3 Wheeler Buggies: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is perfect for tackling off-road terrain, offering an easy ride for your child. They are also easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheeler especially those equipped with slings made of fabric or modular seat units, which are tightly positioned in the frame and deliver the best design and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, making them an excellent option for off-road walks (especially when they are equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). They typically have larger front wheels that can deal well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough ground. Some models even have a lockable front wheel for extra stability on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled versions which means they could fall more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been built with the perfect geometry to ensure they remain stable in any condition. They should be able to turn on a dime and be easy to steer with one hand. They also feature a 360o rotating front wheel that makes them perfect to navigate difficult terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. They are made to be able to navigate tracks that aren't paved and should be able to take on dirt, gravel, rocks and other debris. Many all-terrain buggies include a swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked for greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheel pram is also an ideal option for runners or those who like to walk quickly 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 features a flat-reclining seat with 5-point harness and plenty of storage space to store all your equipment (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight compact and safe to use from birth. It can be used with the car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for jogging with a light pace, however, it isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle difficult terrain then you want one with big wheels. They will be able to handle grass, cobbles, and dirt tracks and provide the smoothest ride for all passengers. These are also great for jogging as they have built-in suspension and are able to climb up and down kerbs. However, the trade off is that they are quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy is extremely maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels and an adjustable front wheel that locks. It comes with tyres filled with air that require pumping up from time to time. 3 wheeled pushchair can accommodate children until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler loved the design of the seat and she found it easy to steer even with her 3-year-old on the board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another great option. It has an adjustable handlebar, a high-quality hood that provides 50+ UV protection and an extremely high-quality hood. It is also easy to move up and down kerbs, and can fit into the car's boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a pram that comes with a carrycot or infant car seat for newborns and 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 much easier to push, and is lighter to kerb-pop (you don't know how many times you will do that as a new parent!).
Seating
There are many options for seating in three wheelers. For newborns it is possible to use the included carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy and comfortable lie flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy) and older infants and toddlers can be seated in the world-facing or parent facing seat that is spacious and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to recline completely, but can be lowered to the lowest setting. This should allow your child to have plenty of room and headroom.
A sling seat made of fabric is also available. It is set snugly inside the frame instead of sitting on top as a modular seat and this gives a lower centre of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this style of seat handled obstacles.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this kind of buggy typically has some pretty useful features such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal, and some game-changing visibility lights that come up from the handlebar and can be positioned in front of the passengers to ensure their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.
If you're searching for a stroller that can grow with your family, the sport(tm), a world-first, can accommodate infants and be adapted to accommodate two or three children as they grow, all within one footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled model is more stable and can be pushed with one hand. It's also better for terrains that are difficult to navigate. The shopping basket is smaller than a 4-wheeler.
A top-quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres, a cushioned grip for better comfort, and an excellent suspension. It is also able to take car seats and a carrycot so you can use it right from birth.
The MFM reviewers noted that the 3-wheeler frames didn't pass through their doors at home or car boot. If you're concerned about space, make sure you check 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 when your family grows. These are the best of both worlds and can help you to save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the most popular that can be used as a single from day dot, and then transforms to twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more enjoyable. They're commonly found on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an amazing ride for my toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres make it easy to navigate kerbs and cobbles.
They can be difficult to maintain their inflation and need to be filled regularly. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres. So it is essential that you have a repair kit with spare tubes and a pump on hand when you are out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres are found on more pushchairs than the air-filled tyres, yet they are still just as robust. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and soft feel. They also glide well on even and tied surfaces.
If you run your hand over the tyres, then you can tell if they're PU or rubber. If it feels like it is sliding then it is a PU. You can also check whether your buggy has PU tyres simply by sliding the tyres over an even, clean surface They'll be able to roll easily and fit comfortably in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are able to withstand the rough terrain of high-performance buggies. This can make your buggy less stable since the foam will lose its springy nature. You'll also find that these tyres may typically be noisy because they create a lot of noise when you turn and navigate your way around the town.