still provide smooth riding. They are also great for jogging, as they come with built-in suspension and are able to climb up and down kerbs. However, the trade off is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheeler is highly maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels and a lockable front wheel. It comes with tyres filled with air that need to be pumped regularly. It can accommodate children as young as the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat and found it easy to drive with her 3 year old on board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is an alternative that is also a great choice. It has an adjustable handlebar, a hood made of high-end materials that provides 50+ UV protection, and a high-quality hood. It is also easy to move up and down kerbs, and can fit into the boot of a car that is small. It can be used as a stroller along with an infant carrycot or toddlers.
Fabric slings are positioned inside the frame and not on top of the frame like modular seats. This design delivers an lower centre of gravity and a perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you can never think about the amount of times you'll have to do this as a new parent!)
Seating
There are a variety of options for seating in 3 wheelers. The carrycot that comes with it is ideal for a baby (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfortable and cosy lying-flat bed that can be used in and out of the buggy). Older children and toddlers will appreciate the spacious and comfortable seat with adjustable ventilation. It is important to note that the seats do not recline completely however, they can be lowered to the lowest position which should still give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
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 means that it has a lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat handled challenges.
In addition to a big shopping basket, this kind of buggy typically has some pretty useful features such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal, and a few bright, game-changing lights that come up from the handlebar and can be placed directly in front of the occupants to improve their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
If you're looking for a buggy that will grow with your family, the sport(tm) is a world first that can take in infants and be modified to fit two or three children as they grow, all within one footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy more stable and stable to push with one hand and is also ideal for handling terrain that is difficult to navigate. However, it also means that the shopping basket doesn't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A top-quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It should also be equipped to carry car seats and a carrycot which means you can use it from the time you are born.
MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frames didn't pass through their doors at home or car boot. If you're worried about space, be sure to verify the dimensions of the buggy once it is folded before purchasing.
It's worth looking for 3-wheelers that can accommodate two (or even 3!) seats as your family grows. These are the best of both worlds and will help you save money in the future. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most popular. It can be used as early as day dot as a single buggie and later converted into twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
3 wheeled pushchair filled tyres are made to provide your child with an easier ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They are typically used on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said provided "an amazing ride for her toddler". She also noted that its grippy tyres made it easy to navigate kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres can be difficult to maintain and will require air pressure maintained regularly. three wheel pushchair are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres so it is essential that you have repair kits along with a spare inner tube and pump on hand when you are you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres are found on more pushchairs than the air-filled tyres, yet they are still just as sturdy. You can identify PU tires by their smooth appearance and soft feel. They also slide on smooth and tidy surfaces.
You can usually tell the distinction between air-filled and PU tire by running your fingers over each one. If it feels hard, then it's rubber and when it slides, it's a PU. You can also check whether your buggy comes with PU tyres by sliding them onto flat, clean surfaces. They should roll easily and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are able to withstand the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. The downside is that the foam can compress and make your buggy feel less stable since it loses its springy nature. The tyres can also be noisy because they generate a lot noise when you turn or drive around the town.