3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-roading and provides an easy ride for babies. They are also simpler to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy and are especially suitable for those with slings made of fabric or modular seat units that are placed in a tight position within the frame and provide the best design and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled vehicles are very stable, which makes them an excellent choice for off-road walking (especially when equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels on the front for additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled versions and, therefore, are more likely to fall over. That said, the best 3-wheel buggies have the perfect geometry and engineering to make them very solid in all conditions. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer using one hand. They also come with a 360o rotating front wheel, which makes them perfect to navigate difficult terrain.
Look for models that have pneumatic tyres. They are made to handle nonpaved tracks, and should be able to handle rocks, mud, gravel and more. Many all-terrain buggies feature an swivelling front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when working on extremely rough terrain.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great option for those who run or like to walk fast uphill. This is especially true if you plan to attach to a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It features a flat-reclining seat with a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space to store all your gear (plus the ability to extend 50+ of the sun hood). It's lightweight and compact, and is suitable for use from birth. It can be used with either the car seat or carrycot. It also allows for some light jogging but isn't intended for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can tackle difficult terrain, then you should choose one with large tires. These will cope well over cobbles, grass and dirt tracks, while providing an enjoyable ride for all passengers. They are also ideal for jogging as they have built-in suspension and are able to climb up and down kerbs. However, the drawback is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy to use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels, and a lockable swivel front wheel which makes it very maneuverable. It has air-filled tyres which require pumping up every now and then. It can be used by children up until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the seat shape and she was able to steer it easily with her 3 year old on board.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, that comes with an adjustable handlebar as well as a hood that is of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move kerbs upwards and downwards and fits in a the car's boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a stroller along with an infant carrycot or toddlers.
Fabric slings are set in the frame and not on top as modular seats. This design has a lower centre-of-gravity, which is the perfect height. It is much easier to push, and lighter to kerb-pop (you can't underestimate the number of times you'll do that as a brand new parent!).
Seating
There are a myriad of options for seating in 3 wheelers. The carrycot included is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfy and cozy lie-flat bed that can be used both in and out of the buggy). Older children and toddlers will love the spacious and padded seat with adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to recline completely, but can be lowered to the lowest point. This should still give your child plenty of headroom and space.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available. It offers the advantage of being placed snugly within the frame instead of over the top of an open-back seat. This gives a lower centre of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat dealt with obstacles.
In addition to a large shopping basket, this type of buggy typically has some very useful features like an extended 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal, and a few games-changing visibility lights that come up from the handlebars and can be placed in front of the passengers to improve their safety when traversing difficult terrain.
If you're seeking a buggy that will grow with your family, the sport(tm) is a world first that can take in the newborn, and later be adapted to accommodate three or four children as they grow. All within one footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame is much more stable and can be pushed with just one hand. It's also better for terrain that is difficult. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A high-quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as padding for the handle to ensure your convenience. It is also equipped to carry a carrycot and car seat and you can use it from the time you are born.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't fit through all the doors in their homes or small car booties - make sure to check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before purchasing for those who are concerned about space.
Choose a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the best option for your future and will save you money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most well-known. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggie and then converted into twin buggies once your baby is walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres have been designed to give your child more comfort while riding by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. These are used on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said offered "an outstanding ride for her toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres make it easier to handle cobbles and kerbs.
These tyres can sometimes prove tricky to keep inflated and will need to be filled regularly. These tyres are more prone to punctures, so you should always have a repair kit as well as an spare inner tube with you when you're out and out and about.
PU tyres are found on more pushchairs than air-filled tyres but they are still just as durable. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and supple feel. They also glide well on uneven and tied surfaces.
If you run your hand over the tyres, you can determine if they're rubber or PU. If it feels like it's sliding, then it is a rubber tyre, which is a. You can also check whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres sliding them onto an even, smooth surface. 3 wheeler pushchair should roll smoothly and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. The downside is that the foam can compress and make your buggy feel less stable because it loses its springy feel. You'll also find that these types of tyres can often be noisy as they generate a lot of noise as you turn and navigate your way through the town.