A Cheat Sheet For The Ultimate On 3 Wheeler Buggies
3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is perfect for tackling off-road terrain, offering a smooth ride for your baby. They can also be easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy especially those with fabric slings or modular seat units that are positioned comfortably in the frame, delivering the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent stability, which is the reason it's an ideal 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 are able to handle bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some models even feature a lockable front tire to give extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower centre of gravity than 4-wheeled models, which can mean that they topple over more easily. But, the top 3-wheel pushchairs have perfect geometry and engineering to make them very stable in all weather conditions. They should be able turn at a whim and be easy to steer using one hand. They also come with an incline of 360o for the front wheel which makes them perfect to navigate difficult terrain.
For really tricky surfaces, look out for a model with air-filled tyres also known as pneumatic tyres. These are designed to work on non-paved tracks and should cope with rocks, mud, and more. A lot of all-terrain buggies have a swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked for added stability when tackling very rough terrain.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great choice for those who run and like to walk fast uphill. 3 wheeled pushchair is particularly true if you intend to attach to a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It has an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space for everything you need (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It's lightweight, compact and suitable from birth and can be used in conjunction with the use of a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for jogging with a light pace, however, it isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a vehicle that will take on tricky terrain then you want one with big wheels. They are designed to tackle dirt, cobbles, and grass tracks easily, while still providing smooth riding. They are also ideal for jogging because they have a suspension built-in and are easy enough to climb 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 you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy comes with 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front making it extremely maneuverable. It comes with tyres filled with air that need to be pumped regularly. It can accommodate children up until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler liked the design of the seat, and she found it easy to steer even with her 3-year-old on the board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is an alternative that is also a great choice. It comes with a movable handlebar, a hood made of high-end materials that provides 50+ UV protection and a high-quality hood. It is also easy to move kerbs upwards and downwards and fits into a the boot of a car that is small. 3 wheel pushchair can be used as a stroller and baby carriers or toddlers.
Fabric slings are set inside the frame and not on top as modular seats. This model has a lower centre-of-gravity, which is the perfect height. It is simpler to push and lighter to kerb pop (you don't know how many times you'll do this as a new parent!).
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is impressive and there are a variety of different options to choose from. For newborns it is possible to use the carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lying flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can sit in the world-facing or parent facing seat that is spacious and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats don't recline fully however, they can be lowered to the lowest level which will give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A fabric sling seat is also available, which has the advantage of being set snugly inside the frame, rather than over the top of the modular seat. This delivers a much lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push especially over bumpy terrain or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath was impressed with the way this type of seat dealt with these obstacles.
In addition to a big shopping basket, this kind of buggy generally has very useful features like an extended 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal, and a few bright, game-changing lights that pop up from the handlebars and can be placed in front of the occupants to ensure their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.
If you're searching for a stroller that can grow with your family, the sport(tm), a world-first designed to accommodate a newborn and then be modified to accommodate two or three children as they grow, all within one footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy much more sturdy to push one-handed and is also ideal for handling difficult terrain. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A top-quality ATP will come with pneumatic tyres, a padded grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It will accommodate a car seat, so you can use it from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame won't pass through all doors of their homes or small car booties - make sure you know the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before buying for those who are concerned about space.
It's worth considering a 3-wheeler that can take two (or even 3!) seats as your family grows. They are the best of both worlds and will help you save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the most popular that can be used as a single from day dot, and then transforms into twin buggies once your baby starts walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to give your child more comfort while riding by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. These are included on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport, which MFM reviewer Kath said was "an outstanding ride for her toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres on the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easier for her to navigate kerbs and other obstacles.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and will require having their air pressure topped up regularly. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres so you'll need to ensure that you have repair kits, spare inner tube and pump in case you go traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres are more commonly found on pushchairs as they are less expensive than air-filled tyres but are equally robust. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide easily on even and tied surfaces.
It's usually possible to identify the difference between PU and air-filled tires by running your hands over them, if it feels hard, then it's made of rubber, if it slides then it's a PU. You can also check that your buggy has PU tyres simply by sliding the tyres over a clean, flat surface - they'll be able to roll easily and should fit snugly into their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. The drawback is that the foam can compress and make your buggy feel less stable, since it loses its springy nature. Also, 3 wheeler pushchair of tyres can typically be noisy because they generate a lot of noise as you turn and make your way around town.