3 wheeler pushchairs Wheel Buggies

Three-wheel buggies look stylish and sleek, with excellent maneuverability. Many of these feature a fabric sling seat with a cosy lying flat bed and excellent weight distribution, perfect for babies from birth.

The wheels are larger, and they also often have suspensions for smooth movement over various terrains. The only downside is that they can be heavier and more bulkier to store & transport.

Stability

Three wheel buggies are remarkably solid - they don't fall over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when going in a straight line, and you'll notice that you can manoeuvre them much more quickly and effortlessly. If you turn or stop abruptly, they could lose stability and even tip over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3 wheeled pushchairs-wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.

The additional wheel also allows you navigate off-road terrain. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) because they can deal with off-road paths as well as other surfaces such as rocks, sand and mud. They'll also typically come with an adjustable front wheel that locks to add stability over really rough terrain.

With the correct geometry, engineering and weight distribution these buggies can turn on a dime and are easy to steer with just one hand; have 360o front swivel wheels that allow mobility and agility to be effortless and easy to handle. They will also pass the same global stability standards and test as 4-wheel buggies.

If you're looking for a cloth sling seat, then these tend to be placed lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's center of gravity is closer to the ground and provides a more comfortable ride and a lighter kerb pop (you don't need to apply as much pressure or effort to get the buggy up and over the Kerb).

Maxi-Cosi is a household name for its car seat range, but it has recently expanded its product range with the Citylife, a lightweight travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 is perfect for urban living, and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It has 4 wheels and uses an exclusive black pewter frame, which the company claims is 'slim and compact' - it's just 2cm larger than the Babyzen Yoyo.

Folding

There are a variety of three wheel buggies (Google officially announced) that can be folded down to fit into smaller spaces. A majority of these buggies are able to be folded with one hand, and are easy to clean. Some of the smallest models have a simple handlebar-height adjustment, whereas others come with adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. They may also have a large, spacious basket and a brake lever with quick release.

The most reliable 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain

A 3-wheeler will typically be more able to deal with off-road conditions better than one with four wheels, however both can get stuck in difficult spots. However, selecting a model with bigger wheels on both sides will help. This makes it easier to push them across rough terrain, and can help you get up and down steep curbs.

The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its surprising agility despite its three wheeler pushchair-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath has tested it with her baby and reported that "it did really well on cobbles, bumpy surfaces dirt roads, gravel tracks and even a few hills."

Another great alternative is the new 3 wheel travel stroller-wheel buggy that is all-terrain from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi named Stella. It is suitable from birth if used with a carrycot. It's slightly bigger than the lightweight 4-wheelers, but it has air-filled tires and three recline positions and a one-handed fold.

Its primary selling point is its modularity, though it's compatible with all of the brand's infant car seats and strollers. You can build your own travel system, regardless of whether you want to go on shorter walk or a longer one using the chassis.

Tyres

The tyres for 3 wheeler pushchair wheel buggies are available in a variety of styles and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air offer a great ride and manoeuvrability, while foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type of tyre you select will depend on your lifestyle and the place you live.

For example, if you are planning to travel frequently on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you might be interested in a 3-wheeler with sturdier tires. Think about the kind of suspension you need. A strong suspension is ideal to handle bumps and humps, however it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.

The size of the tyre is also crucial. Understanding how to understand tyre sizing is vital to ensure safety, performance, and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the tyre's sidewall might appear confusing until you get the hang of it, you can understand the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre having an 185/70 size R14 for instance is a radial tire that has a size of 185/70 and has 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 the tires slide easily and smoothly, they're made of PU. If they don't, then the tires are made of rubber.

Suspension

The suspension on a three wheel buggy is a vital aspect to consider as it absorbs the smacks and bumps of rough terrain, making it much more comfortable for your child. Large wheels that are air-filled, and can be locked to ensure stability when running are crucial. This will allow your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces with ease.

Depending on the style of buggie you're seeking, there are options to suit all lifestyles and budgets. For example, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a 3-wheel buggies. With the perfect geometry and engineering their fabric sling seat sits snug inside the frame, in contrast to being on top of modular seats, offering a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the right height to ensure optimal weight distribution that allows it to easily handle kerb pops.

Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that has a sleek design with large highly manoeuvrable front wheel, a great suspension and a simple handbrake that twists. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its trials by taking it for a walk through rough terrain. She was impressed with how it was able to handle it very well and said that it "navigates over bumpy grass, cobbles, sidewalks, and dirt tracks and allows you to easily go up and down kerbs".

The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a range of colours to complement your style. It also features an adjustable handlebar, a large basket, and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also select from a selection of infant car seats that convert the buggy into a pram. This includes the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a comfy lie-flat bed for newborns and babies from 12 months to 12 years old.

Safety

The presence of four wheels makes the buggy more stable and less likely to tip over and easier to handle. It also makes it safer for your child as the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.

A four-wheeled buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity, making it more easy to roll up and over curbs. The fabric sling seats are positioned inside the frame, not on top like modular seats. This creates a low seating position and buggy that is easily moved.

However, if you want to go for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler may be more suitable as it has suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back one so you can tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads be aware that not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most aren't like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception, as they have an exclusive suspension system that has been independently tested across all kinds of terrain.