20 Myths About 3 Wheel Buggies: Debunked
3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look elegant and sleek, with excellent maneuverability. A lot of them have an upholstered sling that has a cosy lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution and are suitable from birth.
The wheels are bigger and, in many cases, come with suspension for agile smooth movement on different terrains. The only drawback is that they may be heavier and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies have lots of stability. They don't fall over as easily when moving straight. They also allow you to maneuver more swiftly. However, if you attempt to stop or turn suddenly they'll lose stability and could fall over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel can also help you to tackle off-road terrain. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road routes and other surfaces including rocks, sand and mud. These models will also have a lockable wheel in the front to improve stability on rough terrain.
With the correct design, engineering, and weight distribution these buggies can turn at a moment's notice - easy to steer with just one hand; have 360o front swivel wheel that allows agility and mobility to be effortless and light in handling. They'll also pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a seat made of fabric they are typically lower in the frame compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground - instantly providing an easier ride.
Maxi-Cosi is a household name for its car seats however, it has recently expanded its product range with the Citylife compact travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 is perfect for urban life, and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It comes with 4 wheels and has a unique pewter black aluminium frame, which the company claims is 'light and compact' - it's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a lot of 3 wheel buggies which can be folded compactly and fit into smaller spaces. They can be folded with one hand and are easy to wipe down. Some of the smallest models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, while others feature adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. Some models may have large baskets and a brake lever that's quick-release.
The best 3 wheeler for rocky terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be better able to cope with off-road conditions better than a 4-wheel model, although both models can get stuck in difficult spots. A model with bigger rear and front wheels can assist. This makes it easier to push them across rough terrain and can assist you in climbing up and down the steep slopes.
The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its remarkable agility despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her baby and 3-year-old son and reported that "it does really well on cobbles, bumpy pavements, gravel tracks and dirt roads as well as on a few hills."
Another great alternative is the newest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy made by Maxi-Cosi, a car seat manufacturer named Stella. It can be used from birth, if it is used in conjunction with a carrycot. It's a bit bigger than the 4-wheelers that are lighter, however, it comes with air-filled tires with three recline positions and an easy fold with one hand.
3 wheel pushchair selling point is its modularity - it's compatible with all the brands' car seats and strollers for infants. This means you can create your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks, using just the chassis as a starting point.
Tyres
The tyres of 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of designs and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air offer a great performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres last longer. The type you select will depend on your lifestyle and where you live.
For instance, if intend to frequently travel on rough or muddy terrain, you might be interested in an all-wheeler with more durable tires. You should also think about the type of suspension that you require. The suspensions that are strong are great to tackle humps and bumps but they can be heavy and add to the overall weight.
The size of the tyre is also important. Understanding the tyre's size is essential for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on a tyre's sidewall may be confusing at first, but decoding it will allow you to comprehend the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre size of '185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radial with a 14 inch rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are less heavy and puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you're not sure if the tires on a pushchair are rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires over an even and secure surface. If they slide easily then the tires are made of PU. If they do not, then the tires are composed of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a 3 wheel buggy is an important aspect to consider as it will absorb the jolts and bumps of rough terrain making it more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are filled with air, and that can be locked to ensure stability when jogging are also crucial. This will allow your buggy to navigate off-road surfaces effortlessly.
Based on the type of buggie you're seeking, there are choices to fit every lifestyle and budgets. The Mountain Buggy, for example, pioneered all-terrain agility in a three-wheel buggies. With an engineering and geometry that is perfect, their fabrics sling seat sits snug inside the frame, in contrast to sitting on top like modular seats, resulting in an lower center of gravity and sitting at the ideal height to ensure optimal weight distribution, allowing it to easily take on kerb pops.
Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that boasts a sleek style with a massive, manoeuvrable front wheel, a great suspension and an easy-to-use handbrake with a twist. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it for an excursion through the rough terrain and found that it handled the terrain really well. She said that it 'flies effortlessly over bumpy grass, pavements, cobbles, dirt tracks and even can be a breeze going up and down the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off road option and similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a variety of colors to complement your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket, and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also choose from a range of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the stylishly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a comfy lie-flat bed for newborns and babies that are up to 12 months old.
Safety
Having four wheels makes the buggy more stable and less likely to tip over and easier to handle. It also makes it safer for your baby as their weight is distributed more evenly across the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled buggy has a lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to get over curbs and walk up. The seat made of fabric is inside the frame rather than over it as modular seats do, which results in a lower seating position and a comparatively lighter buggy that is easily maneuverable.
If you want to run with your child, an all-wheeler is the best option. It comes with a suspension system which allows the front wheel of the buggie to be independent from the rear wheel. This will allow you to take on rough terrain or bumpy roads. However, not all 4 wheel buggies can be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception because they come with an exclusive suspension system that has been tested independently across all terrains.