3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for rough terrain and provides an easy ride for your infant. They are also easier to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheel buggy and are especially suitable for those with fabric slings or modular seat units that are tightly positioned in the frame to provide the best geometry and distribution of weight.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are extremely stable, which makes them a great option for off-roading (especially when equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). They typically have large front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some even have a lockable front wheel to give extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies may 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 at a single click and be able to steer with one hand, and have a 360o swivelling front wheel which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating challenging terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. They are made to handle nonpaved tracks, and should be able to handle mud, gravel, rocks, etc. Many all-terrain buggies feature an swivelling front wheel that can be locked to add stability when dealing with extremely rough terrain.
A 3-wheel pram is also an ideal option for runners or those who prefer to walk quickly and uphill, especially when you plan to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It has a flat-reclining seat with five-point harnesses, and plenty of storage space to store all your gear (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight and compact, and is suitable for use from birth. It can be used with a car seat or carrycot. It also handles a bit of light jogging but isn't intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that can take on difficult terrain, you should select one with large tires. 3 wheel buggies will be able to handle grass, cobbles, and dirt tracks while providing a smooth ride for any passenger. They are also great for jogging, as they have built-in suspension and are easy enough to climb up and down kerbs. However, they're a bit heavy to push.
The most suitable 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels with a lockable swivel front wheel, so it's very manoeuvrable. 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 said that her toddler enjoyed the design of the seat and found it easy to steer with her three-year-old child on board.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, that comes with an adjustable handlebar and a hood made of high-quality 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 pram with baby car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed inside the frame, not on top like modular seats. This design provides an lower centre of gravity at the perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you should never think about the amount of times you'll have to do this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
There are many options for seating in three wheelers. The carrycot included is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a cozy and comfortable lying-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy). Older children and toddlers will appreciate the spacious and padded seat unit with adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats don't recline fully however they can be lowered to the lowest level which should still give your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It's a benefit that it is located inside 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 and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push especially when you're on bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath loved the way this kind of seat dealt with these challenges.
This type of buggy comes with an extensive basket and other useful features such as an extendable hood with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal, and some unique visibility lights that can be positioned in front of the occupants to increase safety on rough terrain.
If you're looking for a buggy that will grow with your family, the sport(tm), a world-first, can accommodate a newborn and then be modified to accommodate two or three children as they grow. All within a single footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy more stable to push with one hand, and it's also great for handling difficult terrain. However, it means that the shopping basket doesn't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A good quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as a padded handle for your convenience. It will accommodate a carrycot or a car seat, so you can use it right from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't fit through all the doors in their homes or small car boot - be sure to check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before purchasing if you're worried about space.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the most suitable option for your future and can save you money. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the most popular and can be used as a single from day dot, and then transforms to a twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
These tyres absorb bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. They are commonly found 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 noted that the grippy tires of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it easier for her to navigate the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain and require having their air pressure regularly topped up. They are also more susceptible to punctures than foam tyres. So you'll need to make sure that you have repair kits along with a spare inner tube and pump handy when out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres can be seen on more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, but they're just as sturdy. You can tell PU tires by their smooth appearance and soft feel. They also slide easily on smooth and tightly woven surfaces.
If you move your hand over the tyres, you can tell if they are rubber or PU. If it feels as if it's moving, then it's a rubber tyre, which is a. You can also verify whether your buggy has PU tyres by slipping the tyres onto flat, clean surfaces They'll roll easily and should fit comfortably in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. The drawback is that the foam may expand and cause your buggy to feel less stable because it loses its springy feel. Also, these kinds of tyres can often be noisy as they generate a lot of noise as you turn and navigate your way around town.