3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-road terrain and provides an easy ride for babies. They are also more convenient to maneuver and push than a four-wheel buggy, especially those with fabric sling seats or modular seat units that are positioned snugly in the frame, delivering the most efficient geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeler has great stability, which is why it's a good choice for off road walking (especially with an all terrain or off-road-style seat). These buggys often have oversized front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some models have a lockable wheel on the front for extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than the 4-wheeled versions and, therefore, could fall more easily. But, the top 3-wheel pushchairs are designed with an ideal geometry and design to ensure that they remain stable in all conditions. They should be able to turn on a dime, be easy to steer with one hand and have 360o swivelling front wheels which makes them ideal for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
For really tricky surfaces you should look for a model with air-filled tyres, also known as pneumatic tyres. These are made to handle non-paved tracks and are able to deal with rocks, mud, and so on. A majority of all-terrain buggies come with an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when working on extremely rough terrain too.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great choice for those who run and like to walk fast uphill. This is particularly true if you are planning to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It features an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with 5-point harness and plenty of storage space for everything you need (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It's light, compact and suitable from birth and can be used with a carrycot or car seat. It also allows for a bit of light jogging, but isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you are looking for a buggy to tackle difficult terrain, then you should choose one with big tires. These are designed to handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks with ease and still provide smooth riding. They're also good for jogging as they're equipped with suspension and are simple to move 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-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front which makes it very maneuverable. It has tyres with air which require pumping regularly. It can accommodate children up until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat, and she was able to steer it easily with her three-year-old on board.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar and a hood made of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move kerbs up and down, and can fit into the boot of a car that is small. It can be used as a stroller and an infant carrycot or toddlers.
Fabric slings are set within the frame and not on top as modular seats. This design has a lower centre-of-gravity at the right height. It is easier to push and 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 three wheelers. The carrycot that comes with it is ideal for a baby (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfy and cozy lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy). Older children and toddlers will appreciate the spacious and comfortable seat unit that has adjustable ventilation. The seats don't recline fully, but they can be lowered down to the lowest point. This should still allow your child plenty of headroom and space.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available. It offers the advantage of being placed snugly within the frame rather than over the top of an open-back seat. This provides a lower center of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat handled the obstacles.
In addition to a big shopping basket, this kind of buggy usually has quite useful features, such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, an easy-to-use brake pedal, and a few games-changing visibility lights that pop up from the handlebar and can be positioned directly in front of the occupants to ensure their safety when traversing difficult terrain.
If you're looking for a buggy that will grow with your family it's the sport(tm) is a first in the world, can accommodate infants and be modified to fit two or three children as they grow, all within a single footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is more stable and can be pushed with one hand. It's also better for terrain that is difficult. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A top-quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres, a padded grip for comfort and excellent suspension. It will accommodate a car seat, so you can use it from the time of birth.
The MFM reviewers noted that the 3-wheeler frame didn't fit through their home's doors or car boot. If you're worried about space, be sure to verify the dimensions of the buggy once it is folded before buying.
Look for a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the best choice for your future and will save you money. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the top of them that can be used as a single seat from day dot and later converts to twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. They are commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath discovered to provide "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also noted that its grippy tyres made it easy to navigate cobbles and kerbs.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain their inflation and will need to be topped up frequently. These tyres are more susceptible to punctures, which is why you should always have a repair kit as well as an spare inner tube when you're out and about.
PU tyres can be found on a lot more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, yet they're still as sturdy. You can identify PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft, smooth feel. They also slide well on even and tied surfaces.
You can usually discern the difference between air-filled and PU tire by running your fingers over them, if it feels hard then it's rubber and if it slides then it's a PU. You can also verify that your buggy has PU tyres by slipping the tyres over an even, clean surface They'll be able to roll easily and should fit snugly into their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are typically used in high-performance buggies as well as joggers since they are able to cope with the rough terrain associated with this kind of pushchair. This could make your buggy less stable since the foam loses its springy nature. The tyres can also be noisy due to the fact that they create lots of noise when you turn or drive around the town.