5 Laws Everyone Working In 3 Wheel Buggies Should Be Aware Of
3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability with a stylish and sleek frame. Many of these have an sling made of fabric with an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed that is perfect for weight distribution and are ideal from birth.
The wheels are bigger and usually come with suspensions to allow for smooth, swift movement on different terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they tend to be more bulky and heavy to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies offer lots of stability. They don't tip over more easily when going straight. You can also manoeuvre faster. However, 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 buggy designs in order to increase the stability of the chassis.
You can also tackle off-road terrain with the extra wheel. Look for 3 wheeler pushchair that have air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road paths and other surfaces like rocks, sand, and mud. These models will also have wheels that lock in the front to improve stability on rough terrain.
With the correct geometry, engineering and weight distribution, these buggies can turn on a dime - easy to steer using just one hand; have 360o front swivel wheels allowing mobility and agility to be effortless and light in handling. They also pass the same global stability standards and test as 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 center of gravity is closer to the ground which means a smoother ride and a lighter kerb pop (you do not need to apply as much pressure or exertion to get the buggy over and up the curb).
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight pushchair and travel system to its product line with the striking Citylife. This 3-in-1 model is designed for urban living and is compatible from birth with a newborn car seat or carrycot for infants. It has 4 wheels and a unique pewter black aluminium frame that the manufacturer claims is 'slim and compact'. It's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are many 3 wheel buggies that can be folded compactly and can be tucked away in smaller spaces. A lot of these buggies can be folded in one hand and are easy to clean. Some of the tiniest models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, while others have adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. They may also have a large, spacious basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most reliable 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain
A 3-wheel buggy will usually be more adept at dealing with off-road conditions than one with four wheels, however both can be stuck in tight places. However, choosing a model with bigger wheels both front and back will help. This allows them to push over uneven ground and can help in moving up and down the high kerbs.
The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its surprising agility despite its 3-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath used it with her infant and her 3-year-old, and said "it is very well-handled over bumpy pavements, cobbles, gravel tracks and dirt roads as well as on some hills."
Another great option is the latest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi named Stella. It's suitable for babies when used in conjunction with the carrycot and is a slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with an impressively slim 54cm wide frame) but it comes with big, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions, and a swift one-hand fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity. It's compatible with all of the brands' baby strollers and car seats. This means that you can design your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks, using only the chassis as a starting point.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of styles and materials. Each comes with its own pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide a comfortable ride and manoeuvrability, while foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type you pick will depend on your lifestyle and where you live.
If you plan to travel on unpaved roads or on rough terrain frequently, you might be interested in a three-wheeler that has more robust tyres. Take into consideration the kind of suspension you need. The suspensions that are strong are great to tackle humps and bumps but they can be heavy, adding to the overall weight.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the tyre. Knowing how to read tyre sizing is crucial for maintaining safety performance, durability, and performance. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewall of a tyre can seem at first, but decoding it allows you to understand the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre with the size 185/70 R14 for instance indicates that it is a radial tire with a diameter of 185/70 and has 14-inch rim size.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also lighter and more puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure whether the tires on a pushchair are made of rubber or PU, slide the tires on an even surface. If they slide easily, then the tires are made from PU. If they do not then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three wheel buggy will make it more comfortable for your child as it will absorb any bumps or knocks from rough terrain. Large wheels that are air-filled, and are able to be locked to ensure stability when jogging are also crucial. This will allow your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces effortlessly.
Based on the type of buggy you're looking for There are choices to fit every lifestyle and budgets. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. With an engineering and geometry that is perfect their fabric sling seat is tucked away inside the frame, in contrast to being on top of modular seats, offering a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the right height for optimal weight distribution, allowing it to easily take on kerb pops.
Another great option is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule which boasts a sleek design with a large, highly maneuverable front wheel, a great suspension and an easy-to-use twist handbrake. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it on an excursion through the rough terrain and found that it was able to handle the terrain well saying that it 'navigates easily over grass, bumpy pavements, cobbles dirt tracks, and makes light work of getting up and down kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road model and, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes with a variety of colours to suit your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar, a large basket and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also pick from a variety of infant car seats that will convert the buggy to pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) which is a comfortable, flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns up to 12 month old.
Safety
Four wheels make the pushchair more stable, less likely for it to tip over and is easier to maneuver. It is also more secure for your child since the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy has lower center of gravity, making it easier to climb over curbs and get up. The seats made of fabric are placed inside the frame, not on top like modular seats. This results in a low seating position and buggy that is easily pushed.
However, if you'd like to go for an exercise with your child then a four-wheeler is better suited since it comes with a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the rear one which allows you to navigate rough terrains and bumpy roads Be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most aren't like the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been independently tested on all types of terrain.