What NOT To Do When It Comes To The 3 Wheeler Buggies Industry
3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is perfect for rough terrain providing an easy ride for your baby. They are also more convenient to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy, especially if they have fabric sling seats or seat units that are positioned perfectly in the frame, delivering the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeler has great stability, which is why it's an ideal choice for off road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road-style seat). These buggys often have oversized front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheel in the front to give you additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies may have a lower centre of gravity than 4-wheeled models, which can mean that they can tip over more easily. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs have an ideal geometry and design to ensure that they remain stable in all conditions. They should be able turn on a dime and be able to be controlled with one hand. They also come with a 360o rotating front wheel that is ideal for navigating difficult terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. These are designed to handle nonpaved tracks, and should be able to handle dirt, gravel, rocks, etc. Many all-terrain buggies have an swivelling front wheel that can be locked to increase stability when tackling extremely rough ground too.
A 3-wheel stroller is a good option for runners or for those who like to walk quickly and uphill, especially when you plan to attach a carrycot or car seat. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a world-facing seat that reclines flat. It also features a more comfortable 5-point harness and storage space for all your equipment (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight, compact and suitable for babies and can be used with car seats or a carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging, however, it isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can handle the tough terrain, then you'll need one with big wheels. These are designed to handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks easily and still provide a smooth ride. They're also ideal for jogging as they come with suspension and are simple to move up and down kerbs. The trade-off is that they're quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy for use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheeler is highly mobile due to its 16 rear wheels as well as a lockable front wheel. It comes with tyres filled with air that need to be pumped regularly. It can be used by children until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler enjoyed the design of the seat and found it easy to steer even with her 3-year-old on the board.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, that comes with an adjustable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. It's also easy to get up and down kerbs, and it can fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a pram that comes with a carrycot or infant car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly inside the buggie's frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This design has a lower center of gravity that is at the ideal height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you should never underestimate how often you'll be doing this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
The capacity for seating of 3 wheelers is impressive and there are a variety of different options to pick from. The included carrycot plus is ideal for a newborn (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a cozy and comfortable lying-flat bed that can be used both in and out of the buggy). Older infants and toddlers will love the spacious and padded seat unit that has adjustable ventilation. The seats don't recline completely, but can be lowered down to the lowest setting. This should still allow your child to have plenty of space and headroom.
A fabric sling is also available. It's a benefit that it is positioned inside the frame, instead of on top as a seat that is modular. This creates a lower center of gravity, with a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push, particularly over bumpy terrains or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath was impressed with the way that this style of seat handled these obstacles.
This kind of buggy comes with an extensive basket and other features that are useful, such as an extendable hood with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal and some innovative visibility lights that can be positioned on the front of the passengers to increase safety on rough terrain.
If you're looking for a single buggy that will expand with your family There's a brand new sport(tm) that's a world's first that can take a single infant from day one and adapt to take 2 or even 3 once your children have developed, all within the footprint of one buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy much more stable to push one handed and is also ideal for handling difficult terrain. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A top-quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres and padding for the handle for your ease. It will be able to accept a carrycot or car seat, which means you can use it from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't pass through their doors at home or car boot. If you're concerned about space, be sure to verify the dimensions of the buggy when it is folded before buying.
Look for a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3 Wheel All terrain buggy!) seats. This is the best choice for your child's future and will save you 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 3 wheel stroller buggies when your baby is walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's journey more comfortable. You'll find these on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an outstanding ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres make it easy to navigate cobbles and kerbs.
They can be difficult to maintain and will need to be filled regularly. These tyres are more prone to punctures, which is why you should always carry a repair kit and spare inner tube with you when you're out and about.
PU tyres are typically found on pushchairs as they are a cheaper option than tyres filled with air, but they are equally durable. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide easily on uneven and tied surfaces.
It's usually possible to tell the difference between PU and air-filled tyres by running your hand over them, if it feels hard then it's rubber and if it slides then it's a PU. You can also check that your buggy has PU tyres simply by sliding the tyres over flat, clean surfaces They'll roll easily and should fit snugly into their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are typically used in high-performance buggies and joggers since they are able to cope with the rough terrain associated with this kind of pushchair. This can make your buggy less stable because the foam will lose its springy quality. The tyres can also be noisy because they generate lots of noise when you turn and navigate around town.