20 Myths About 3 Wheel Buggies: Debunked

3 Wheel Buggies

3 wheel buggies offer excellent maneuverability with a stylish and sleek frame. A lot of them have an upholstered sling that has a comfortable lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution and are suitable starting at birth.

The wheels are bigger and typically come with suspensions to allow for smooth, swift moving on different terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they may be more bulky and heavy to store and transport.

Stability

Three wheel buggies are very stable - they don't tip over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when they're in a straight line. Also, you'll be able to move them more quickly and easily. If you stop or turn abruptly, they can lose stability and even tip over. For this reason, some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their three wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.

You can also take on off-road terrain using the additional wheel. Choose models with air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road paths, sand and mud, and other surfaces like rocks and sand. They'll also usually have a lockable front wheel to give stability over rough terrain.

With the right geometry, engineering and weight distribution these buggies can be turned on a dime and are easy to steer using just one hand; have 360o front swivel wheels allowing mobility and agility to be effortless and light in handling. They'll also pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.

If you're looking for a fabric seat they are typically less upright in comparison to modular seats. This means that your baby's center of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly providing a smoother ride.

Most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light pushchair and travel system to its range with the attractive Citylife. The model is designed for urban living and is suitable starting at birth with a newborn car seat or carrycot for infants. It comes with 4 wheels and an exclusive pewter black aluminium frame, which the brand claims is 'light and compact' - it's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.

Folding

There are a variety of three wheel buggies that can be folded down to fit into smaller spaces. Many of them can be folded using a single hand and are simple to wash down. The smallest models will come with a basic adjustable height of the handlebars, while others may feature an adjustable suspension as well as an extended 50+ UV canopy. Some models may have a large basket and a brake lever that's quick-release.

The best 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain

A 3-wheel buggy will usually be more able to deal with off-road terrain than a 4-wheel model, but both models can get stuck in tight spots. However, choosing a model with bigger wheels on both sides will help. This makes them easier to push across rough terrain and is often helpful in getting up and down high kerbs.

The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its astonishing agility despite its 3 wheel push chair-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath used it with her infant and 3-year-old son and reported that "it is very well-handled over cobbles, bumpy pavements, gravel tracks and dirt roads, as well as on some hills."

Another alternative is the newest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy made by Maxi-Cosi, a car seat manufacturer which is called Stella. It's suitable from birth when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's a slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with an impressively slim frame of 54cm wide) however it has large air-filled tyres. It also has 3 wheel all terrain pushchair recline positions and a fast one-hand fold.

Its most appealing feature is its modularity, though it's compatible with all of the car seats for infants from the brand and strollers. This means you can build your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks using the chassis as a base.

Tyres

The tyres of 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of designs and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide an effortless ride and superior manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type of tyre you choose will depend on your lifestyle and where it is that you live.

For example, if you plan to travel often on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you might think about a 3 wheel stroller for newborn-wheeler that has sturdier tyres. Consider the kind of suspension you need. Suspensions that are strong are ideal to deal with humps and bumps but they can be heavy, adding to the overall weight.

The size of the tyre is also crucial. Understanding how to read the tyre's size is essential for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of numbers and letters on a tyre's sidewall may be initially, but decoding it will allow you to comprehend the tyre's dimensions. For instance, a tyre size of "185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radius with a 14-inch rim diameter.

In addition to being more durable, PU tires are lighter and more puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure whether the tires on a pushchair are made of rubber or PU, simply slide the tires on a smooth surface. If the tires move easily, they are made of PU. If they don't then the tires are composed of rubber.

Suspension

The suspension on a 3 wheel all terrain buggy wheel buggy is an important element to look for as it will absorb the smacks and bumps of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your child. Large wheels that are filled with air, and are able to be locked to provide stability when running are crucial. This will enable your buggy to navigate off-road surfaces with ease.

There are a variety of buggy styles to suit every lifestyle and budget. For instance the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with precise geometry and engineering to fit comfortably inside the frame instead of on top like modular seats. This creates a lower center of gravity, and sits at the ideal height to distribute weight easily to conquer the kerbs.

Another option worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule which boasts a sleek design with large highly manoeuvrable front wheel, a great suspension and an easy-to-use twist handbrake. MFM reviewer Kath took this buggy to the test by taking it for an excursion through the rough terrain and found that it adapted to the terrain well, stating that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, pavements, dirt tracks and even makes light work of climbing and descending kerbs'.

The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, like the Urban Glide 2, comes with a variety of colours to complement your style. It also features an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket, and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also select from a selection of infant car seats to convert the buggy into a pram, such as the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a comfortable lie-flat crib for babies and infants that are up to 12 months old.

Safety

Four wheels make the buggy more stable and less likely to tip over and is easier to maneuver. It is also safer for your child as the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.

A four-wheeler is also likely to have a lower center of gravity and therefore is more easy to roll over curbs and up the stairs. The fabric sling seats are positioned inside the frame and not on top as modular seats. This creates a low seating position and an automobile that is easily maneuvered.

However, if you want to go out for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler may be more suitable as it has suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel so you can tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain - just bear in mind not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most aren't like the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been independently tested on all terrains.