Ask Me Anything: 10 Responses To Your Questions About 3 Wheeler Buggies
3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-roading and provides the most comfortable ride for infants. They are also more convenient to maneuver and push than a four-wheeler, especially if they have fabric sling seats or modular seat units that are placed comfortably in the frame, offering the most efficient geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is the reason it is a great option for off-road walking (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat unit). They usually have large front wheels, which can cope well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough ground. Some models even have 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 their 4-wheeled counterparts, which could mean they could fall more easily. But, the top 3-wheel pushchairs have perfect geometry and engineering to ensure that they remain stable in all conditions. They should be able to turn on a dime and be easy to steer with one hand. They also come with an incline of 360o for the front wheel that makes them ideal to navigate difficult terrain.
Look for models that have pneumatic tyres. These are designed to handle nonpaved tracks, and should be able to handle dirt, gravel, rocks and other debris. Many all-terrain buggies feature a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to increase stability when dealing with extremely rough terrain too.
A three-wheeled stroller is a great choice for runners and those who love to speed up the hill. This is particularly true if you are planning to attach to a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It features an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with five-point harnesses, and plenty of storage space to store everything you need (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's light compact and safe to use from birth. It can be used in conjunction with a car seat or carrycot. It can also handle a bit of moderate jogging, but it's not designed for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can handle difficult terrain, you need one with large wheels. These will cope well over cobbles, grass and dirt tracks and provide an enjoyable ride for all passengers. They are also ideal for jogging, as they have a suspension built-in and are easy enough to climb up and down kerbs. The downside is that 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 is very maneuverable because it has 16 rear wheels and a lockable front wheel. It has air-filled tyres that need to be pumped regularly. It can carry children up until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat, and she found it easy to drive with her 3 year old in the seat.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, which has an adjustable handlebar as well as a hood that is of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move kerbs up and down, and can fit into the boot of a car that is small. It can also be used as a pram with a carrycot or infant car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric slings are set within the frame, not on top like modular seats. This design provides a lower centre of gravity at the perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you should never overestimate how often you'll be doing this as a new parent!)
Seating
There are a variety of options for seating in three wheelers. For babies you have the option to use the included carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can be seated in the parent-facing or world-facing seat that is large and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. pushchair 3 wheels noting that the seats don't recline fully however, they can be adjusted to the lowest position that will still allow your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It has the advantage 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 and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push particularly over bumpy terrains or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath loved the way this type of seat handled these challenges.
This type of buggy comes with an enormous basket, along with other features that are useful like an extendable hood with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal and some unique visibility lights that can be placed in front of the occupants for improved safety on difficult terrain.
If you're searching for a stroller that will grow along with your family The sport(tm), a world-first, can accommodate a newborn and then be modified to fit three or four children as they grow, all in one footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled model is more stable and can be pushed with just one hand. It's also better for terrain that is difficult. The shopping basket is smaller than a 4-wheeler.
A good quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as a padded handle to ensure your comfort. It will also be able to take the form of a car seat and carrycot which means you can use it from birth.
MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't pass through all doors in their homes or small car booties - make sure you know the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before purchasing in case you're concerned about space.
It's worth looking for 3-wheelers that can accommodate two (or even 3!) seats as your family grows - these are the best of both worlds and future proof your money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most well-known. It can be used as early as day dot as a single buggy, and then converted into twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. They are commonly found on pushchairs, such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath discovered to provide "an amazing ride for my toddler". She also mentioned that the grippy tires of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it simple for her to negotiate the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
These tyres can be difficult to maintain and 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 along with a spare inner tube and pump handy when out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres are more commonly found on pushchairs as they are a cheaper option than tyres filled with air, but they are just as durable. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide over flat and tidied surfaces.
If you rub your hands over the tyres, you can determine if they're PU or rubber. If it feels like it's sliding, then it is a PU. You can also test if your buggy is fitted with PU tyres, by sliding them across an even, smooth surface. They should roll smoothly and fit comfortably into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain of high-performance buggies. This can make your buggy less stable because the foam loses its springy feel. Additionally, these tyres may often be noisy as they make lots of noise when you turn and navigate your way through town.