3 Wheeler Buggies
A tri-wheeled stroller is ideal for off-road terrain and provides a smooth ride for baby. They are also easier to move and push than a four-wheel buggy, particularly those with fabric sling seats or seat units that are placed perfectly in the frame, offering the best ergonomics and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is the reason it's an ideal option for off-road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat). They often feature oversized front wheels, which can cope well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough ground. Some models even feature a lockable front tire to provide extra stability on uneven terrain.
It's important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies may have a lower centre of gravity than 4-wheeled models which means that they fall over more easily. But, the top 3-wheel pushchairs are designed with an ideal geometry and design to ensure they are solid in all conditions. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer using one hand. They also come with an incline of 360o for the front wheel which makes them ideal for maneuvering over difficult terrain.
Look for models that have pneumatic tyres. These are made to be able to navigate tracks that aren't paved and should be able to handle rocks, mud, gravel and more. A majority of all-terrain buggies come with an swivelling front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when tackling extremely rough ground too.
A three-wheeled stroller is a great choice for those who run and enjoy walking fast uphill. This is particularly true if you are planning to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a world-facing seat that can recline flat and comes with a new 5-point harness as well as storage space for all your equipment (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's light and compact, and is suitable for use starting at birth. It can be used with either a car seat or a carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging, but is not intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a vehicle that will take on tricky terrain, then you'll need one with big wheels. They will be able to handle grass, cobbles, and dirt tracks and provide an enjoyable ride for anyone. They are also great for jogging 3 wheel stroller as they have built-in suspension and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. However, the drawback is that they are quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy to use on rough terrain (pictured above). This lightest 3 wheel stroller-wheeler has 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front making it extremely maneuverable. It has air tyres, which require pumping occasionally and it can be used to carry children up to 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler loved the shape of the seat, and she found it easy to steer even with her 3 wheel infant stroller-year-old son on the seat.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar as well as a hood that is of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It's also simple to get up and down kerbs and fit into small car boot. It can be used as a stroller along with an infant carrycot or toddlers.
Fabric sling seats are tucked inside the frame of the buggie instead of over it like modular seats. This design provides a lower center of gravity and a perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you can never underestimate the amount of times you'll have to do this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
There are a myriad of options for seating in three wheelers. The included carrycot plus is ideal for a newborn (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfortable and cosy lie-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy). Older infants and toddlers will appreciate the large and comfortable seat unit that has adjustable ventilation. It is important to note that the seats don't recline fully, but they can be adjusted to the lowest level which should still give your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.
A fabric sling is also available. It's a benefit that it is positioned inside the frame rather than on top as a seat that is modular. This results in a lower centre of gravity with perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push especially when you're on bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath really liked the way that this style of seat dealt with these challenges.
In addition to a big shopping basket, this kind of buggy usually has pretty useful features such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal and some games-changing visibility lights that appear from the handlebars and can be placed directly in front of the occupants to ensure their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
If you're seeking a single stroller that can adapt to your family's needs There's a brand new sport(tm) which is the first in the world to take a single newborn from day dot and then adjust to take 2 or even 3 once your little ones have grown and all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Storage
The 3 wheel stroller for newborn-wheeled frame is much more stable and can be pushed by one hand. It's also more suitable for terrain that is difficult. However, it does mean that the basket won't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A top-quality ATP will come with pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for comfort and excellent suspension. It will be able to accommodate a car seat, meaning you can use it from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame won't pass through all doors in their homes or small car booties - make sure you know the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before purchasing for those who are concerned about space.
It's worth looking for 3-wheelers that can accommodate 2 (or even 3!) seats when your family grows. These are the best of both worlds and future proof your money. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the top of them; it can be used as a single unit from day dot and then converts to twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to provide your child with more comfort while riding by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. These are found on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said provided "an outstanding ride for her toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it simple for her to maneuver around the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain and will require having their air pressure topped up regularly. These tyres are prone to punctures, so you should always have an repair kit and spare inner tube when you're out and out and about.
PU tyres can be found on a lot more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, yet they are still just as robust. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide easily on uneven and tied surfaces.
You can usually tell the difference between air-filled and PU tire by running your fingers over each one. If it feels firm, then it's rubber and if it slides then it's a PU. You can also test whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres, by sliding them onto a flat, clean surface. They should roll easily and fit snugly into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are often used in high-performance buggies as well as Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain associated with this kind of pushchair. This could make your buggy less stable as the foam loses its springy nature. You'll also find that these types of tyres can often be noisy as they create lots of noise when you turn and navigate your way around the town.