7 Little Changes That'll Make A Big Difference In Your 3 Wheeler Buggies
3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for off-roading and provides the most comfortable ride for your baby. They are also more convenient to move and push than a four-wheel buggy especially those with fabric sling seats or modular seat units that are positioned snugly in the frame, offering the most efficient geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent 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 types of buggys typically have large front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some even come with a lockable front wheel for extra stability 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 can topple over more readily. But, the top 3-wheel buggies have the perfect geometry and engineering to ensure that they remain solid in all conditions. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer with one hand. They also come with the ability to rotate 360o on the front wheel, which makes them ideal to navigate difficult terrain.
For surfaces that are extremely challenging you should look for models with air-filled tyres which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres, which are designed to handle roads that are not paved and can deal with mud, gravel, rock and so on. Many all-terrain buggies come with an swivelling wheel at the front which can be locked for greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
A three-wheeled stroller is a great choice for those who run or love to speed up the hill. This is particularly true if you intend to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a world-facing seat that can recline flat and has improved 5-point harness and storage space for all your gear (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight, compact and suitable for infants and can be used with a carrycot or car seat. It can also be used for jogging with a light pace, however, it isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you are seeking a buggy that can take on difficult terrain, you should choose one with big tires. They are designed to tackle dirt, cobbles, and grass tracks with ease while providing an enjoyable ride. They are also great for jogging since they have built in suspension and are simple to get up and down kerbs. However, they're a bit heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy to use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels with a lockable swivel front wheel making it extremely maneuverable. It has air-filled tyres that need to be pumped regularly. It can carry children as young as the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the shape of the seat, and she found steering it easy even with her 3 year old in the seat.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a top-quality hood that offers 50+ UV protection, and an extremely high-quality hood. It's also easy to get up and down kerbs, and it can fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a stroller and a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed within the frame and not on top as modular seats. This model has a lower centre-of-gravity at the ideal height. It is much easier to push and lighter to kerb-pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you will do that as a new parent!).
Seating
There are a myriad of alternatives for seating options in 3 wheelers. The included carrycot plus is ideal for a baby (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfy and cozy lie-flat bed that can be used in and out of the buggy). Older babies and toddlers will appreciate the large and comfortable seat unit that has adjustable ventilation. The seats don't fully recline, but they can be lowered down to the lowest position. This should allow your child to have plenty of room and headroom.
A fabric sling is also available. It's a benefit that it is positioned inside the frame rather than on top as a seat that is modular. This means that it has a lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially over bumpy terrain and curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this type of seat handled obstacles.
This type of buggy has a large basket and other useful features, such as an hood that can be extended with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal, and some innovative visibility lights which can be put in front of the occupants to ensure safety when riding on rough terrain.
If you're searching for a single baby buggy that can expand with your family There's the new sport(tm) that is the first in the world to take a single infant from the moment of birth and adjust to take 2 or even 3 after your children have developed, all within the footprint of one buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy more stable to push with one hand and also perfect for handling terrain that is difficult to navigate. However, it also means that the shopping basket doesn't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A top-quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned for your convenience. It is also equipped with car seats and a carrycot so you can use it from the moment you are born.
MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame won't pass through all doors in their homes, or small car boot - be sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before purchasing if you're worried about space.
Choose a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. seats once your family grows. These are the best of both worlds and can help you to save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the most popular and can be used as a single unit from day dot, and then transforms to twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
These tyres absorb bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. You'll find these on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also said that its grippy tyres made it easier to handle kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and will require air pressure topped up regularly. These tyres are more prone to punctures, and you should always have a repair kit and spare inner tube when you're out and out and about.
3 wheeler pushchair are typically used on pushchairs because they are a cheaper option than tyres filled with air, but they are just as robust. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and soft feel. They also glide well on uneven and tied surfaces.
You can usually discern the difference between PU and air-filled tires by running your hands over them, if it feels firm, then it's a rubber tyre, and if it slides then it's a PU. You can also test whether your buggy comes with PU tyres by sliding them on a flat, clean surface. They should roll smoothly and fit comfortably into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are often used in high-performance buggies as well as Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain common to this type of pushchair. This can make your buggy less stable because the foam loses its springy nature. Additionally, these kinds of tyres can often be noisy as they generate lots of noise when you turn and make your way through the town.