"The Ultimate Cheat Sheet For 3 Wheeler Buggies
3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-roading and provides the most comfortable ride for infants. They are also easier to push and manoeuvre than a four wheel buggy especially those equipped with fabric slings or modular seat units that are tightly positioned in the frame to provide the best shape and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeler has great stability, which is the reason it's a good option for off-road walking (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat). They often feature oversized front wheels, which cope well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough terrain. Some models have a lockable wheel on the front to provide additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than models with four wheels which means that they topple over more easily. But, the top 3 wheel tandem stroller-wheel buggies have the an ideal geometry and design to make them very stable in all conditions. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer using one hand. They also have an incline of 360o for the front wheel, which is ideal for navigating difficult terrain.
For really tricky surfaces be sure to choose models with air-filled tyres which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres. They are designed to work on non-paved tracks and should cope with dirt, gravel, and more. Many all-terrain buggies have an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to add stability when working on extremely rough ground too.
A 3-wheeled pram is a great option for those who run or like to walk fast uphill. This is especially true if you plan to connect to a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a wide-facing seat that reclines flat. It also has improved 5-point harness and storage space for all your gear (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight 3 wheel pushchair, compact and suitable for babies and can be used with car seats or a carrycot. It can also handle a bit of light jogging but isn't intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that can handle difficult terrain then you want one with big wheels. They will be able to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks and provide a smooth ride for any passenger. They're also ideal for jogging since they come with suspension and are simple to climb and descend kerbs. However, the trade off is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The best 3-wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3 wheeled buggies-wheel buggy is very maneuverable because it has 16 rear facing 3 wheel stroller wheels as well as a lockable front wheel. It has tyres with air that need to be pumped regularly. It can be used by children up until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler enjoyed the shape of the seat, and she found it easy to steer with her 3-year-old son on the seat.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. It's also easy to get up and down kerbs, and it can fit in small car boots. It can also be used as a stroller with a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly inside the frame of the buggie instead of on top of it like modular seats. This design has a lower centre of gravity and a perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you should never underestimate how often you'll do this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
The capacity for seating of 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are many different options to pick from. For a newborn you have the option to use the included carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can use the parent or world-facing seat that is spacious and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. The seats don't recline fully, but they can be lowered down to the lowest setting. This should give your child plenty of headroom and space.
A fabric sling seat is also available, which has the advantage of being set snugly inside the frame rather than on top like the modular seat. This delivers a much lower centre of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push especially over bumpy terrain or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath was impressed with the way this kind of seat handled these challenges.
In addition to a large shopping basket, this kind of buggy generally has pretty useful features such as an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal, and some game-changing visibility lights that come up from the handlebar and can be positioned in front of the passengers to increase their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
If you're seeking a buggy that can grow with your family it's the sport(tm) is a first in the world, can accommodate the newborn, and later be modified to fit three or more children as they grow. All within one footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy more stable to push one handed and is also ideal for handling rough terrain. However, it also means that the shopping basket doesn't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A good quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres and padding for the handle to ensure your comfort. It will accommodate a car seat, so you can use it right from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't pass through all doors in their homes, or small car boots - make sure to check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before purchasing for those who are concerned about space.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3 wheel double buggy!) seats. seats once your family grows. These are the best of both worlds and future proof your money. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the most popular; it can be used as a single from day dot and later converts to a twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
These tires cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more enjoyable. They are commonly found on pushchairs, such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres on the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easier for her to navigate the kerbs and other obstacles.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and will need to have their air pressure topped up regularly. They are also more susceptible to punctures than foam tyres so you'll need to ensure that you have repair kits along with a spare inner tube and pump in case you go traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres are typically found on pushchairs as they are less expensive than air-filled tyres but are equally robust. You can tell PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft feel. They also slide across smooth and tidy surfaces.
If you move your hand over the tyres, then you can determine if they're PU or rubber. If it feels like it's moving, then it is a PU. You can also test if your buggy is fitted with PU tyres by sliding them onto flat, clean surfaces. They should roll easily and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are able to withstand the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. The downside of this is that the foam can shrink and make your buggy feel less stable, as it loses its springy feel. You'll also find that these tyres may often be noisy as they make lots of noise when you turn and make your way around the town.