20 Myths About 3 Wheeler Buggies: Busted
3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is perfect for tackling off-road terrain and provides an easy ride for your child. They are also easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy particularly those with fabric sling seats or seats that are set comfortably within the frame, providing the most efficient geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are extremely stable, which makes them a great option for off-road walks (especially when equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some models have a lockable wheel on the front to provide extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have lower centers of gravity than 4-wheeled versions, which could mean they could fall more easily. That said, the best 3 wheel baby buggy-wheel pushchairs are designed with perfect geometry and engineering to ensure that they remain stable in all conditions. They should be able turn at a whim and be able to be controlled with one hand. They also come with the ability to rotate 360o on the front wheel, which is ideal to navigate difficult terrain.
Look for models with pneumatic tyres. They are made to work on tracks that are not paved, and are able to withstand rocks, mud, gravel and more. A majority of all-terrain buggies come with an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to increase stability when tackling extremely rough terrain.
A 3-wheeler is an ideal option for runners and those who like to walk quickly and uphill, particularly in the event that you're planning to connect a carrycot or car seat. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a wide-facing seat that reclines flat. It also has improved 5-point harness and storage space for all your kit (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's light, compact and suitable for infants and can be used with the use of a car seat or carrycot. It can also handle a bit of light jogging, but isn't designed for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that can tackle difficult terrain, then you should select one with big tires. They are designed to tackle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks with ease while providing an enjoyable ride. They're also ideal for jogging because they come with suspension and are simple to get up and down kerbs. The trade-off is that they are quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel stroller 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy is very maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels as well as a lockable front wheel. It comes with tyres filled with air that require pumping regularly. It can carry children as young as 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 wheel buggies-year-old in the seat.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a high-quality hood that offers 50+ UV protection and a high quality hood. It's also simple to get up and down kerbs and fit into small 3 wheel stroller car boot. It can also be used as a stroller with an infant carrycot or toddlers.
Fabric slings are set in the frame, not on top like modular seats. This design provides a lower center of gravity at the perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you can never overestimate how often you'll be doing this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is quite impressive, and there are a number of different options to choose from. The carrycot included is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfortable and cosy lay-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy). Older infants and toddlers will appreciate the large and comfortable seat with adjustable ventilation. It is important to note that the seats don't recline fully, but they can be adjusted to the lowest position that will still allow your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A sling seat made of fabric is also available, which is set snugly inside the frame, rather than sitting on top as a modular seat and this delivers a much lower centre of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push especially when you're on bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath loved the way this kind of seat dealt with these challenges.
In addition to a big shopping basket, this type of buggy generally has quite useful features, such as an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy-to-use brake pedal and some games-changing visibility lights that pop up from the handlebar and can be placed in front of the occupants to increase their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
If you're searching for a stroller that will grow with your family, the sport(tm) is a world first designed to accommodate infants and be adapted to accommodate three or four children as they grow. All within a single footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy more stable and sturdy to push one-handed and is also ideal for handling difficult terrain. However, it means that the shopping basket doesn't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A high-quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for comfort and excellent suspension. It should be able to accept a carrycot or car seat, meaning you can use it right from the time of birth.
The MFM reviewers noted that the 3-wheeler frame didn't pass through their doors at home or car boot. If you're concerned about space, be sure you check the dimensions of the buggy once it is folded before purchasing.
Choose a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3 wheel all terrain buggy!) seats. seats when your family grows. They are the best of both worlds and future proof your money. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the best of these that can be used as a single unit from day dot, and then transforms into twin buggies once your baby starts walking.
Tyres
These tyres absorb bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more enjoyable. They're commonly found on pushchairs, such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres on it made it easier to handle cobbles and kerbs.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and need to have their air pressure regularly topped up. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres, so you'll need to ensure that you have a repair kit, spare inner tube and pump in case you go you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres can be used on pushchairs since they are less expensive than air-filled tyres but are just as durable. You can identify PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft feel. They also slide on flat and tidy surfaces.
You can usually discern the difference between air-filled and PU tire by running your fingers over each one, if it feels hard, then it's made of rubber, If it slides, then it's a PU. You can also verify that your buggy has PU tyres by sliding the tyres on flat, clean surfaces They'll be able to roll easily and fit snugly into their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are typically used in high-performance buggies and Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain that's associated with this kind of pushchair. The downside is that the foam may expand and cause your buggy to feel less stable as it loses its springy quality. Additionally, these kinds of tyres can typically be noisy because they create a lot of noise as you turn and navigate your way through the town.