Why You Should Not Think About Improving Your 3 Wheel Buggies
3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look stylish and sleek, with great maneuverability. A lot of them come with a fabric sling seat with a cosy lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution, perfect from the moment of birth.
The wheels are larger and often come with suspensions to allow for smooth, swift movement on different terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they may be heavier and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are remarkably stable - they don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when traveling in a straight line. Also, you'll be able to maneuver them more quickly and effortlessly. However, if you try to stop or turn suddenly they'll lose stability and may tip over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also tackle off-road terrain with the extra wheel. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) because they can deal with off-road routes and other surfaces like sand, mud and rock. These models will also have an adjustable wheel that locks on the front to increase the stability of the vehicle over rough terrain.
The buggies are simple to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a cloth sling seat, then these tend to be placed lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the ground - instantly delivering a smoother ride and a less noticeable kerb pop (you don't need to apply the same amount of pressure or effort to get the buggy up and over a curb).
Maxi-Cosi is a household name for its car seats however, it recently expanded its product line with the Citylife compact travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living, and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It has 4 wheels and an exclusive pewter black aluminium frame, which the company claims is 'slim and compact'. It's just 2cm larger than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are many three wheel buggies that can be folded down to can be tucked away in smaller spaces. Many of these buggies can be folded with one hand, and are easy to clean. Some of the smallest models come with a simple handlebar height adjustment, whereas others come with adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. Certain models may come with a large basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheeler for rough terrain
A 3-wheeled buggy is usually better equipped to handle off-road conditions when compared to a four-wheeled model however both can get stuck on tight corners. But, picking a model with bigger wheels both front and back will help. This will make them easier to push across rough terrain and will often help with getting up and down high kerbs.
The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its remarkable ability to move despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her child and said that "it was very well-handled on bumpy surfaces, cobbles and gravel tracks, dirt roads and even some hills."
Another great alternative is the new all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi named Stella. It's suitable from birth when used in conjunction with the carrycot. three wheel pushchair 's a smaller than the light 4wheelers (with an impressively slim 54cm wide frame) but it comes with big air-filled tyres. It also has 3 recline positions, and a quick one-hand fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity - it's compatible with all of the brands' infant strollers and car seats. This means you can create your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks, using only the chassis as a starting point.
Tyres
The tyres of 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of designs and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide a smooth ride and great maneuverability, while foam-filled tires are more durable. The kind of tyre you pick will be determined by your lifestyle and where you reside.
If you plan to travel on unpaved roads or in rough terrain frequently you may think about a three-wheeler with more durable tyres. You should also think about the type of suspension that you need. A sturdy suspension is helpful for handling bumps and humps, however it can be heavy and add to the overall weight of your pushchair.
Another important factor to consider is the tyre's size. Understanding how to read tyre sizing is crucial to ensure safety as well as performance and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the tyre's sidewall might be confusing however, once you understand it, you will be able to understand the tyre's dimensions. For instance, a tyre size of '185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has 14 inches of rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure whether the tires of a pushchair are rubber or PU, simply slide the tires on a smooth surface. If they slide easily, then the tires are made of PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three wheel buggy will make it more comfortable for your child since it absorbs any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. A large wheel that are air-filled, and are lockable to provide stability when jogging crucial to ensure that your buggy is capable of navigating off roads with ease.
There are a variety of buggy styles to suit every budget and style of life. For instance the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. With the perfect geometry and engineering, their fabrics sling seat sits snug within the frame, as opposed to on top like modular seats, resulting in the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the ideal height for optimal weight distribution, allowing it to easily take on kerb pops.
Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that has a sleek design with a massive, manoeuvrable front wheel, a great suspension and an easy-to-use twist handbrake. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it on a hike through rough terrain and she was impressed with how it was able to handle the terrain well, stating that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, roads dirt tracks, and makes light work of getting up and down kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a range of colours to complement your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar as well as a large basket. You can also select from a variety of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram, including the stylishly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a comfortable lie-flat bed for newborns and babies that are up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable and less likely to tip over, and more easy to maneuver. 3 wheeled pushchair makes it safer for your child because the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy has lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to climb over curbs and climb up. The fabric sling seat sits inside the frame rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This makes for a low-slung seating position, and a lighter buggy that is more easily maneuverable.
If you're planning to run with your child, then an all-wheeler is the best option. It comes with a suspension system which allows the front wheel of the buggie to move independently from the rear. This will allow you to navigate rough terrain or bumpy roads. However there are some limitations to four wheel buggies are able to be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception since they feature a suspension system specifically designed for them that's been tested by an independent expert across all kinds of terrain.