The Ultimate Cheat Sheet For 3 Wheeler Buggies
3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is ideal for rough terrain, offering the most comfortable ride for your infant. They are also easier to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheel buggy, particularly those with slings made of fabric or modular seat units that are positioned tightly in the frame and deliver the best design and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are extremely stable, and this makes them an ideal option for off-roading (especially when equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). These buggys often have oversized 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 important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than models with four wheels, which can mean that they can tip over more easily. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs have perfect geometry and engineering to make them very stable in all conditions. They must be able to pivot on a dime and be able to steer with just one hand, and feature the front wheel rotate 360o that makes them great for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
Look for models with pneumatic tyres. They are made to handle nonpaved tracks, and are able to withstand dirt, gravel, rocks and other debris. Many all-terrain buggies come with an swivelling wheel at the front that can be locked to provide extra stability when you're dealing with rough terrain.
A three-wheeled stroller is a great choice for those who run and love to speed up the hill. This is particularly true if you are planning to connect to a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It has a flat-reclining seat with a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space to keep all your equipment (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It is lightweight and compact, and is suitable to use from birth. It can be used with either the car seat or carrycot. It can also handle some light jogging but isn't intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that will take on tricky terrain then you want one with big wheels. They can handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks while providing a smooth ride for any passenger. These are also great for jogging, as they have a suspension built-in and are able to climb up and down kerbs. However, the drawback is that they are quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy to use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy is very mobile due to its 16 rear wheels as well as a lockable front wheel. It has air tyres, that require occasional pumping and it can be used to carry children up to 3. 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 son on the board.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar as well as a hood that is of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move kerbs upwards and downwards, and can fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a stroller along with a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Fabric slings are positioned in the frame and not on top of the frame like modular seats. This design provides a lower centre of gravity and a perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you cannot overestimate how often you'll be doing this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
There are a variety of alternatives for seating options in 3 wheelers. For a newborn you have the option to use the included carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can sit in the parent-facing or world-facing seat that is large and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to recline completely, but can be lowered to the lowest position. This should allow your child plenty of headroom and space.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It's a benefit that it is placed within the frame, instead of being placed on top of it as a modular seat. This means that it has a lower centre of gravity with perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially over bumpy terrain and curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this type of seat dealt with challenges.
This type of buggy has a large basket and other beneficial features such as an extendable hood with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal and some innovative visibility lights which can be put on the front of the passengers to ensure safety when riding on rough terrain.
If you're seeking a buggy that can grow with your family, the sport(tm), a world-first that can take in a newborn and then be modified to fit three or more children as they grow, all in one footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame is more sturdy and can be moved with one hand. It's also better for terrains that are difficult to navigate. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A top-quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres and padding for the handle to ensure your comfort. It will be able to accept a carrycot or car seat, which means you can use it from birth.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't fit through all the doors in their homes, or small car boots - make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded prior to purchasing in case you're concerned about space.
It's worth considering a 3-wheeler that can take 2 (or even 3!) This is the most suitable option for your future and will help you save money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most sought-after. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggy, and later converted into twin buggies after your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more enjoyable. You'll find these on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tires of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it easier for her to negotiate kerbs and other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain and require air pressure maintained regularly. These tyres are more prone to punctures, so you should always carry an repair kit and spare inner tube when you're out and about.
PU tyres are typically used on pushchairs since they are less expensive than air-filled tyres, but they are just as robust. You can identify PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft texture. They also slide well on even and tied surfaces.
If you rub your hands over the tyres, then you can determine if they're PU or rubber. If it feels like it is sliding then it's a PU. You can also check that your buggy has PU tyres simply by sliding the tyres over an even, clean surface They'll roll easily and should fit snugly in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. 3 wheel pushchairs is that the foam can expand and cause your buggy to feel less stable, as it loses its springy quality. Also, these types of tyres can typically be noisy because they make a lot of noise as you turn and make your way through town.