3 Wheeler Buggies 10 Things I'd Loved To Know In The Past
3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for off-roading and provides the most comfortable ride for your child. They are also easier to maneuver and push than a four-wheeler, especially those with fabric sling seats or seat units that are positioned comfortably within the frame, providing the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is the reason it's an ideal option for off-road walks (especially with an all-terrain or off-road-style seat). They usually have large front wheels, which cope well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough terrain. Some models even feature a lockable front tire for extra stability on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have lower centers of gravity than their 4-wheeled counterparts which means they can topple over more readily. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs have perfect geometry and engineering to ensure they are stable in all conditions. They must be able to pivot on a dime and be able to steer with just one hand, and feature the front wheel rotate 360o which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
Look for models that have pneumatic tyres. They are made to be able to navigate tracks that aren't paved and should be able to handle dirt, gravel, rocks, etc. A majority of all-terrain buggies come with an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to add stability when tackling extremely rough terrain too.
A 3-wheeler is an ideal option for runners and those who like to walk fast and uphill, especially when you plan to attach a carrycot or car seat. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a world-facing seat that can recline flat and features a more comfortable 5-point harness and storage space for all your kit (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's compact, lightweight and suitable for babies and can be used with car seats or a 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 take on difficult terrain, you should pick one with big tires. These will cope well over grass, cobbles and dirt tracks, and provide a smooth ride for anyone. They are also great for jogging because they have built in suspension and are simple to get 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 you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels with a lockable swivel front wheel which makes it very maneuverable. It comes with air tyres that require occasional pumping and it can be used to carry children until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler loved the shape of the seat and found it easy to steer with her 3-year-old son on the seat.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another great option. It has an adjustable handlebar, a top-quality hood that provides 50+ UV protection and an extremely 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 also be used as a pram that comes with a carrycot or infant car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric slings are positioned within the frame and not on top as modular seats. This design provides a lower centre of gravity at the perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you cannot underestimate how often you'll do this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
There are a myriad of options for seating in three wheelers. The carrycot included is ideal for a baby (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfy and cozy lay-flat bed that can be used both in and out of the buggy). Older children and toddlers will appreciate the large and comfortable seat with adjustable ventilation. The seats don't recline fully, but they can be lowered to the lowest setting. This should allow your child plenty of headroom and space.
A sling seat made of fabric is also available. It is positioned snugly inside the frame, rather than sitting on top as the modular seat. This gives 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 style of seat dealt with the obstacles.
In addition to a big shopping basket, this kind of buggy usually has quite useful features, such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal, and some game-changing visibility lights that appear from the handlebars and can be placed directly in front of the occupants to increase their safety when traversing difficult terrain.
If you're looking for a single buggy that can expand with your family There's the new sport(tm) which is the first in the world to take one baby from the moment of birth and adapt to take 2 or even 3 after your baby has developed in the space of one buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is much more stable and can be pushed with one hand. It's also better for terrains that are difficult to navigate. The shopping basket is smaller than a 4-wheeler.
A high-quality ATP will come with pneumatic tyres, a cushioned grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It should be able to accommodate a car seat, meaning you can use it from birth.
MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't fit through their home doors or car boot. If you're concerned about space, be sure you check the dimensions of the buggy once it is folded before buying.
Choose a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the most suitable option for your future and can save you money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most well-known. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggie and then converted into twin buggies after your baby is walking.
Tyres
These tires cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. These are used on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport, which MFM reviewer Kath said provided "an outstanding ride for her toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres make it easy to tackle cobbles and kerbs.
They can be difficult to maintain and require air pressure topped up regularly. They are also more susceptible 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 handy when 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 sturdy. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide over flat and tidied surfaces.
If you run your hand over the tyres, then you can tell if they're rubber or PU. If it feels like it's moving, then it's a PU. You can also check whether your buggy comes with PU tyres sliding them onto an even, smooth surface. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are commonly used in high-performance buggies and Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain associated with this type of pushchair. The downside of this is that the foam can shrink and make your buggy appear less stable as it loses its springy feel. You'll also find that these kinds of tyres can typically be noisy because they make a lot of noise when you turn and make your way through the town.