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3 Wheel Buggies

Three-wheel buggies are elegant and sleek, with outstanding maneuverability. Many of these have a fabric sling with a comfortable lay flat bed that is perfect for weight distribution and are suitable from birth.

The wheels are larger and, in many cases, have suspensions for smooth movements on a variety of terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they tend to be bulkier and heavier to transport and store.

Stability

Three wheel buggies are extremely stable - they don't tip over as easily as pushchairs that have four wheels when they're in a straight line. Also, you'll be able to move them more quickly and easily. If you attempt to stop or turn abruptly they'll lose their stability and may tip over. This is why some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.

You can also tackle off-road terrain by adding an extra wheel. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road routes and other surfaces like sand, mud and rock. They'll also usually have the option of locking the front wheel to add stability over really rough ground.

With the correct design, engineering and weight distribution, these buggies can be turned on a dime easy to steer with one hand; feature 360o front swivel wheel that allows agility and mobility to be effortless and easy to handle. They also pass the same stability standards worldwide and tests as buggies with four wheels.

If you're looking for a cloth sling, then they tend to be set lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's center of gravity is closer to the ground and provides a more comfortable ride and a less noticeable kerb pop (you don't need to apply the same amount of pressure or effort to lift the buggy over and up the curb).

Maxi-Cosi is best 3 wheel stroller travel system known for its car seat range however, it has recently expanded its product line with the Citylife compact travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 model is designed for urban living and is suitable from birth with a newborn car seat or carrycot for infants. It has four wheels and has an exclusive pewter black aluminium frame that the manufacturer claims is 'slim and compact' - it's just 2cm larger than the Babyzen Yoyo.

Folding

There are many three wheel buggies that can be folded down to fit into smaller spaces. Many can be folded with a single hand and are easy to wipe down. Some of the smallest models have a simple handlebar-height adjustment, while others have adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. They could also come with an enormous, spacious basket and a brake lever with quick release.

The best 3 wheeler for rocky terrain

A 3-wheeled buggy is usually better equipped to handle off-road conditions when compared to a four-wheeled model but both can get stuck on tight corners. A model with larger front and rear wheels can assist. This allows you to push them across rough terrain and will help you get up and down high curbs.

The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its surprising agility despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it out with her baby and reported that "it handled really well on bumpy surfaces, cobbles gravel tracks, dirt roads and even some hills."

Another option is the latest all-terrain 3 wheel all terrain pushchair wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi, a car seat manufacturer, called Stella. It's suitable from birth when used with the carrycot. It's a little bigger than the lightweight 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim frame of 54cm wide) however it has large air-filled tyres. It also has 3 recline positions and a fast one-hand fold.

Its primary selling point is its modularity, though it's compatible with all of the brands' infant car seats and strollers. You can create your own travel system, regardless of whether you want to go on shorter walk or a longer one by using the chassis.

Tyres

The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of styles and types of materials. Each comes with its own pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide a comfortable performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type of tyre you select will be determined by your lifestyle and the place it is that you live.

If you plan to travel on unpaved roads or in rough terrain frequently, you might want to consider a three-wheeler equipped with more durable tyres. You should also think about the type of suspension you need. A sturdy suspension is helpful to handle bumps and humps. However, it can be heavy and increase the overall weight of your pushchair.

Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is the size of the tyre. Knowing how to read tyre sizing is crucial for maintaining safety, performance, and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on a tyre sidewall may seem confusing however, once you understand it, you will be able to understand the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre's size of '185/70 R14 indicates that the tire is a 185/70 radial with 14 inches of rim diameter.

In addition to being more durable, PU tires are less heavy and puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you aren't sure if a pushchair's tires are rubber or PU, slide the tires on an even surface. If the tires move easily, they are made of PU. If they do not, then the tires are made of rubber.

Suspension

The suspension of a 3 wheel buggy is an important aspect to consider as it will absorb the smacks and bumps of rough terrain, making it much more comfortable for your child. Having large wheels, that are air-filled, and can be locked to provide stability when jogging also important as this will ensure that your buggy will be capable of maneuvering off roads with ease.

Depending on the type of buggie you're seeking, there are options to suit all lifestyles and budgets. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. With perfect geometry and engineering their fabric sling seat is tucked away inside the frame as opposed to being on top of modular seats, offering an lower center of gravity and sitting at the ideal height for optimal weight distribution, allowing it to easily take on kerb pops.

Another option worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that has a sleek design with a large, highly maneuverable front wheel, a great suspension and a simple handbrake that twists. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it on a hike through rough terrain and found that it was able to handle the terrain well, stating that it 'flies effortlessly over bumpy grass, cobbles, roads, dirt tracks and even makes a light work of climbing and descending kerbs'.

The Roma Atlas is another popular off road option and like the Urban Glide 2, comes in a variety of colors to match your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also select from a variety of infant car seats to convert the buggy into a pram. This includes the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a comfortable lie-flat crib for babies and infants up to 12 months old.

Safety

Four wheels make a buggy more stable, less likely for it to tip over, and more easy to maneuver. It can also be more secure for your baby since their weight is distributed more evenly throughout the frame of the pushchair.

A four-wheeled buggy has lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to climb over curbs and get up. The fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not on top of it like modular seats do, which creates a low seating position and a lighter buggy that is more easily maneuvered.

If you want to run with your child, then a 4-wheeler is the ideal option. It comes with a suspension system that allows the front wheel of the buggie to be independent from the rear wheel. This will allow you to navigate rough terrain or bumpy roads. However, not all four-wheel buggies can be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception, as they have a specially-designed suspension system that's been tested independently across all types of terrain.