This Is The Ultimate Cheat Sheet For 3 Wheeler Buggies
3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for rough terrain providing a smooth ride for your baby. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four wheel buggy especially those equipped with fabric slings or seat units, which are tightly positioned in the frame to provide the best geometry and distribution of weight.
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 unit). They often feature oversized 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 keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower centre of gravity than models with four wheels, which can mean that they fall over more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs are made with the best geometry to ensure that they remain solid in all conditions. They must be able to pivot on a dime, be easy to steer using just one hand and have the front wheel rotate 360o which makes them ideal for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
Look for models with pneumatic tyres. These are made to handle nonpaved tracks, and should be able to handle dirt, gravel, rocks, etc. A majority of all-terrain buggies come with a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when working on extremely rough ground too.
A three-wheeled stroller is a great option for those who run or enjoy walking fast uphill. This is especially true if you plan to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It has the flat-reclining seat, 5-point harness and plenty of storage space to keep all your gear (plus the ability to extend 50+ of the sun hood). It's lightweight, compact, and suitable for use from birth. It can be used in conjunction with a car seat or a carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging however, it isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can handle difficult terrain, you need one with big wheels. They can handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks, while providing a smooth ride for all passengers. They're also ideal for jogging as they come with suspension and are simple to get up and down kerbs. However, the drawback is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front, so it's very manoeuvrable. It has air tyres that require occasional pumping and can hold a child until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat and found steering it easy even with her 3-year-old on board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another great option. It comes with a movable handlebar, a top-quality hood that offers 50+ UV protection and a high-quality hood. It's also easy to move up and down kerbs and fit in small car boots. It can also be used as a stroller and an infant carrycot or toddlers.
Sling seats made of fabric fit snugly within the buggie's frame instead of sitting on top of it as modular seats. This design provides a lower center of gravity that is at the ideal height, making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you cannot overestimate how often you'll be doing this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
There are many options for seating in 3 wheelers. For babies it is possible to use the carrycot plus (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy and comfortable lying flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy) and older infants and toddlers can be seated in the parent or world-facing seat that is spacious and padded and does have adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to recline fully, but they can be lowered down to the lowest position. This should still allow your child plenty of space and headroom.
3 wheeled pushchair made of fabric is also available. It is advantageous in that it is placed within the frame, instead of being placed on top of it as a seat that is modular. This means that it has a lower centre of gravity with perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push particularly over bumpy terrains or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath loved the way this type of seat dealt with these challenges.
This type of buggy comes with a large basket and other useful features such as an extended hood with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal, and some innovative visibility lights which can be put in front of the occupants for improved safety on difficult terrain.
If you're looking for a single buggy that can grow with your family There's the new sport(tm) that is a world's first that can take a single newborn from day dot and then adjust to take 2 or even 3 once your baby has grown, all within the footprint of one buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is much more stable and can be pushed with just one hand. It's also better for difficult terrain. However, it means that the basket won't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A high-quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as padding for the handle to ensure your ease. It will be able to accommodate a carrycot or a car seat, so you can use it from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frames didn't fit through their home's doors or car boot. If you're concerned about space, make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy once it is folded before purchasing.
Look for a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. seats as your family grows. These are the most efficient of both and future proof your money. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the best of these that can be used as a single unit from day dot and later converts to twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres have been designed to give your child a more comfortable ride by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. They are commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it simple for her to maneuver around the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain their inflation and need to be topped up frequently. These tyres are prone to punctures, and you should always have an repair kit and spare inner tube with you when you're out and about.
PU tyres are more commonly found on pushchairs as they are a cheaper option than air-filled tyres, but they are just as robust. You can tell PU tires by their smooth appearance and soft feel. They also slide on flat and tidy surfaces.
If you run 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 PU. You can also determine whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres, by sliding them on an even, smooth surface. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are commonly used in high-performance buggies and Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain common to this type of pushchair. This could make your buggy less stable since the foam will lose its springy quality. Also, these tyres may typically be noisy because they generate lots of noise when you turn and make your way around town.