What Is 3 Wheel Buggies? History Of 3 Wheel Buggies
3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look elegant and sleek, with great maneuverability. Many of them have a fabric sling seat with a cosy lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution, ideal for babies from birth.
The wheels are larger and, in many cases, come with suspension for agile smooth movements on a variety of terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they can be bulkier and heavier to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies provide plenty of stability. They don't fall over as easily when driving straight. You can also maneuver them more quickly. However, if you try to stop or turn suddenly they'll lose their stability and could tip over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel can also help you tackle off-road terrain. Be sure to look for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road routes as well as other surfaces such as rocks, sand, and mud. They'll also come with a lockable front wheel to provide stability on rough terrain.
With the right geometry, engineering and weight distribution, these buggies can turn on a dime - easy to steer with just one hand; have 360o front swivel wheel that allows mobility and agility to be effortless and light in handling. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If 3 wheeler pushchair looking for a fabric seat, these tend to be smaller in the frame as compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly ensuring an easier ride.
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight pushchair and travel system to its line-up with the eye-catching Citylife. This 3-in-1 is perfect for urban living and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It has four wheels and has an exclusive black pewter frame that the manufacturer claims is 'slim and compact' - it's just 2cm larger than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a wide selection of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to fit in smaller space. Many of them can be folded using just one hand, and are easy to wipe down. The smallest models will come with an easy handlebar height adjustment, while others could have an adjustable suspension or an extended 50+ UV canopy. Some models could have an enormous basket as well as brake levers that are quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheel buggy will usually be more adept at dealing with off-road terrain than a 4-wheel model, although both can get stuck in tight spots. However, choosing a model that has larger wheels on both sides can be beneficial. This will make them easier to push across rough terrain and is often helpful in moving up and down steep kerbs.
One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly quick handling, despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her baby and her 3-year-old, and said "it is very well-handled over bumpy pavements, cobbles gravel tracks and dirt roads, as well as on a few hills."
Stella, the new all-terrain 3-wheel buggy by Maxi-Cosi, is another option. It's suitable for babies when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's a smaller than the light 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim 54cm wide frame) but it comes with big, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions and a fast one-hand fold.
Its main selling feature is its modularity - it's compatible across all the brand's infant strollers and car seats. This means you can build your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks using the chassis as a base.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are offered in many styles and materials. Each comes with its own pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres offer a great performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres are more durable. The kind of tyre you pick will be determined by your lifestyle and where you reside.
For example, if you intend to frequently travel on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you might think about a 3-wheeler with sturdier tyres. You should also think about the type of suspension that you require. Suspensions that are strong are ideal to tackle humps and bumps but they can also be heavy, adding to the overall weight.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the tyre. Knowing how to read the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre's sidewall can be initially, but decoding it will allow you to comprehend the tyre's dimensions. A tyre having a size of 185/70 R14 for instance is a radial tire with a diameter of the 185/70 size 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're unsure if the pushchair you are using has rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires on a smooth surface and tie them. If they move easily, then the tires are made of 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 because it will absorb any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. A large wheel which are filled with air and lockable to provide stability when jogging also important as this will ensure that your buggy will be able to navigate off road surfaces with ease.
There are many options for buggy styles that will suit any lifestyle and budget. For instance the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. Their sling seats made of fabrics are designed with the perfect geometry and engineering that fits comfortably inside the frame rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This provides a lower center of gravity and sits at the ideal height to distribute weight easily to conquer bumps.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It has an elegant design, a large wheel that's easy to move and is paired with an impressive suspension. It also features the twist handbrake to facilitate ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath took this buggy to the test by taking it for a walk through rough ground and she found that it adapted to the terrain well saying that it 'navigates easily over grass, bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt tracks and even makes a light work of climbing and descending kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. It is available in a range of colors that match your style. three wheel pushchair has an adjustable handlebar, a large basket and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also pick from a variety of infant car seats to convert the buggy into a pram. This includes the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a cosy lie flat crib for babies and infants up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the buggy more stable and less likely to tip and easier to maneuver. It is also more secure for your child as their weight is distributed more evenly over the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled vehicle has a lower center of gravity, making it easier to get over curbs and get up. The seats of the fabric sling are placed inside the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This creates a low seat and an automobile that is easily moved.
If you're looking to go for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler might be more suitable as it will have suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel to allow you to tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most aren't, such as the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception because they come with an exclusive suspension system that has been independently tested across all terrains.