3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is ideal for off-roading and provides an easy ride for your baby. They are also more convenient to maneuver and push than a four-wheeler, particularly those with fabric slings or modular seat units that are positioned perfectly 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 choice for off road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road-style seat). They often feature oversized front wheels, which cope well with bumps and kerbs and rough ground. Some models have a lockable wheel in the front to give you additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have lower centers of gravity than their 4-wheeled counterparts and, therefore, are more likely to fall over. The most reliable 3-wheeled pushchairs are made with the best geometry to ensure that they remain stable in any condition. They must be able to pivot at a whim and be easy to steer with one hand and have a 360o swivelling front wheel that makes them great for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
For surfaces that are extremely challenging you should look for a model with air-filled tyres, also known as pneumatic tyres. They are designed to handle roads that are not paved and can deal with dirt, gravel, etc. A lot of all-terrain buggies have an swivelling wheel at the front that can be locked for greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great option for runners and those who like to walk fast uphill. This is particularly true if you intend to attach to a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a wide-facing seat that can recline flat and comes with a new 5-point harness as well as storage space for all your gear (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's compact, lightweight and suitable from birth and can be used in conjunction with the use of a car seat or carrycot. It also allows for some light jogging but isn't intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a vehicle that will take on tricky terrain, then you'll need one with big wheels. They are designed to tackle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks easily and still provide smooth riding. They are also great for jogging since they're equipped with suspension and are easy to get up and down kerbs. The downside is that they're quite heavy to push.
The best 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels with an swivel wheel lockable to the front which makes it very maneuverable. It has air tyres, which require pumping occasionally, and it can carry children until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat and found steering it easy even with her 3-year-old riding along.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is an alternative that is also a great choice. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a high-quality hood that offers 50+ UV protection and an extremely high-quality hood. It is also easy to move up and down kerbs and fits into a the car's boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a pram with an infant car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly within the buggie's frame, as opposed to sitting on top of it as modular seats. This design delivers a lower centre of gravity and a perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you cannot think about how often you'll do this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
There are a variety of alternatives for seating options in 3 wheelers. The included carrycot plus is ideal for a baby (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a cozy and comfortable lay-flat bed that can be used both in and out of the buggy). Older babies and toddlers will appreciate the large and comfortable seat unit with adjustable ventilation. It's important to note that these seats do not recline completely however they can be adjusted to the lowest level which will give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
3 wheeler pushchairs sling seat is also available. It offers the advantage of being set snugly inside the frame instead of over the top of the modular seat. This gives a lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push especially over bumpy terrain or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath loved the way this type of seat negotiated these challenges.
In addition to a large shopping basket, this kind of buggy usually has pretty useful features such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal, and a few game-changing visibility lights that appear from the handlebar and can be placed in front of the passengers to increase their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a single buggy that will expand with your family There's the new sport(tm) that's the first of its kind to take a single infant from day dot and then adapt to take 2 or even 3 once your little ones have developed in the space of a single buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy more stable and stable to push one handed, and it's also great for handling terrain that is difficult to navigate. However, it also means that the shopping basket can't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A good quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned to ensure your comfort. It should be able to accommodate a car seat, which means you can use it right from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame can't fit through all the doors in their homes or small car boot - be sure you check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before buying if you're worried about space.
It's worth looking into an SUV with three wheels that can fit 2 (or even 3!) seats as your family grows - these are the most efficient of both and future proof your money. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the best of these; it can be used as a single from day dot and later converts into twin buggies once your baby starts walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. You'll find these on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath discovered to provide "an outstanding ride for my toddler". She also noted that its grippy tyres made it easy to navigate cobbles and kerbs.
These tyres can sometimes prove difficult to maintain and must be topped up frequently. These tyres are prone to punctures, so you should always have a repair kit and spare inner tube when you're out and out and about.
PU tyres are more commonly used on pushchairs since they are less expensive than tyres filled with air, but they are just as robust. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide across flat and tidied surfaces.
It's usually possible to identify the difference between air-filled and PU tyres by running your hand over them, if it feels hard, then it's a rubber tyre, and If it slides, then it's a PU. You can also check if your buggy is fitted with PU tyres sliding them on a flat, clean surface. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. The downside is that the foam may expand and cause your buggy to feel less stable because it loses its springy nature. Additionally, these tyres may typically be noisy because they make a lot of noise when you turn and navigate your way around town.