The Reason The Biggest "Myths" About 3 Wheeler Buggies Could Be A Lie
3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for rough terrain and provides a smooth ride for your child. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four wheel buggy, particularly those with fabric slings or modular seat units, which are placed in a tight position within the frame and deliver the best shape and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, and this makes them an excellent option for off-road walks (especially when equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). They typically have larger front wheels, which can cope well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough ground. Some models even come with a lockable front wheel for extra stability on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies can have a lower centre of gravity than models with four wheels which means that they fall over more easily. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs have an ideal geometry and design to ensure they are stable in all weather conditions. They should be able to turn at a single click, be easy to steer with just one hand and have a 360o swivelling front wheel which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
For really tricky surfaces be sure to choose a model with air-filled tyres, also known as pneumatic tyres. These are designed to work on non-paved tracks and should cope with dirt, gravel, etc. Many all-terrain buggies have a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to add stability when working on extremely rough ground too.
A three-wheeled stroller is a great choice for those who run or enjoy walking fast uphill. This is especially true if you plan to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It has a flat-reclining seat with a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space for everything you need (plus the ability to extend 50+ of the sun hood). It's lightweight, compact and suitable for babies and can be used with the use of a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging but is not intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you are seeking a buggy that can tackle terrain that is difficult, you should select one with large tires. These will cope well over grass, cobbles and dirt tracks and provide the smoothest ride for any passenger. They are also ideal for jogging, as they have a suspension built-in and are able to climb up and down kerbs. The downside is that they're quite 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 an swivel wheel lockable to the front, so it's very manoeuvrable. It has air tyres which require pumping occasionally and it can be used to carry children up to 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat and found it easy to drive with her 3-year-old riding along.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar as well as a hood that is of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It's also easy to get up and down kerbs, and it can fit in small car boots. It can also be used as a stroller and baby carriers or toddlers.
Sling seats made of fabric fit snugly within the buggie's frame, as opposed to sitting on top of it as modular seats. This design has an lower centre of gravity that is at the ideal height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you can never think about how often you'll do this as a new parent!)
Seating
There are a myriad of options for seating in three wheelers. For babies, there is the option to use the included carrycot plus (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lie flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy) In addition, older babies and toddlers can sit in the parent or world-facing seat that is large and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. It is important to note that the seats aren't fully reclined however, they can be adjusted to the lowest position which should still give your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It's a benefit that it is positioned within the frame, instead of being placed on top of it as a seat that is modular. This means that it has a lower centre of gravity with perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this type of seat handled obstacles.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this kind of buggy typically has some very useful features like an extendable 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal and some games-changing visibility lights that appear from the handlebars and can be placed directly in front of the occupants to ensure their safety when traversing difficult terrain.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a single buggy that can grow with your family There's a brand new sport(tm) that's the first of its kind to take a single infant from day one and adapt to take 2 or even three once your children have developed in the space of one buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy more stable and stable to push one handed and is also ideal for handling terrain that is difficult to navigate. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A good quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres, and a padded handle to ensure your ease. It should be able to accommodate a car seat, meaning you can use it from the time of birth.
3 wheeler pushchair found that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't fit through their home doors or car boot. If you're concerned about space, be sure to verify the dimensions of the buggy once it is folded before purchasing.
It's worth looking for 3-wheelers that can accommodate 2 (or even 3!) This is the best option for your child's future and will save you money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most well-known. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggy, and later converted into twin buggies after your baby is walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are made to provide your child with an easier ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They're commonly found on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also said that its grippy tyres made it easier to handle kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres can be difficult to maintain and will require having their air pressure regularly topped up. These tyres are more prone to punctures, which is why it is recommended to always carry a repair kit and spare inner tube when you're out and about.
PU tyres are found on a lot more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, but they're still as durable. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide well on uneven and tied surfaces.
If you move your hand over the tyres, you can determine if they're rubber or PU. If it feels as if it's sliding, then it is a PU. You can also check whether your buggy comes with PU tyres sliding them on an even, smooth surface. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are often used in high-performance buggies and Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain associated with this type of pushchair. This could make your buggy less stable since the foam loses its springy feel. These tyres are also noisy because they generate a lot noise when you turn and drive around the town.