3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is ideal for rough terrain providing a smooth ride for your infant. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four wheel buggy, particularly those with fabric slings or seat units, which are tightly positioned in the frame to provide the best design and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled vehicles are very stable, which makes them a great option for off-roading (especially when they are equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). They often feature oversized front wheels, which cope well with bumps and kerbs as well as rough terrain. Some even come with a lockable front wheel to give extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have lower centers of gravity than 4-wheeled versions, which could mean they can topple over more readily. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs have perfect geometry and engineering to make them very solid in all conditions. They should be able to turn on a dime and be easy to steer with one hand. They also feature a 360o rotating front wheel that makes them perfect to navigate difficult terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. These are made to be able to navigate tracks that aren't paved and should be able to take on mud, gravel, rocks and other debris. Many all-terrain buggies feature a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when working on extremely rough terrain too.
A 3-wheeler is an ideal option for runners or for those who prefer to walk quickly and uphill, particularly when you plan to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a wide-facing seat that reclines flat and comes with a new 5-point harness as well as storage space for all your kit (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight, compact, and suitable for use starting at birth. It can be used with a car seat or a carrycot. It also handles some moderate jogging, but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can tackle terrain that is difficult, you should pick one with big tires. These are made to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks with ease and still provide a smooth ride. They are also ideal for jogging because they come with built-in suspension and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. However, they're a bit heavy to push.
The most suitable 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy is very maneuverable because it has 16 rear wheels and an adjustable front wheel that locks. It comes with air tyres that require occasional pumping and can hold children up to 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler enjoyed the shape of the seat and she found it easy to steer even with her three-year-old child on the seat.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, that comes with an adjustable handlebar and a hood made of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move kerbs upwards and downwards and fits in a the car's boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a pram that comes with baby car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric slings are positioned in the frame and not on top as modular seats. This design provides a lower center of gravity and a perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you can never overestimate the amount of times you'll have to do this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
The capacity for seating of 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are many different choices to choose from. The included carrycot plus is ideal for a newborn (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a cozy and comfortable lay-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy). Older infants and toddlers will appreciate the spacious and comfortable seat unit with adjustable ventilation. The seats don't fully recline, but they can be lowered down to the lowest point. This should give your child plenty of space and headroom.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It has the advantage that it is placed within the frame, instead of on top as a modular seat. This means that it has a lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly over bumpy terrain and curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this type of seat dealt with challenges.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this kind of buggy generally has pretty useful features such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal, and a few game-changing visibility lights that come up from the handlebars and can be placed in front of the passengers to ensure their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
If you're seeking a buggy that can grow with your family it's the sport(tm) is a world first that can take in infants and be adapted to accommodate three or more children as they grow, all in one footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is more sturdy and can be moved with one hand. It's also ideal for terrain that is difficult. However, it means that the basket won't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A good quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as an ergonomic handle that is cushioned for your convenience. It is also able to take a carrycot and car seat and you can use it right from the moment you are born.
MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frames didn't fit through their home's doors or car boot. If you're concerned about space, make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it is folded prior to purchasing.
It's worth considering a 3-wheeler that can take 2 (or even 3!) seats once your family grows. These are the most efficient of both and will help you save money in the future. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most sought-after. It can be used as early as day dot as a single buggy, and later transformed into twin buggies when your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
These tires cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's journey more comfortable. You'll find these on pushchairs, such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an amazing ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres on it made it easy to tackle cobbles and kerbs.
They can be difficult to maintain and need to be filled regularly. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres so you'll need to ensure that you have a repair kit along with a spare inner tube and pump in case you go out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres can be seen on a lot more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, but they're just as robust. 3 wheeled pushchair are easily identified by their matte finish and supple feel. They also glide well on even and tied surfaces.
You can usually identify the difference between PU and air-filled tyres by running your hand over them, if it feels hard, then it's made of rubber, If it slides, then it's a PU. You can also verify whether your buggy has PU tyres by slipping the tyres on flat, clean surfaces They'll roll easily and fit comfortably in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain of high-performance buggies. The downside is that the foam could shrink and make your buggy feel less stable, as it loses its springy quality. These tyres also make a lot of noise due to the fact that they create a lot noise when you turn or drive around town.