3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-road terrain and offers an easy ride for babies. They are also easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy especially if they have fabric slings or modular seat units that are positioned comfortably in the frame, offering the most efficient geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, and this makes them a great option for off-roading (especially when equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). 3 wheeler pushchair have large front wheels, which can cope well with bumps and kerbs and rough ground. Some models have a lockable wheel 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 centre of gravity than models with four wheels and this can mean that they can tip over more easily. The most reliable 3-wheeled pushchairs are designed with perfect geometry to ensure they remain stable in any condition. They must be able to pivot on a dime, be easy to steer with one hand, and have 360o swivelling front wheels that makes them great for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
For extremely difficult surfaces be sure to choose an air-filled model also known as pneumatic tyres. They are designed to handle non-paved tracks and are able to deal with dirt, gravel, and more. Many all-terrain buggies include an swivelling wheel at the front which can be locked for added stability when tackling very rough terrain.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great choice for runners and those who enjoy walking fast uphill. This is particularly true if you are planning to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a wide-facing seat that can recline flat and has improved 5-point harness and storage space for all your equipment (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight compact and safe for use from birth. It can be used with either a car seat or a carrycot. It can also be used for jogging with a light pace, however, it isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle the tough terrain, then you'll need one with big wheels. These are designed to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks with ease while providing an enjoyable ride. They are also great for jogging as they have built in suspension and are easy to get up and down kerbs. The trade-off is that they're a bit heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy comes with 16 rear wheels and an swivel wheel lockable to the front which makes it very maneuverable. It comes with air tyres which do need occasional pumping, and it can carry children up to 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat, and she found steering it easy even with her three-year-old in the seat.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another great option. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a high-quality hood that offers 50+ UV protection as well as a high-quality hood. It's also easy to move up and down kerbs and can fit in small car boots. It can be used as a stroller with a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Fabric slings are set within the frame, not on top like modular seats. This style has a lower centre of gravity at the right height. It is much easier to push, and lighter to kerb-pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you'll do that as a new parent!).
Seating
The seating capacity of 3 wheelers is impressive and there are a variety of different choices to choose from. For newborns, there is the option to use the included carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy and comfortable lying flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy) and older infants and toddlers can be seated in the world-facing or parent facing seat unit that is roomy and padded and does have 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 room to move around.
A sling seat made of fabric is also available, which is placed snugly within the frame rather than on top like a modular seat and this provides a lower center of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this type of seat dealt with the obstacles.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this kind of buggy typically has some very useful features like an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal, and a few games-changing visibility lights that come up from the handlebar and can be placed directly in front of the occupants to ensure their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
If you're looking for a buggy that will grow along with your family The sport(tm), a world-first designed to accommodate infants and be adapted to accommodate three or four children as they grow. All in one footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled model is more sturdy and can be moved by one hand. It's also more suitable for difficult terrain. However, it does mean that the shopping basket can't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A good quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned to ensure your comfort. It should also be equipped to carry the form of a car seat and carrycot and you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers discovered that the 3-wheeler frame didn't fit through their home's doors or car boot. If you're worried about space, be sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it is folded before purchasing.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the best choice for your child's future and will help you save money. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the best of these and can be used as a single 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 enjoyable. They're commonly found on pushchairs, such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an amazing ride for my toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres on the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easier for her to navigate the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain their inflation and need to be replenished regularly. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres so you'll need to make sure that you have a repair kit, spare inner tube and pump in case you go out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres are more commonly used on pushchairs since they are a cheaper option than air-filled tyres but are just as robust. You can identify PU tires by their smooth appearance and soft feel. They also slide easily on uneven and tied surfaces.
It's usually possible to tell the difference between PU and air-filled tires by running your hands over each one. If it feels firm, then it's a rubber tyre, and if it slides then it's a PU. You can also determine if your buggy is fitted with PU tyres by sliding them on a flat, clean surface. They should roll easily and fit comfortably into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are typically utilized in high-performance buggies and joggers since they are able to cope with the rough terrain common to this type of pushchair. This can make your buggy less stable as the foam loses its springy feel. You'll also find that these tyres may often be noisy as they create a lot of noise when you turn and make your way around town.