It's The Ugly Truth About 3 Wheel Buggies
3 Wheel Buggies Three-wheel buggies look stylish and sleek, and have excellent maneuverability. Many of them come with a fabric sling with an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed that is perfect for weight distribution, and are perfect from birth. The wheels are bigger and often come with suspensions to allow for smooth, swift moving on different terrains. The only drawback is that they can be heavier and more bulkier to store & transport. Stability Three wheel buggies are extremely solid – they don't fall over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when they're in a straight line and you'll find that you can maneuver them more quickly and efficiently. If you attempt to stop or turn suddenly, they'll lose stability and could be prone to tipping over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis. You can also tackle off-road terrain by adding an extra wheel. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road routes as well as other surfaces such as rocks, sand and mud. They'll also come with a lockable front wheel to give stability over rough terrain. The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile thanks to the 360o front swivel wheel. They also meet the same global stability standards and tests as buggies with four wheels. If you're looking for a fabric sling seat, these tend to be placed lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the ground and provides a more comfortable ride and a lighter kerb pop (you do not need to apply as much pressure or effort to get the buggy over and up a curb). Maxi-Cosi is a household name for its car seat collection however, it has recently expanded its product range with the Citylife, a lightweight travel system and pushchair. The 3-in-1 model was designed for urban living and is suitable from birth with a newborn carrycot or infant car seat. It comes with four wheels as well as an exclusive pewter-black aluminum frame that is described by the brand as'slim and compact. It's only 2cm wide than the Babyzen Yoyo. Folding There are many 3 wheel buggies that can be folded in a compact way to fit into smaller spaces. They can be folded with just one hand, and are simple to wash down. The smallest models will come with an easy adjustable height of the handlebars, while others may have an adjustable suspension as well as an expandable 50+ UV canopy. Some models could have large baskets and a brake lever that's quick-release. The most reliable 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain A 3-wheeler is likely to be more able to deal with off-road terrain than a 4-wheel model, although both can get stuck in tight places. A model with bigger front and rear wheels can assist. This makes them easier to push across rough terrain and can help in getting up and down high kerbs. One option is the new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly quick handling, despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it out with her child and reported that “it handled really well on cobbles, bumpy surfaces and gravel tracks, dirt roads and some hills.” Stella, the new all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi, is another option. It is suitable for babies from birth, if it is used in conjunction with a carrycot. It is slightly larger than the lightweight 4-wheelers, but it has air-filled tires and three recline positions and a one-handed fold. Its main selling feature is its modularity – it's compatible with all the brands' infant strollers and car seats. You can build your own travel system, no matter if you're looking to go for a an easy stroll or a longer one, using the chassis. Tyres The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of styles and types of materials. Each one has its own pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a smooth performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres last longer. The type you choose will be based on your personal preferences and the location you live in. If you intend to travel on roads that are not paved or rough terrain often you may want to consider a three-wheeler equipped with more robust tyres. You should also consider the type of suspension you require. Strong suspensions are useful for tackling bumps and humps but they can be heavy, adding to the overall weight. The size of the tyre is also important. Knowing how to understand tyre sizing is vital for maintaining safety performance, durability, and performance. The combination of numbers and letters on a tyre's sidewall may be initially, but decoding it allows you to understand the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre's size of '185/70 R14' means that the tire is a 185/70 radial with a 14 inch rim diameter. PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're not sure if the tires on a pushchair are rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires across a smooth and tied surface. If they move easily, then the tires are made of PU. If not, then they are made of rubber. Suspension The suspension on a three wheel buggy is an essential component to look for because it will absorb the bumps and knocks of rough terrain making it more comfortable for your baby. A large wheel that are air-filled, and can be locked to ensure stability while jogging is also important as this will ensure that your buggy is able to navigate off road surfaces with ease. Depending on the type of buggie you're seeking, there are choices to fit every lifestyle and budgets. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. With an engineering and geometry that is perfect their sling seat made of fabric is tucked away within the frame, as opposed to sitting on top like modular seats, offering the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the right height for optimal weight distribution, allowing it to easily take on the kerb pops. Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that has a sleek design with a massive, manoeuvrable front wheel, excellent suspension, and a simple handbrake with a twist. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its trials by going for a ride on a rough terrain. She was impressed with how it performed admirably, saying that it “navigates over grass, bumpy cobbles, sidewalks, and dirt tracks, and even makes it easy to go up and down kerbs”. The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road model and, like the Urban Glide 2, comes in a variety of colors to complement your style. It also features an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket and a 50+ UV hood. You can also pick from a variety of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram, including the stylishly designed carrycot plus™ that is a comfy lie-flat bed for newborns and babies that are up to 12 months old. Safety Four wheels make a buggy more stable, less likely for it to tip over, and more easy to maneuver. It also makes it safer for your child because the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame. A four-wheeled buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity and therefore is easier to pop up and over curbs. The seats made of fabric are placed inside the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This results in a low seat and an automobile that is easily pushed. If you're looking to go out for a run with your baby then a four-wheeler is more suitable as it will have a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the rear one to allow you to tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads Be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most aren't like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception since they feature a specially-designed suspension system that's been tested by an independent expert across all types of terrain.