3 Wheeler Buggies
A tri-wheeled stroller is ideal for off-roading and provides an easy ride for babies. They are also more convenient to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy particularly those with fabric slings or modular seat units that are positioned comfortably in the frame, delivering the best ergonomics and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeler has great stability, which is the reason it's a good option for off-road walking (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat unit). These types of buggys typically have large 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 is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies can have a lower centre of gravity than models with four wheels which means that they topple over more easily. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs have an ideal geometry and design to ensure that they remain stable in all weather conditions. They must be able to pivot at a whim, be easy to steer with one hand, and feature a 360o swivelling front wheel which makes them ideal for maneuvering and navigating challenging terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. These are designed to work on tracks that are not paved, and should be able to handle mud, gravel, rocks, etc. A lot of all-terrain buggies have a swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked for greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great option for those who run or enjoy walking fast uphill. This is especially true if you plan to connect a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It has an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with five-point harnesses, and plenty of storage space to store all your equipment (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It is lightweight and compact, and is suitable for use from birth. It can be used with either the car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging, but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle difficult terrain, you need one with large wheels. They can handle grass, cobbles, and dirt tracks while providing an enjoyable ride for anyone. They are also great for jogging, as they come with built-in suspension and are able to climb up and down kerbs. However, the downside is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy to use on rough terrain (pictured above). 3 wheel pushchair -wheeler has 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front, so it's very manoeuvrable. It has tyres with air which require pumping regularly. It can carry children as young as the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler liked the design of the seat and she found it easy to steer with her 3-year-old on the board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It comes with a movable handlebar, a top-quality hood that offers 50+ UV protection and a high quality hood. It's also easy to move up and down kerbs, and it can fit into small car boot. It can be used as a stroller and an infant carrycot or toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed within the frame and not on top of the frame like modular seats. This design provides a lower center of gravity at the perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you can never think about how often you'll be doing this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
The seating capacity of 3 wheelers is impressive, and there are a number of different choices to choose from. For newborns it is possible to use the 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) In addition, older babies and toddlers can sit in the parent-facing or world-facing seat that is large and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. The seats don't fully recline, but they can be adjusted to the lowest setting. This should still allow your child plenty of room and headroom.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It has the advantage that it is placed inside the frame, instead of being placed on top of it as a modular seat. This means that it has a lower centre of gravity with 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 dealt with obstacles.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this kind of buggy generally has very useful features like an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal, and some bright, game-changing lights that come up from the handlebar and can be placed directly in front of the occupants to ensure their safety when traversing difficult terrain.
If you're looking for a buggy that can grow with your family it's the sport(tm) is a world first that can take in a newborn and then be modified to accommodate two or three children as they grow, all within a single footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy more stable and sturdy to push one-handed, and it's also great for handling rough terrain. However, it means that the shopping basket can't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A high-quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres, and a padded handle for your ease. It should also be equipped with car seats and a carrycot so you can use it right from the time you are born.
MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame can't fit through all the doors of their homes or small car boots - make sure you know the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before purchasing for those who are concerned about space.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. seats as your family grows. They are the best of both worlds and future proof your money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most popular. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggie and later converted into twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to provide your child with an easier ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. These are used on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport that MFM reviewer Kath said was "an exceptional ride for her toddler". She also mentioned that the grippy tyres on the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easy for her to negotiate the kerbs and other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain their inflation and will need to be replenished regularly. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres. So it is essential that you have repair kits along with a spare inner tube and pump on hand when you are traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres can be seen on a lot more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, yet they're just as durable. You can tell PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft, smooth feel. They also slide on flat and tidied surfaces.
It's usually possible to tell the difference between PU and air-filled tire by running your fingers over them, if it feels hard, then it's made of rubber, when it slides, it's a PU. You can also determine whether your buggy comes with PU tyres by sliding them across a flat, clean surface. They should roll easily and fit comfortably into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. This could make your buggy less stable as the foam will lose its springy feel. Also, these kinds of tyres can often be noisy as they generate a lot of noise when you turn and navigate your way around the town.