3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-roading and provides an easy ride for babies. They are also simpler to push and maneuver than a four-wheeler, particularly those with fabric slings or seat units, which are placed in a tight position within the frame and provide the best design and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is why it's an ideal option for off-road walks (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat). They often feature oversized front wheels, which cope well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough ground. Some have a lockable wheels in the front to give you additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies may have a lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled models which means that they fall over more easily. 3 wheel pushchair 3-wheeled pushchairs have been made with the best geometry to ensure they remain stable in any condition. They should be able of turning at a single click and be able to steer using just one hand, and have the front wheel rotate 360o which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
For extremely difficult surfaces, look out for models with air-filled tyres which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres. These are made to handle non-paved tracks and should cope with mud, gravel, rock and more. Many all-terrain buggies have a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to add stability when dealing with extremely rough terrain too.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great choice for runners and those who love to speed up the hill. This is especially true if you plan to connect an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It has the flat-reclining seat, 5-point harness and plenty of storage space to store all your equipment (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It's light, compact, and suitable to use from birth. It can be used in conjunction with the car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging, but is not intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you are looking for a buggy to tackle terrain that is difficult, you should pick one with big tires. They are designed to tackle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks easily, while still providing a smooth ride. They're also good for jogging since they come with suspension and are simple to move up and down kerbs. The trade-off is that they're 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 has 16 rear wheels, and a lockable swivel front wheel, so it's very manoeuvrable. It has air tyres that require occasional pumping and it can be used to carry a child up to 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the seat shape and she found steering it easy even with her 3-year-old riding along.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another great option. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a hood made of high-end materials that provides 50+ UV protection, and a high quality hood. It is also easy to move kerbs up and down, and can fit into small car boot. It can be used as a stroller and a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed within the frame, not on top like modular seats. This design has an lower centre of gravity at the perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you cannot think about how often you'll be doing this as a new parent!)
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are a variety of different choices to choose from. For babies you have the option to use the included carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lying flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy) and older infants and toddlers can use the world-facing or parent facing seat unit that is roomy and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats don't recline fully however they can be lowered to the lowest position which should still give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A fabric sling is also available. It is advantageous in that it is positioned inside the frame instead of on top as a modular seat. This creates a lower center of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push particularly over bumpy terrains or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath really liked the way that this style of seat handled these obstacles.
In addition to a big shopping basket, this kind of buggy generally has quite useful features, such as an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal and some bright, game-changing lights that appear from the handlebars and can be placed in front of the occupants to increase their safety when traversing difficult terrain.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a single buggy that will adapt to your family's needs There's a brand new sport(tm) that's a world's first that can take a single infant from day dot and then change to take two or even three once your little ones have grown in the space of one buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled model is more stable and can be pushed with one hand. It's also more suitable for terrain that is difficult. The shopping basket is smaller than a 4-wheeler.
A top-quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres, a padded grip for comfort and excellent suspension. It should be able to accept a carrycot or car seat, so you can use it from birth.
MFM's reviewers discovered that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't fit through their home doors or car boot. If you're worried about space, be sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it is folded prior to purchasing.
It's worth considering an SUV with three wheels that can fit two (or even 3!) This is the most suitable option for your future and will save you money. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the best of these that can be used as a single from day dot, and then transforms into twin buggies once your baby starts walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres have been designed to provide your child with a more comfortable ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They are commonly used on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said was "an amazing ride for her toddler". 3 wheel pushchair mentioned that the grippy tyres of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it easier for her to negotiate the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and will require air pressure topped up regularly. These tyres are prone to punctures, which is why you should always carry a repair kit as well as an spare inner tube with you when you're out and about.
PU tyres can be used on pushchairs since they are a cheaper option than tyres filled with air, but they are just as robust. You can tell PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft feel. They also slide on flat and tidy surfaces.
You can usually tell the difference between air-filled and PU tyres by running your hand over them, if it feels firm, then it's a rubber tyre, and if it slides then it's a PU. You can also determine whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres, by sliding them onto an even, smooth surface. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are able to withstand the rough terrain of high-performance buggies. This could make your buggy less stable since the foam loses its springy nature. These tyres are also noisy because they generate lots of noise when you turn or drive around town.