20 Myths About 3 Wheel Buggies: Dispelled
3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are stylish and sleek, and have outstanding maneuverability. pushchairsandprams of them come with a fabric sling with an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution and are ideal from birth.
The wheels are larger and typically have suspension to allow for smooth, swift movement on different terrains. The only downside is that they could be heavier and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are extremely solid - they don't fall over as easily as pushchairs that have four wheels when going in a straight line and you'll be able to maneuver them more quickly and easily. If you attempt to turn or stop suddenly, they'll lose stability and may fall over. For this reason, certain manufacturers add an extra wheel to their three wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel can also help you tackle off-road terrain. Look for models with air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that can be used to handle off-road routes, sand and mud, and other surfaces like rock and sand. These models will also feature a lockable wheel on the front to increase the stability of the vehicle over rough terrain.
The buggies are simple to maneuver and agile with 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.
If you're in search of a fabric sling, then these tend to be placed lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the floor - instantly delivering a smoother ride and less kerb pop (you don't have to exert the same amount of pressure or exertion to get the buggy up and over a kerb).
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an ultra-light pushchair and travel system to its range with the attractive Citylife. This 3-in-1 is perfect for urban living, and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It has 4 wheels and has a unique pewter black aluminium frame, which the brand claims is 'slim and compact'. It's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to fit in smaller space. A lot of these buggies can be folded in one hand, and are easy to clean. The smallest models will come with a basic handlebar height adjustment, while others may have an adjustable suspension and an extendable 50+ UV canopy. Certain models may come with large baskets and brake levers that are quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rocky terrain
A 3-wheeled buggy is usually better equipped to deal with off-road conditions as compared to a 4-wheeled model however both may get stuck in tight corners. However, choosing a model that has larger wheels both front and back will help. This allows you to push them across rough terrain and can assist you in climbing up and down steep curbs.
One option is the new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly quick handling, despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her infant and 3-year-old son and reported that "it does really well on bumpy pavements, cobbles dirt roads and gravel tracks and also on some hills."
Another great option is the latest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi which is called Stella. It can be used from birth when used with a carrycot. It is slightly larger than the lighter 4-wheelers but it features air-filled tires and three recline positions and a one-handed fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity. It's compatible across all the brand's infant strollers and car seats. You can create your own travel system, regardless of whether you're looking to go for a a short walk or a longer one, by using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are available in many styles and materials. Each comes with its own pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a comfortable performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres are more durable. The kind of tyre you pick will be determined by your lifestyle and the place it is that you live.
For instance, if you plan to travel often on rough or muddy terrain, you may be interested in a 3-wheeler that has sturdier tires. Take into consideration the type of suspension you require. Suspensions that are strong are ideal for tackling bumps and humps but they can be heavy and add to the overall weight.
The size of the tyre is also important. Understanding how to read the tyre size is important for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewall of a tyre may be initially, but decoding it will allow you to comprehend the tyre's dimensions. For example, a tyre size of '185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has a 14-inch rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also lighter and more puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you aren't sure if the tires of a pushchair are rubber or PU, try sliding the tires across the surface with a smooth surface. If they slide easily, then the tires are made of PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a 3 wheel buggy is an important component to look for because it absorbs the smacks and bumps of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels which are filled with air and can be locked to provide stability when jogging also important as this will ensure that your buggy will be capable of maneuvering off roads with ease.
Depending on the type of buggie you're seeking There are options that will fit all lifestyles and budgets. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with the perfect design and engineering to fit comfortably inside the frame instead of on top like modular seats. This creates a lower center of gravity and sits at the ideal height to distribute weight evenly to conquer the kerbs.
Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that boasts a sleek style with a massive, manoeuvrable front wheel, a great suspension and an easy-to-use twist handbrake. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its trials by going for a ride on rough terrain. She found that it handled it really well and claimed that it "navigates over grass, bumpy sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks, and makes it easy to go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road choice. It is available in a variety of colours that match your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar and a spacious basket. You can also choose from a selection of infant car seats that will transform the buggy into pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) that is a comfy lie-flat bed for newborns or babies from 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the pushchair more stable, less likely for it to tip over, and more easy to maneuver. It also makes it more secure for your child since the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy also tends to have a lower center of gravity and therefore is easier to pop over curbs and up the stairs. The seat made of fabric is inside the frame rather than over it as modular seats do, which makes for a low-slung seating position and a lighter buggy that is more easily maneuvered.
If you're looking to run with your child, a 4-wheeler is the ideal option. It comes with a suspension system which allows the front wheel of the buggie to be independent from the rear. This will allow you to tackle rough terrains or bumpy roads. However it is not the case that all four wheel buggies are able to be used for running. The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been independently tested on all kinds of terrain.