3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is ideal for rough terrain, offering an easy ride for your child. They are also easier to move and push than a four-wheeler, particularly those with fabric sling seats or modular seat units that are placed perfectly within the frame, providing the best ergonomics and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled vehicles are very stable, making them an ideal option for off-roading (especially when they are equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). These buggys often have oversized front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels on the front to provide additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled versions and, therefore, are more likely to fall over. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs are designed with an ideal geometry and design to make them very solid in all conditions. They must be able to pivot on a dime and be easy to steer with just one hand, and feature a 360o swivelling front wheel that makes them great for maneuvering and navigating challenging terrain.
For really tricky surfaces, look out for a model with air-filled tyres which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres. These are made to handle roads that are not paved and can deal with dirt, gravel, and more. A majority of all-terrain buggies come with an swivelling front wheel that can be locked to increase stability when tackling extremely rough terrain.
A three-wheeled stroller is a great choice for those who run or love to speed up the hill. This is particularly true if you are planning to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, offering a world-facing seat that reclines flat. It also has improved 5-point harness and storage space for all your kit (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's light compact and safe for use from birth. It can be used with either a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for jogging with a light pace, but is not intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can take on difficult terrain, you should choose 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 great for jogging as they have built-in suspension and are easy enough to climb up and down kerbs. The trade-off is that they are quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy for use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheeler is highly maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels as well as a lockable front wheel. It has air-filled tyres which require pumping up from time to time. It can carry children until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler loved the shape of the seat and found it easy to steer even with her 3-year-old son on board.
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's also easy to move up and down kerbs, and it can fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a pram that comes with an infant car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric slings are set within the frame, not on top like modular seats. This design has a lower centre-of-gravity at the perfect height. It is much easier to push and is lighter to kerb-pop (you can't underestimate the number of times you will do that as a new parent!).
Seating
There are a variety of options for seating in 3 wheelers. The carrycot that comes with it is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfortable and cosy lay-flat bed that can be used in and out of the buggy). Older children and toddlers will enjoy the spacious and padded seat unit that has adjustable ventilation. It's important to note that these seats aren't fully reclined, but they can be adjusted to the lowest setting which will give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A sling seat made of fabric is also available. It has the advantage of being set snugly inside the frame instead of sitting on top as the modular seat. pushchairsandprams.uk gives a lower centre of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push, particularly over bumpy terrains or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath was impressed with the way this type of seat dealt with these challenges.
This kind of buggy comes with a large basket and other beneficial features such as an extendable hood with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal and a few innovative lights for visibility that can be placed in front of occupants to increase safety on rough terrain.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a single buggy that will adapt to your family's needs There's the new sport(tm) which is the first in the world to take one baby from day dot and then adjust to take 2 or even three once your children have grown and all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is much more stable and can be pushed with just one hand. It's also more suitable for terrain that is difficult. However, it also means that the basket won't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A high-quality ATP will have pneumatic tyres, a padded grip for better comfort, and an excellent suspension. It will also be able to take the form of a car seat and carrycot and you can use it from the moment you are born.
MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't fit through all the doors in their homes, or small car boots - make sure to check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded prior to purchasing if you're worried about space.
It's worth looking for an SUV with three wheels that can fit 2 (or even 3!) This is the best choice for your future and can save you money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most popular. It can be used from day dot as a single buggie and later transformed into twin buggies once your baby is walking.
Tyres
These tires cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. They are commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil & Ted's Sport that MFM reviewer Kath said offered "an exceptional ride for her toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres on it made it easier to handle kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain their inflation and will need to be replenished regularly. They are also more susceptible to punctures than foam tyres, so you'll need to ensure that you have a repair kit with spare tubes and a pump on hand when you are you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres are found on a lot more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, but they're just as durable. You can tell PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft texture. They also slide easily on even and tied surfaces.
If you rub your hands over the tyres you can determine if they're rubber or PU. If it feels as if it is sliding then it is a PU. You can also test whether your buggy comes with PU tyres, by sliding them onto an even, smooth surface. They should roll easily and fit comfortably into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. The downside of this is that the foam can shrink and make your buggy feel less stable, since it loses its springy feel. Additionally, these tyres may typically be noisy because they make a lot of noise when you turn and make your way through town.