25 Surprising Facts About 3 Wheeler Buggies
3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for tackling off-road terrain, offering a smooth ride for your child. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheel buggy especially those equipped with fabric slings or modular seat units, which are tightly positioned in the frame to 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). These buggys often have oversized front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheel in the front to give you additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled versions which means they could fall more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs are built with the perfect geometry to ensure that they remain steady in any weather. They should be able of turning at a single click and be able to steer with one hand, and have 360o swivelling front wheels that makes them great for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
For really tricky surfaces be sure to choose models with air-filled tyres also known as pneumatic tyres. These are designed to handle roads that are not paved and can deal with rocks, mud, and more. Many all-terrain buggies have a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to increase stability when working on extremely rough terrain.
A 3-wheel pram is also an ideal option for runners or those who prefer to walk quickly and uphill, especially if you're planning to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, offering a world-facing seat that reclines flat and features a more comfortable 5-point harness and storage space for all your gear (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It is lightweight compact and safe for use from birth. It can be used with a car seat or a carrycot. It also handles a bit of light jogging but isn't intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that will take on tricky terrain, then you'll need one with large wheels. They will be able to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks, while providing an enjoyable ride for all passengers. These are also great for jogging as they have built-in suspension and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. However, the trade off is that they are quite heavy to push.
3 wheeled pushchair for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheeler is highly maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels and a lockable front wheel. It has air tyres, which require pumping occasionally and can hold children until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler enjoyed the design of the seat, and she found it easy to steer with her three-year-old child on the seat.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar and a hood made of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It's also easy to move up and down kerbs, and it can fit in small car boots. It can be used as a stroller along with an infant carrycot or toddlers.
Sling seats made of fabric fit snugly inside the frame of the buggie instead of over it like modular seats. This style has a lower centre-of-gravity at the ideal height. It is much easier to push, and is lighter to kerb-pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you'll need to do that as a new parent!).
Seating
There are a variety of alternatives for seating options in 3 wheelers. For newborns, there is the option to use the included carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy) and older infants and toddlers can be seated in the parent-facing or world-facing seat that is large and padded and does have adjustable ventilation. It's important to note that these seats do not recline completely, but they can be adjusted to the lowest level which will give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It is advantageous in that it is positioned inside the frame, rather than on top as a modular seat. This means that it has a lower centre of gravity, with a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this style of seat handled challenges.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this kind of buggy generally has very useful features like an extendable 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal, and some bright, game-changing lights that appear from the handlebar and can be placed directly in front of the occupants to ensure their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
If you're searching for a stroller that will grow with your family it's the sport(tm), a world-first that can take in the newborn, and later be modified to accommodate three or four children as they grow, all in one footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame is much more stable and can be pushed by one hand. It's also ideal for terrains that are difficult to navigate. However, it does mean that the basket won't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
3 wheeled pushchair -quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It should be able to accept a carrycot or car seat, so you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frames didn't fit through their home doors or car boot. If you're worried about space, make sure you check the dimensions when the buggy is folded prior to purchasing.
It's worth looking for 3-wheelers that can accommodate 2 (or even 3!) This is the most suitable option for your future and can save you money. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the top of them; it can be used as a single seat from day dot and later converts to twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to give your child a more comfortable ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They are commonly used on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted’s Sport, which MFM reviewer Kath said provided "an amazing ride for her toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres on the Phil and Ted's Sport made it easier for her to maneuver around the kerbs and other obstacles.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and will require having their air pressure regularly topped up. These tyres are more susceptible to punctures, and you should always have a repair kit as well as an spare inner tube when you're out and about.
PU tyres are more commonly used on pushchairs since they are a cheaper option than tyres filled with air, but they are equally robust. You can identify PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft texture. They also glide well on smooth and tightly woven surfaces.
It's usually possible to 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 check whether your buggy comes with PU tyres by sliding them onto a flat, clean surface. They should roll smoothly and fit comfortably into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are typically utilized in high-performance buggies and Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain associated with this type of pushchair. The downside is that the foam can compress and make your buggy feel less stable since it loses its springy nature. The tyres can also be noisy because they generate lots of noise when you turn and drive around town.