10 Tips For Getting The Most Value From 3 Wheel Buggies

3 Wheel Buggies

Three-wheel buggies are stylish and sleek, and have outstanding maneuverability. Many of them come with an upholstered sling that has an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed that is perfect for weight distribution and are suitable from birth.

The wheels are bigger and often have suspension to allow for smooth, agile movement on different terrains. The only drawback is that they could be heavier and more bulkier to store & transport.

Stability

Three wheel buggies are remarkably solid - they don't fall over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when they're in a straight line and you'll find that you can maneuver them more quickly and efficiently. If you stop or turn abruptly, they can lose their stability and fall over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.

You can also tackle off-road terrain using the additional wheel. Look for models that have air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres), which can handle off-road trails, sand, dirt, as well as other surfaces, such as rocks and sand. These models will also feature an adjustable wheel that locks on the front to increase stability over rough terrain.

Buggies are easy to maneuver and agile with 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.

If you're in search of a fabric sling seat, then they are typically placed lower in the frame than modular seats, so that your baby's center of gravity is closer to the floor which means a smoother ride and a lighter kerb pop (you don't have to exert the same amount of pressure or effort to get the buggy over and up a kerb).

Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light travel system and pushchair to its range with the striking Citylife. The 3-in-1 model was designed for urban living and can be used for newborns with a car seat or carrycot for infants. It has 4 wheels and has a unique pewter black aluminium frame, which the company claims is 'light and compact'. It's only 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. Some of the tiniest models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, whereas others come with adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. They could also come with large, spacious baskets and a brake lever with quick release.

The best 3 wheeler for rocky terrain

A 3 wheel stroller and car seat-wheeled model is typically better equipped to deal with off-road conditions as compared to a 4-wheeled model, though both can be a bit stuck on tight corners. A model with bigger front and rear wheels will aid. This allows them to push over uneven ground and can help in moving up and down the high kerbs.

One option is the brand new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its responsive handling despite its three-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath used it with her baby and 3 wheel bassinet stroller-year-old son and reported that "it does really well on bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt roads and gravel tracks, as well as on some hills."

Another alternative is the newest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy made by Maxi-Cosi, a car seat manufacturer which is called Stella. It's suitable from birth when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's a smaller than the light 4wheelers (with an impressively slim 54cm wide frame) however it has large, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions, and a quick one-hand fold.

Its main selling point is its modularity, though it's compatible with all of the car seats for infants from the brand and strollers. You can design your own travel system, regardless of whether you're looking to go for a an easy stroll or a longer one using the chassis.

Tyres

The tyres on 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of designs and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres, offer a smooth ride and great maneuverability, while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you select will be based on your personal preferences and where you live.

If you intend to travel on roads that are not paved or rough terrain often you may be interested in a three-wheeler that has more durable tyres. You should also consider the type of suspension you require. Strong suspension is useful to handle bumps and humps, however it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.

The size of the tyre can be important. Understanding how to understand tyre sizing is vital for ensuring safety as well as performance and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre's sidewall may be confusing initially, but understanding it helps you understand the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre size of '185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has a 14-inch rim diameter.

In addition to being more durable, PU tires are lighter and more puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure whether the tires of a pushchair are rubber or PU, slide the tires across the surface with a smooth surface. If they slide easily, then the tires are made from PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.

Suspension

The suspension of a three-wheel buggy will make it more comfortable for your child as it will absorb any knocks or bumps that occur from rough terrain. Large wheels that are air-filled, and can be locked to provide stability when jogging essential to ensure that your buggy is able to navigate off road surfaces with ease.

There are a variety of buggy styles that will suit any budget and style of life. The Mountain Buggy, for example is the first all-terrain vehicle to be developed with three-wheel buggie. With perfect geometry and engineering their fabric sling seat sits snug inside the frame as opposed to sitting on top like modular seats, resulting in the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the right height for optimal weight distribution that allows it to easily handle the kerb pops.

The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It features sleek design, a large wheel that's easy to maneuver and is paired with an impressive suspension. It also features an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its tests by going for a ride on a rough terrain. She was impressed with how it handled it really well, saying that it "navigates over bumpy grass, cobbles, sidewalks, and dirt tracks, and makes it easy to go up and down kerbs".

The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road choice. It is available in a range of colors that will complement your style. It also comes with a movable handlebar and a large basket. You can also select from a variety of infant car seats that will convert the buggy to pram. This includes the elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) which is a comfortable, flat mattress for babies and infants up to 12 month old.

Safety

Having four wheels makes a buggy much more stable and less likely to tip and easier to maneuver. It also makes it more secure for your child as their weight is distributed more evenly over the frame of the pushchair.

A four-wheeled buggy also tends to have a lower center of gravity, making it more easy to roll over curbs and up the stairs. The seat made of fabric is in the frame instead of on top of it like modular seats do, which creates a low seating position and a comparatively lighter buggy that is easily manoeuvred.

If you're looking to run with your child, then a 4-wheeler is the ideal option. It has an suspension system that allows the front wheel of the buggie to be independent from the rear wheel. This allows you to navigate rough terrain or bumpy roads. However it is not the case that all 4 wheel buggies can be used for running. The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially designed suspension system that has been independently tested across all types of terrain.