3 Wheeler Buggies

A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-road terrain and offers a smooth ride for baby. They are also more convenient to move and push than a four-wheel buggy particularly those with fabric sling seats or modular seat units that are positioned snugly within the frame, providing 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 walks (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat). These buggys often have oversized front tires that are able to handle bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels 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 a lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled versions which means they can topple over more readily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs are built with the perfect geometry to ensure they remain solid in all conditions. They should be able to turn at a whim and be able to be controlled with one hand. They also have the ability to rotate 360o on the front wheel which makes them perfect for maneuvering over difficult terrain.

For surfaces that are extremely challenging be sure to choose an air-filled model, also known as pneumatic tyres, which are designed to work on non-paved tracks and are able to deal with dirt, gravel, etc. Many all-terrain buggies come with an swivelling wheel on the front which can be locked for extra stability when you’re dealing with rough terrain.

A 3-wheeled pram is a great option for those who run or enjoy walking fast uphill. This is particularly true if you intend to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It features an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space for all your equipment (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It is lightweight compact and safe for use starting at birth. It can be used with the car seat or carrycot. It also allows for some light jogging but isn’t intended for serious joggers.

Weight

If you’re seeking a buggy that can handle the tough terrain then you want one with large wheels. They are designed to tackle dirt, cobbles, and grass tracks easily, while still providing smooth riding. These are also great for jogging as they come with built-in suspension and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. The downside is that they’re a bit heavy to push.

The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy 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-filled tyres that need to be pumped up from time to time. It can be used by children until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the seat shape and she found it easy to drive with her 3-year-old in the seat.

Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, which has an adjustable handlebar and a hood made of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It’s also simple to get up and down kerbs and can fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a pram, with an infant car seat for infants and toddlers.

Sling seats made of fabric fit snugly within the frame of the buggie instead of over it like modular seats. This model has a lower centre of gravity at the right height. It is easier to push, and lighter to kerb-pop (you can’t underestimate the number of times you’ll need to do that as a new parent!).

Seating

The seating capacity of 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are many different choices to choose from. For babies, there is the option to use the carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy 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 is important to note that the seats don’t recline fully however they can be adjusted to the lowest level that will still allow your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.

A sling made of fabric is also available. It has the advantage that it is positioned inside the frame instead of on top as a seat that is modular. This means that it has a lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push especially over bumpy terrain or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath really liked the way this kind of seat negotiated these obstacles.

This type of buggy comes with a large basket and other features that are useful, such as an extendable hood with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal, and a few innovative lights for visibility which can be put in front of occupants to increase safety on rough terrain.

Alternatively, if 3 wheeled pushchair are searching for a single baby buggy that will expand with your family There’s the new sport(tm) that’s the first of its kind to take a single newborn from day dot and then adapt to take 2 or even 3 once your children have developed in the space of a single buggy.

Storage

The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy much more stable to push with one hand, and it’s also great for handling difficult terrain. However, it means that the basket won’t hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.

A high-quality ATP will have pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for better comfort, and an excellent suspension. It should also be able to take car seats and a carrycot so you can use it from birth.

The MFM reviewers noted that the 3-wheeler frame didn’t fit through their home’s doors or car boot. If you’re worried about space, be sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it is folded prior to purchasing.

It’s worth looking into an SUV with three wheels that can fit 2 (or even 3!) This is the best choice for your future and will help you save money. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the best of these that can be used as a single from day dot, and then transforms into twin buggies once your baby starts walking.

Tyres

These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child’s journey more comfortable. These are included on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted’s Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said offered “an outstanding ride for her toddler”. She also said that the grippy tyres on it made it easy to tackle cobbles and kerbs.

These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and will need to have their air pressure regularly topped up. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres, so you’ll need to ensure that you have repair kits with spare tubes and a pump in case you go out and about with your buggy.

PU tyres are typically found on pushchairs as they are a cheaper option than air-filled tyres but are just as robust. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide on flat and tidied surfaces.

You can usually tell the difference between PU and air-filled tyres by running your hand over them, if it feels hard, then it’s made of rubber, if it slides then it’s a PU. You can also check whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres by sliding them on flat, clean surfaces. 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 can expand and cause your buggy to feel less stable, since it loses its springy feel. Also, these types of tyres can frequently be noisy, as they create lots of noise when you turn and make your way through the town.