3 Wheel Buggies

3 wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability in a stylish and streamlined frame. A lot of them come with an upholstered sling seat that has a cosy lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution, perfect for babies from birth.

The wheels are larger, and they also often have suspensions for smooth movement over a variety of terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they can be bulkier and heavier to store and transport.

Stability

Three wheel buggies are remarkably stable and don't tip over as easily as pushchairs that have four wheels when going in a straight line and you'll notice that you can manoeuvre them much more quickly and effortlessly. If you turn or stop abruptly, they can lose stability and even tip over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.

The additional wheel also allows you to tackle off-road terrain. Be sure to look for models with air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road paths and other surfaces including sand, mud and rock. These models also come with an adjustable wheel that locks on the front to increase stability over rough terrain.

With the right geometry, engineering and weight distribution, these buggies can be turned on a dime easy to steer with just one hand; feature 360o front swivel wheels allowing agility and mobility to be easy and light in handling. They'll also pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.

If you're looking for a cloth sling seat, they are typically placed lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the floor and provides a more comfortable ride and a lighter kerb pop (you do not need to apply the same amount of pressure or effort to lift the buggy up and over a Kerb).

Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an ultra-light travel system and pushchair to its product line with the striking Citylife. This 3 wheeled buggies-in-1 is perfect for urban living and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It comes with four wheels as well as an exclusive pewter-black aluminum frame that is described by the brand as'slim and compact. It's just 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.

Folding

There's a wide selection of 3 wheel buggies that fold up to fit in smaller spaces. A majority of these buggies are able to be folded in one hand and are easy to clean. The smallest models will feature an easy handlebar height adjustment, while others may have an adjustable suspension or an expandable 50+ UV canopy. Some models may have a large basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.

The most efficient 3 wheeler for rough terrain

A 3 wheel pushchair off road-wheeler is likely to be more able to deal with off-road terrain than one with four wheels, however both models can get stuck in tight spots. But, picking a model that has larger wheels on both sides can be beneficial. This will make it easier to push them over rough terrain and will help you get up and down high curbs.

One option is the new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly quick handling, despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath has tested it with her child and reported that "it did really well on bumpy surfaces, cobbles dirt roads, gravel tracks and even some hills."

Another great alternative is the new all-terrain 3 wheel buggy made by Maxi-Cosi's car seat brand which is called Stella. It's suitable for babies when used with the carrycot and is a little bigger than the lightweight 3 wheel buggy 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim 54cm wide frame) but it comes with big air-filled tyres, three recline positions, and a swift one-hand fold.

Its main selling feature is its modularity - it's compatible with all of the brands' baby strollers and car seats. This means you can build your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks using the chassis as a base.

Tyres

The tyres of 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of styles and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres offer a great performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres last longer. The type of tyre you select will be determined by your lifestyle and where you live.

For instance, if are planning to travel frequently on rough or muddy terrain, you may want to consider a 3-wheeler with sturdier tires. Consider the type of suspension you require. Strong suspension is useful to handle bumps and humps, but it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.

Another important factor to consider is the size of the tyre. Understanding how to read tyre sizing is crucial to ensure safety as well as performance and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre's sidewall can seem at first, but decoding it allows you to understand the tyre's dimensions. A tyre having a size of 185/70 R14 for instance indicates that it is a radial tire that has a size of 185/70 with 14-inch rim size.

PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure whether the tires on a pushchair are rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires on a smooth surface and tie them. If they move easily, then the tires are made from PU. If they don't, then the tires are composed of rubber.

Suspension

The suspension of a three-wheeled buggy can make it more comfortable for your child as it absorbs any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. Having large wheels, that are air-filled, and can be locked to provide stability when jogging essential to ensure your buggy is capable of maneuvering off roads with ease.

Depending on the type of buggie you're looking for, there are choices to fit every lifestyle and budgets. For instance the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. With the perfect geometry and engineering their fabric sling seat rests comfortably inside the frame, in contrast to being on top of modular seats, providing a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the ideal height to ensure optimal weight distribution, allowing it to easily take on kerb pops.

The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It sports sleek design, a big wheel that's easy to maneuver and comes with a superb suspension. It also features the twist handbrake to facilitate ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its tests by walking on a rough terrain. She was impressed with how it was able to handle it very well, saying that it "navigates over grass, bumpy sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks, and even makes it easy to go up and down kerbs".

The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. It comes in a variety of colours that will match your style. It also features an adjustable handlebar, a large basket, and a 50+ UV hood. You can also choose from a range of infant car seats that convert the buggy into a pram, such as the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a cosy lie flat crib for babies and infants from 12 months to 12 years old.

Safety

The presence of four wheels makes the pushchair much more stable, less likely to tip and easier to handle. It also makes it safer for your child because the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.

A four-wheeled buggy has lower center of gravity, making it easier to pop over curbs and walk up. The seat made of fabric is inside the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This makes for a low-slung seating position and a comparatively lighter buggy that can be easily maneuvered.

If you want to run with your child, a 4-wheeler is the ideal option. It has a suspension system that allows the front wheel to be independent from the rear facing 3 wheel stroller. This will allow you to take on rough terrain or bumpy roads. However, not all four wheel buggies are able to be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception since they feature a specially-designed suspension system that's been tested independently across all types of terrain.