Ten Things You Need To Be Educated About 3 Wheeler Buggies
3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-road terrain and offers an easy ride for babies. They are also easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheeler and are especially suitable for those with slings made of fabric or modular seat units, which are tightly positioned in the frame and provide the most efficient geometry and distribution of weight.
Stability
A three-wheeler has great stability, which is why it is a great option for off-road walks (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat unit). These buggys often have oversized front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some models even feature a lockable front tire to give extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies can have a lower center of gravity than models with four wheels which means that they fall over more easily. That said, the best 3 wheel buggy 3-wheel pushchairs are designed with an ideal geometry and design to ensure that they remain solid in all conditions. They should be able to turn at a single click and be able to steer with one hand and have a 360o swivelling front wheel which makes them ideal for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
For surfaces that are extremely challenging you should look for a model with air-filled tyres, also known as pneumatic tyres. They are designed to handle roads that are not paved and can deal with dirt, gravel, etc. Many all-terrain buggies feature a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to increase stability when dealing with extremely rough terrain.
A 3-wheeler is an excellent option for runners or for those who prefer to walk quickly and uphill, particularly when you plan to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It has an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with 5-point harness and plenty of storage space to keep all your gear (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It's light and compact, and is suitable for use starting at birth. It can be used in conjunction with a car seat or a carrycot. It can also handle some light jogging, but isn't designed for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can take on difficult terrain, you should choose one with big tires. These are designed to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks with ease, while still providing an enjoyable ride. They're also good for jogging as they're equipped with suspension and are easy to move up and down kerbs. However, the trade off is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The best 3-wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy is extremely mobile due to its 16 rear wheels as well as the front wheel can be locked. It has air tyres which require pumping occasionally, and it can carry a child until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat and was able to steer it easily with her 3-year-old riding along.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a hood made of high-end materials that provides 50+ UV protection as well as a high quality hood. It is also easy to move up and down kerbs, and can fit into the boot of a car that is small. It can also be used as a pram, with a carrycot or infant car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed within the frame, not on top like modular seats. This model has a lower centre of gravity at the right height. It is easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you don't know how many times you'll need to do that as a brand new parent!).
Seating
There are many options for seating in three wheelers. The carrycot included is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a cozy and comfortable lay-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy). Older children and toddlers will enjoy the spacious and comfortable seat with adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to fully recline, but they can be lowered down to the lowest setting. This should still allow your child to have plenty of room and headroom.
A sling seat made of fabric is also available. It has the advantage of being set snugly inside the frame rather than sitting on top as an open-back seat. This gives a lower centre of gravity as well as a 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 handled the obstacles.
This kind of buggy comes with an extensive basket and other features that are useful like an hood that can be extended with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal and a few innovative lights for visibility that can be positioned on the front of the passengers to ensure safety when riding on rough terrain.
If you're searching for a single baby buggy that will grow with your family, there's the brand-new sport(tm) which is the first of its kind to take a single newborn from the moment of birth and adapt to take 2 or even 3 wheel stroller and car seat once your baby has grown and all within the footprint of one buggy.
Storage
The 3 wheel Infant stroller-wheeled frame makes a buggy much more stable to push one handed, and it's also great for handling rough terrain. However, it also means that the shopping basket doesn't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A high-quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres, a padded grip for better comfort, and an excellent suspension. It should also be able to take the form of a car seat and carrycot and you can use it from the time you are born.
MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't pass through their doors at home or car boot. If you're worried about space, make sure you check the dimensions when the buggy is folded before buying.
Choose a 3 wheel infant stroller-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the best option for your future and can help you save money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most popular. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggie and later converted into twin 3 wheel stroller buggies when your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to give your child an easier ride by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. They're commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an outstanding ride for my toddler". She also mentioned that the grippy tyres of the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easier for her to navigate the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and require air pressure maintained regularly. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres. So it is essential that you have a repair kit, spare inner tube and pump handy when out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres are more commonly used on pushchairs because they are less expensive than air-filled tyres but are just as durable. PU tires are easily distinguished by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide across flat and tidied surfaces.
If you run your hand over the tyres you can tell if they're PU or rubber. If it feels like it's moving, then it is a PU. You can also verify whether your buggy has PU tyres by slipping the tyres over a clean, flat surface They'll roll easily and should fit snugly into their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are often utilized in high-performance buggies and Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain associated with this kind of pushchair. The drawback is that the foam may expand and cause your buggy to feel less stable since it loses its springy feel. Also, these types of tyres can typically be noisy because they make lots of noise when you turn and make your way through the town.