7 Simple Changes That Will Make The Difference With Your 3 Wheeler Buggies
3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for tackling off-road terrain and provides an easy ride for your infant. They are also simpler to push and maneuver than a four wheel buggy and are especially suitable for those with fabric slings or modular seat units, which are positioned tightly in the frame to provide the best design and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent stability, which is why it's a good option for off-road walks (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat unit). They typically have large front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some models even come with a lockable front wheel to give extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have lower centers of gravity than 4-wheeled versions and, therefore, are more likely to fall over. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been made with the best design to ensure they stay stable in any condition. They should be able of turning at a whim and be easy to steer with one hand, and feature the front wheel rotate 360o that makes them great for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. These are made to be able to navigate tracks that aren't paved and are able to withstand rocks, mud, gravel and other debris. Many all-terrain buggies feature an swivelling front wheel that can be locked to add stability when tackling extremely rough terrain too.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great option for runners and those who enjoy walking fast uphill. This is particularly true if you are planning to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It features a flat-reclining seat with five-point harnesses, and plenty of storage space to keep everything you need (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's light, compact and suitable for babies and can be used with car seats or a carrycot. It can also handle some light jogging, but isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you are seeking a buggy that can tackle terrain that is difficult, you should pick one with big tires. They are designed to tackle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks with ease, while still providing smooth riding. They are also great for jogging since they have built in suspension and are simple to move up and down kerbs. However, they're quite heavy to push.
The best 3-wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy is extremely mobile due to its 16 rear wheels and a lockable front wheel. It comes with tyres filled with air that require pumping up from time to time. It can be used by children until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat, and she found steering it easy even with her three-year-old in the seat.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is an alternative that is also a great choice. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a top-quality hood that provides 50+ UV protection and a high-quality hood. It is also easy to move kerbs up and down and fits into a the car's boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a pram with baby car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed inside the frame and not on top as modular seats. This model has a lower centre-of-gravity, which is the ideal height. It is much easier to push, and lighter to kerb-pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you'll need to do this as a new parent!).
Seating
The seating capacity of 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are many different options to pick from. For newborns it is possible to use the carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lie flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy) In addition, older babies and toddlers can be seated in the world-facing or parent facing seat that is spacious and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. The seats don't recline completely, but can be lowered to the lowest position. three wheeler pushchair should still allow your child to have plenty of headroom and space.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It has the advantage that it is placed within the frame, instead of on top as a modular seat. This results in a lower centre of gravity, with a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially over bumpy terrain and curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this style of seat dealt with the obstacles.
This type of buggy has an extensive basket and other useful features like an hood that can be extended with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal and some unique visibility lights which can be put in front of the occupants for improved safety on difficult terrain.
If you're seeking a buggy that will grow along with your family, the sport(tm) is a first in the world that can take in infants and be modified to accommodate two or three children as they grow. All in one footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled model is more sturdy and can be moved with just one hand. It's also more suitable for terrain that is difficult. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A top-quality ATP will come with pneumatic tyres, a cushioned grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It will accept a carrycot or car seat, so you can use it right from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frames didn't pass through their doors at home or car boot. If you're concerned about space, make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy once it is folded before buying.
It's worth looking for a 3-wheeler that can take two (or even 3!) This is the best choice for your child's future and will save you money. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the best of these; it can be used as a single unit from day dot and later converts into twin buggies once your baby begins walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are made to give your child a more comfortable ride by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. You'll find these on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an amazing ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it easier for her to navigate the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
These tyres can be difficult to maintain and will require having their air pressure regularly topped up. These tyres are more susceptible to punctures, and you should always carry an repair kit and spare inner tube when you're out and about.
PU tyres can be seen on a lot more pushchairs than air-filled tyres but they're just as durable. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and supple feel. They also glide well on even and tied surfaces.
You can usually identify the difference between PU and air-filled tyres by running your hand over them, if it feels hard, then it's made of rubber, when it slides, it's a PU. You can also test whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres, by sliding them onto flat, clean surfaces. They should roll easily and fit comfortably into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. This could make your buggy less stable as the foam will lose its springy nature. Also, these kinds of tyres can typically be noisy because they generate lots of noise when you turn and navigate your way around the town.