3 Wheel Buggies: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

3 Wheel Buggies

3 wheel buggies offer excellent maneuverability with a stylish and sleek frame. A lot of them come with a fabric sling seat with a cosy lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution, ideal from birth.

The wheels are bigger and often have suspension to allow for smooth, fluid mobility on various terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they can be bulkier and heavier to store and transport.

Stability

Three wheel buggies are remarkably solid - they don't fall over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when traveling in a straight line, and you'll find that you can manoeuvre them much more quickly and efficiently. If you attempt to stop or turn abruptly, they'll lose stability and can be prone to tipping over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3 wheel stroller with car seat (navigate here)-wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.

The extra wheel also helps you tackle off-road terrain. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road paths and other surfaces like rocks, sand and mud. They'll also usually have a lockable front wheel to provide stability on rough ground.

With the correct design, engineering and weight distribution these buggies can turn on a dime and are easy to steer with one hand; they have 360o front swivel wheel that allows agility and mobility to be easy and light in handling. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.

If you are in the market for a seat made of cloth they are typically less upright in comparison to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground - instantly providing a smoother ride.

Most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight travel system and pushchair to its line-up with the attractive Citylife. This 3 wheel push chair-in-1 model is designed for urban living and is compatible starting at birth with a newborn car seat or carrycot for infants. It has 4 wheels and has an exclusive black pewter frame, which the brand claims is 'slim and compact' - it's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.

Folding

There's a wide selection of 3 wheel buggies that fold up to fit in smaller spaces. Many can be folded with one hand and are easy to wash down. Some of the tiniest models have a simple handlebar-height adjustment, while others feature adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. Certain models may come with large baskets and a brake lever that is quick-release.

The best 3 wheel stroller with car seat lightest 3 wheel stroller wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain

A 3-wheeled buggy is usually better equipped to handle off-road terrain compared to a 4-wheeled model, though both can be a bit stuck on tight corners. But, picking a model with bigger wheels on both sides can help. This allows them to push across rough terrain and can help in getting up and down high kerbs.

One option is the new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her child and reported that "it did really well on bumpy surfaces, cobbles and gravel tracks, dirt roads, and some hills."

Another great alternative is the newest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi named Stella. It can be used from birth if used with a carrycot. It is slightly larger than the lightweight 4-wheelers, however, it comes with air-filled tires with three recline positions and a single-hand fold.

Its most appealing feature is its modularity, though it's compatible with all of the brand's infant car seats and strollers. You can create your own travel system, no matter if you're planning to take a a short walk or take a longer stroll, by using the chassis.

Tyres

The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are offered in a variety of styles and types of materials. Each one has its own pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a comfortable ride and manoeuvrability, while foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type you select will be based on your personal preferences and the location you live in.

If you plan to travel on roads that are not paved or on rough terrain frequently you may think about a three-wheeler equipped with more robust tyres. Think about the type of suspension you require. Strong suspensions are useful for tackling bumps and humps but they can also be heavy, adding to the overall weight.

Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is tyre size. Knowing how to read the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the tyre's sidewall might seem confusing however, once you understand it, you can understand the tyre dimensions. A tyre that has an 185/70 size R14, for example is a radial tire in the 185/70 size with 14-inch rim diameter.

In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure if the tires on a pushchair are rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires over a smooth surface and tie them. If they slide easily then the tires are made of PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.

Suspension

The suspension of a 3 wheel buggy is a vital component to look for because it absorbs the bumps and knocks of rough terrain, making it more comfortable for your child. Large wheels that are filled with air, and are able to be locked to provide stability when running are crucial. This will allow your buggy to travel on off-road surfaces with ease.

There are many choices for buggy designs to fit every budget and lifestyle. For example, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. With perfect geometry and engineering their fabric sling seat sits snug inside the frame as opposed to on top like modular seats, offering the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the ideal height for 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 a massive, manoeuvrable front wheel, excellent suspension, and an easy-to-use handbrake with a twist. MFM reviewer Kath took this buggy to the best 3 wheel stroller test by taking it on a walk through rough ground and found that it was able to handle the terrain well saying that it 'navigates easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, pavements, dirt tracks and even makes a light work of going up and down kerbs'.

The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, like the Urban Glide 2, comes with a variety of colours to suit your style. It also features an adjustable handlebar, a large basket, and a 50+ UV hood. You can also pick from a range of infant car seats that convert the buggy into a pram, such as the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a comfortable lie-flat crib for babies and infants that are up to 12 months old.

Safety

The presence of four wheels makes the pushchair much more stable and less likely to tip, and easier to handle. It can also be safer for your baby as their weight is distributed more evenly throughout the frame of the pushchair.

A four-wheeled buggy has lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to get over curbs and walk up. The fabric sling seats are built into the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This results in a lower seating position and buggy that is easily maneuvered.

If you're looking to go out for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler might be better suited as it has a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the rear one so you can tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most are NOT like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception because they come with a specially-designed suspension system that's been tested by an independent expert across all kinds of terrain.