It's The Ugly Reality About 3 Wheel Buggies
3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are stylish and sleek, with outstanding maneuverability. Many of these have a fabric sling with a cosy lay flat bed that is perfect for weight distribution and are suitable for babies from the age of.
The wheels are bigger, and they also often include suspension to allow for smooth movement on different terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they tend to be bulkier and heavier to transport and store.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are very stable and don't tip over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when going in a straight line and you'll notice that you can maneuver them more quickly and efficiently. If you turn or stop abruptly, they can lose stability and even tip over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also tackle off-road terrain using the additional wheel. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) because they can deal with off-road paths as well as other surfaces such as rocks, sand, and mud. These models also come with an adjustable wheel that locks on the front, which will increase stability over rough terrain.
With the correct design, engineering and weight distribution these buggies can turn on a dime and are easy to steer with one hand; feature 360o front swivel wheels that allow agility and mobility to be easy and light to handle. They will also pass the same stability standards worldwide and tests as buggies with four wheels.
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 - instantly delivering a smoother ride and a lighter kerb pop (you don't need to apply the same amount of pressure or exertion to get the buggy up and over a Kerb).
Maxi-Cosi is best known for its car seat range however, it recently expanded its product range with the Citylife, a lightweight travel system and pushchair. The 3-in-1 model was designed for urban living and is compatible starting at birth with a newborn car seat or carrycot for infants. It has four wheels and an unique pewter-black frame, which the brand describes as'slim and compact. It's only 2cm wide than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold up to fit in smaller spaces. A majority of these buggies are able to be folded in one hand and are easy to clean. The smallest models will have an easy adjustable height of the handlebars, while others may feature an adjustable suspension or an extended 50+ UV canopy. Some models could have an enormous basket as well as brake levers that are quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeled model is typically better equipped to handle off-road terrain when compared to a four-wheeled model however both can get stuck on tight corners. But, picking a model with bigger wheels on both sides can 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 tested it with her infant and reported that "it did really well on cobbles, bumpy surfaces dirt roads, gravel tracks and even a few hills."
Another great alternative is the newest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi's car seat brand, called Stella. It's suitable for babies when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with an impressively slim frame of 54cm wide) but has big, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions and a fast one-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity - it's compatible with all the brands' baby strollers and car seats. You can create your own travel system, whether you're planning to take a shorter walk or a longer one, by using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in many styles and materials. Each has 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 of tyre you choose will depend on your lifestyle and the place you reside.
For instance, if intend to frequently travel on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you may be interested in a 3-wheeler with sturdier tires. Take into consideration the type of suspension you require. Suspensions that are strong are ideal to deal with humps and bumps however they can be quite heavy and add to the overall weight.
Another aspect to be considered is tyre size. Understanding how to read the tyre size is important for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewall of a tyre can seem initially, but decoding it allows you to understand the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre with an 185/70 size R14 for instance is a radial tire in the 185/70 size with 14-inch rim size.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure if the tires on a pushchair are rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires on a smooth and tied surface. If the tires slide smoothly they are made of PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a 3 wheel buggy is an essential element to look for as it absorbs the bumps and knocks of rough terrain, making it more comfortable for your child. Having large wheels, that are air-filled, and can be locked to ensure stability while jogging is also important as this will ensure that your buggy will be capable of maneuvering off road surfaces easily.
There are many choices for buggy styles to suit every budget and lifestyle. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with the perfect design and engineering to fit snugly inside the frame, rather than on top, like modular seats. 3 wheeled strollers gives an lower center of gravity, and sits at the ideal height to distribute weight easily to take on bumps.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another great option. It sports a sleek design, a large wheel that's easy to move and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also has an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath really put this buggy to the test by taking it for a walk through rough ground and she was impressed with how it handled the terrain really well saying that it 'navigates effortlessly over bumpy grass, cobbles, roads dirt tracks, and can be a breeze climbing and descending kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road choice. It is available in a variety of colours that will complement your style. It also comes with a movable handlebar as well as a large basket. You can also select from a range of infant car seats to transform the buggy into a pram, such as the stylishly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a cosy lie flat bed for newborns and babies up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy much more stable, less likely to tip over and easier to handle. It also makes it more secure for your child as their weight is distributed more evenly across the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled vehicle has a lower center of gravity, making it easier to pop over curbs and climb up. The seats of the fabric sling are placed inside the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This creates a low seating position and buggy that is easily maneuvered.
If you're looking to run with your child, an all-wheeler is the best option. It comes with a suspension system which allows the front wheel to move independently from the rear. This will allow you to take on rough terrain or bumpy roads. However it is not the case that all four wheel buggies are able to be used for running. The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially designed suspension system that has been tested by an independent party on all terrains.