3 Wheeler Buggies

A tri-wheeled stroller is ideal for off-road terrain and provides an easy ride for babies. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheel buggy and are especially suitable for those with fabric slings or modular seat units, which are tightly positioned in the frame to provide the most efficient 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 unit that is all-terrain or off-road). They typically have large front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels in the front to give you additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.

It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than their 4-wheeled counterparts and, therefore, could fall more easily. But, the top 3-wheel pushchairs have an ideal geometry and design to ensure they are stable in all conditions. They should be able turn on a dime and be able to be controlled with one hand. They also feature the ability to rotate 360o on the front wheel which makes them ideal for maneuvering over difficult terrain.

For surfaces that are extremely challenging be sure to choose a model with air-filled tyres which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres. They are made to handle non-paved tracks and are able to deal with mud, gravel, rock and more. A majority of all-terrain buggies come with an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when working on extremely rough ground too.

A 3-wheeler is an excellent option for runners or for those who prefer to walk quickly and uphill, particularly in the event that you're planning to connect a carrycot or car seat. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a world-facing seat that reclines flat. It also has improved 5-point harness and storage space for all your gear (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight and compact, and is suitable to use from birth. It can be used with a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging, but it's not designed for serious runners.

Weight

If you're seeking a buggy that can handle the tough terrain, then you'll need one with big wheels. They can handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks, while providing a smooth ride for all passengers. They are also ideal for jogging as they have a suspension built-in and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. However, they are quite heavy to push.

The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy (click for more) for use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front which makes it very maneuverable. It has air tyres which do need occasional pumping and can hold a child up to 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler loved the shape of the seat and found it easy to steer with her 3 wheel bassinet stroller-year-old on board.

The Baby Jogger Versa GT is an alternative that is also a great choice. It has an adjustable handlebar, a top-quality hood that provides 50+ UV protection, and a high-quality hood. It is also easy to move kerbs upwards and downwards and fits in a the boot of a car that is small. It can be used as a stroller with a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.

Fabric sling seats are tucked inside the buggie's frame rather than sitting on top of it as modular seats. This model has a lower centre-of-gravity at the ideal height. It is easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you'll do that as a new parent!).

Seating

There are many alternatives for seating options in 3 wheelers. For babies you have the option to use the carrycot plus (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can sit in the parent or world-facing seat unit that is roomy and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. It's important to note that these seats aren't fully reclined however, they can be adjusted to the lowest position which will give your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.

A fabric sling is also available. It's a benefit that it is placed inside the frame rather than on top as a modular seat. This creates a lower center of gravity with perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this type of seat dealt with the obstacles.

In addition to a large shopping basket, this kind of buggy usually has very useful features like an extendable 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal and some bright, game-changing lights that pop up from the handlebar and can be placed in front of the occupants to ensure their safety when tackling tricky terrain.

If you're seeking a buggy that will grow with your family it's the sport(tm) is a first in the world designed to accommodate a newborn and then be modified to fit three or four children as they grow, all within one footprint.

Storage

The 3-wheeled frame is more stable and can be pushed by one hand. It's also more suitable for terrains that are difficult to navigate. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.

A high-quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres and a padded handle to ensure your comfort. It should also be able to take a carrycot and car seat and you can use it right from birth.

The MFM reviewers noted that the 3 wheel compact stroller-wheeler frames didn't pass through their doors at home or car boot. If you're worried about space, make sure you check the dimensions when the buggy is folded prior to purchasing.

It's worth considering 3-wheelers that can accommodate two (or even 3!) seats once your family grows. These are the most efficient of both and can help you to save money in the future. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most sought-after. It can be used from day dot as a single buggie and then converted into twin buggies when your baby starts to walk.

Tyres

These tires cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. They are commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath discovered to provide "an outstanding ride for my toddler". She also said that its grippy tyres made it easy to navigate cobbles and kerbs.

These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain their inflation and need to be topped up frequently. They are also more susceptible to punctures than foam tyres. So it is essential that you have a repair kit along with a spare inner tube and pump handy when out and about with your buggy.

PU tyres are typically used on pushchairs because they are less expensive than air-filled tyres but are equally robust. You can recognise PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft feel. They also slide easily on even and tied surfaces.

It's usually possible to tell the distinction between air-filled and PU tires by running your hands over each one, if it feels hard, then it's rubber and if it slides then it's a PU. You can also test whether your buggy comes with PU tyres by sliding them on a flat, clean surface. They should roll easily and fit comfortably into wheel hubs.

Foam tyres are able to withstand the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. The drawback is that the foam could expand and cause your buggy to appear less stable as it loses its springy quality. You'll also find that these types of tyres can often be noisy as they generate a lot of noise as you turn and navigate your way around the town.