3 Wheel Buggies

Three-wheel buggies are stylish and sleek, with excellent maneuverability. Many of them come with a fabric sling with a cosy lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution and are ideal from birth.

The wheels are bigger, and they also often have suspensions for smooth movement over a variety of terrains. The only downside is that they could be heavier and more bulkier to store & transport.

Stability

Three-wheel buggies offer plenty of stability. They aren't prone to tipping over more easily when driving straight. They also allow you to maneuver more swiftly. If you stop or turn abruptly, they could lose stability and even tip over. For this reason, some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.

The additional wheel can also help you to tackle off-road terrain. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road trails and other surfaces like rocks, sand, and mud. They'll also typically come with an adjustable front wheel that locks to give stability over rough terrain.

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

If you're looking for a fabric sling seat, 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 which means a smoother ride and a less noticeable kerb pop (you do not need to apply the same amount of pressure or effort to get the buggy over and up a kerb).

Maxi-Cosi is a household name for its car seat range however, it recently expanded its product line with the Citylife lightweight travel system and pushchair. The 3-in-1 model was designed for urban living and is suitable from birth with a newborn car seat or carrycot for infants. It has four wheels and a unique pewter black aluminium frame, which the brand claims is 'light and compact' - it's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.

Folding

There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold down to fit in smaller space. They can be folded with just one hand, and are easy to wipe down. Some of the tiniest models come with a simple handlebar height adjustment, while others have adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. Some models may have an enormous basket as well as brake levers that are quick-release.

The best 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain

A 3-wheeled vehicle is generally better equipped to handle off-road conditions when compared to a four-wheeled model however both can get stuck on tight corners. A model with larger front and rear wheels will aid. This makes it easier to push them across rough terrain, and can aid in getting up and down high curbs.

One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its responsive handling despite its three-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her infant and her 3 wheel pushchair-year-old, and said "it is very well-handled over bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt roads and gravel tracks and also on some hills."

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

Its primary selling point is its modularity it's compatible with all of the brands' infant car seats and strollers. You can design your own travel system, regardless of whether you're planning to take a a short walk or a longer one, using the chassis.

Tyres

The tyres on twin 3 wheeler strollers wheel stroller (Going in posteezy.com) wheel buggies are available 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 manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you choose will depend on your lifestyle and where you live.

If you intend to travel on roads that are not paved or in rough terrain frequently you may want to consider a three-wheeler equipped with more durable tyres. Also, you should consider the type of suspension that you need. A sturdy suspension is helpful to handle bumps and humps, but it can be heavy and increase the overall weight of your pushchair.

The size of the tyre is crucial. Understanding the tyre size is important for 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 tyre dimensions. A tyre having the size 185/70 R14, for example indicates that it is a radial tire in 185/70 with 14-inch rim size.

In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also less heavy and puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you are unsure if the tires of a pushchair are rubber or PU, slide the tires across the surface with a smooth surface. If the tires slide easily, they are made of PU. If they do not, then the tires are composed of rubber.

Suspension

The suspension on a 3 wheel buggy is an essential aspect to consider as it will absorb the bumps and knocks of rough terrain, making it more comfortable for your child. Large wheels that are air-filled and that can be locked to provide stability when running are important. This will enable your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces with ease.

There are a variety of buggy designs to fit every budget and style of life. The Mountain Buggy, for example was the first to introduce all-terrain agility with three-wheel buggies. With an engineering and geometry that is perfect their fabric sling seat rests comfortably inside the frame, in contrast to sitting on top like modular seats, offering the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the right height to ensure optimal weight distribution that allows it to easily handle the kerb pops.

The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It sports an elegant design, a huge wheel that's easy to maneuver and is paired with an impressive suspension. It also has a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath really put this buggy to the test by taking it on a walk through rough ground and found that it handled the terrain really well, stating that it 'flies effortlessly over bumpy grass, cobbles, pavements, dirt tracks and even can be a breeze getting up and down kerbs'.

The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road model and, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes with a variety of colours to suit your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar and a spacious basket. You can also choose from a selection of infant car seats that convert the buggy to a pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm), which is a comfortable, flat mattress for babies and infants from 12 months old.

Safety

Four wheels make the pushchair more stable, less likely for it to tip over, and more easy to maneuver. It also makes it more secure for your child since the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.

A four-wheeled buggy has a lower center of gravity, making it easier to climb over curbs and get up. The seats of the fabric sling are positioned inside the frame and not on top as modular seats. This creates a low seating position and a buggy that can be easily pushed.

If you're looking to run with your child, a 4-wheeler is the best option. It has a suspension system that allows the front wheel of the buggie to be independent from the rear. This will allow you to tackle rough terrains or bumpy roads. However, not all 4 wheel buggies can be used for running. The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been tested by an independent party across all terrains.