3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-road terrain and provides the most comfortable ride for infants. They are also easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy especially if they have fabric slings or modular seats that are set comfortably in the frame, delivering the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is the reason it's a good choice for off road walking (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs and 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 centers of gravity than 4-wheeled versions and, therefore, are more likely to fall over. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been built with the perfect design to ensure they stay solid in all conditions. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer with one hand. They also feature the ability to rotate 360o on the front wheel that makes them ideal for navigating difficult terrain.
For really tricky surfaces you should look for an air-filled model also known as pneumatic tyres. They are designed to handle non-paved tracks and should cope with mud, gravel, rock etc. Many all-terrain buggies have an swivelling front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when dealing with extremely rough terrain.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great option for those who run and like to walk fast uphill. This is particularly true if you are planning to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a wide-facing seat that can recline flat and has improved 5-point harness and storage space for all your equipment (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight, compact, and suitable for use from birth. It can be used with the car seat or carrycot. It also allows for a bit of light jogging but isn't intended for serious joggers.
Weight
If you are seeking a buggy that can tackle difficult terrain, then you should pick one with big tires. They can handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks, and provide an enjoyable ride for any passenger. They are also great for jogging because they come with suspension and are easy to climb and descend kerbs. The trade-off is that they're a bit heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy for use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels, and a lockable swivel front wheel making it extremely maneuverable. It has air-filled tyres that need to be pumped regularly. It can be used by children 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 son on the seat.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another great option. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a top-quality hood that provides 50+ UV protection, and an extremely high-quality hood. It is also easy to move up and down kerbs and fits in a the car's boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a stroller with baby carriers or toddlers.
Fabric slings are positioned inside the frame and not on top of the frame like modular seats. This model has a lower centre of gravity at the right height. It is easier to push, and lighter to kerb-pop (you can't underestimate the number of times you'll need to do that as a brand new parent!).
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is impressive and there are many different options to pick from. The carrycot that comes with it is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfortable and cosy lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy). Older babies and toddlers will appreciate the spacious and padded seat unit with adjustable ventilation. It's important to note that these seats aren't fully reclined, but they can be lowered to the lowest setting that will still allow your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available. It has the advantage of being positioned snugly inside the frame instead of over the top of a modular seat and this delivers a much lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push, particularly over bumpy terrains or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath really liked the way this kind of seat handled these obstacles.
This type of buggy has a large basket and other features that are useful like an hood that can be extended with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal and a few innovative lights for visibility that can be placed in front of the occupants to ensure safety when riding on rough terrain.
If you're looking for a buggy that will grow with your family, the sport(tm) is a first in the world, can accommodate infants and be modified to accommodate two or three children as they grow, all within a single footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame is much more stable and can be pushed with just one hand. It's also more suitable for terrain that is difficult. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A good quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres, and padding for the handle for your ease. It is also equipped to carry the form of a car seat and carrycot which means you can use it right from the time you are born.
MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't fit through all the doors in their homes or small car boots - make sure to check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before buying for those who are concerned about space.
Choose a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. seats once your family grows. They are the best of both worlds and future proof your money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most popular. 3 wheeler pushchair can be used from the day of birth as a single buggy and later converted into twin buggies when your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
These tyres absorb bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. They are typically included on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted’s Sport that MFM reviewer Kath said offered "an exceptional ride for her toddler". She also mentioned that the grippy tires of the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easy for her to navigate the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
These tyres can sometimes prove difficult to maintain their inflation and must be filled regularly. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres, so it is essential that you have repair kits with spare tubes and a pump in case you go traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres are typically found on pushchairs as they are a cheaper option than tyres filled with air, but they are just as durable. You can recognise PU tires by their smooth appearance and soft texture. They also slide on flat and tidied surfaces.
You can usually tell the distinction between air-filled and PU tyres by running your hand over each one, if it feels hard then it's a rubber tyre, and if it slides then it's a PU. You can also confirm that 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 are commonly utilized in high-performance buggies and Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain that's associated with this type of pushchair. This could make your buggy less stable because the foam loses its springy nature. The tyres can also be noisy, as they make lots of noise when you turn and navigate around the town.