"Ask Me Anything": Ten Responses To Your Questions About 3 Wheeler Buggies
3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-road terrain and provides an easy ride for babies. They are also easier to maneuver and push than a four-wheel buggy particularly those with fabric sling seats or modular seat units that are positioned snugly in the frame, offering the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled vehicles are very stable, which makes them an ideal option for off-roading (especially when equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). They typically have large front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some models even have a lockable front wheel for extra stability on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled versions and, therefore, are more likely to fall over. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been made with the best geometry to ensure they remain steady in any weather. They should be able of turning at a whim, be easy to steer with one hand, and have a 360o swivelling front wheel which makes them ideal for maneuvering 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, and so on. A lot of all-terrain buggies have an swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked to provide extra stability when you're dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheeled pram is a great option for those who run and love to speed up the hill. This is especially true if you plan to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a world-facing seat that reclines flat. It also features a more comfortable 5-point harness and storage space for all your kit (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight and compact, and is suitable for use starting at birth. It can be used in conjunction with a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging, but is not intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that will take on tricky terrain then you want one with big wheels. They can handle grass, cobbles, and dirt tracks while providing an enjoyable ride for anyone. They are also ideal for jogging, as they have built-in suspension and are easy enough to climb up and down kerbs. However, the drawback is that they are 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 is very mobile due to its 16 rear wheels as well as an adjustable front wheel that locks. It has air tyres, which require pumping occasionally and it can be used to carry a child 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 on board.
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 is also easy to move kerbs up and down, and can fit into the boot of a car that is small. It can also be used as a stroller with an infant carrycot or toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly inside the frame of the buggie, as opposed to over it like modular seats. This design has a lower centre of gravity and a perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you can never think about how often you'll do this as a new parent!)
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are a variety of different options to pick from. For babies you have the option to use the included carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy) and older infants and toddlers can sit in the world-facing or parent facing seat unit that is roomy and padded and does have adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats aren't fully reclined, but they can be lowered to the lowest position which should still give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A fabric sling seat is also available. It offers the advantage of being positioned snugly inside the frame instead of over the top of an open-back seat. This gives a lower centre of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat handled the obstacles.
3 wheeler pushchair of buggy has 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 some innovative visibility lights which can be put on the front of the passengers to ensure safety when riding on rough terrain.
If 3 wheeler pushchair looking for a single buggy that will expand with your family, there's the brand-new sport(tm) that's the first of its kind to take a single newborn from day dot and then change to take two or even 3 once your baby has grown, all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled model is more stable and can be pushed by one hand. It's also more suitable for terrain that is difficult. However, it does mean that the shopping basket doesn't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A top-quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres, and a padded handle for your comfort. It should also be able to take a carrycot and car seat which means you can use it from birth.
MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frame didn't fit through their home doors or car boot. If you're concerned about space, be sure to verify the dimensions when the buggy is folded before purchasing.
It's worth considering an SUV with three wheels that can fit 2 (or even 3!) seats when your family grows. They are the best of both worlds and can help you to save money in the future. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most popular. It can be used as early as day dot as a single buggy, and then converted into twin buggies when your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's journey more comfortable. You'll find these on pushchairs, such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an amazing ride for my toddler". She also said that its grippy tyres made it easier to handle kerbs and cobbles.
They can be difficult to maintain and require having their air pressure topped up regularly. These tyres are more susceptible to punctures, and it is recommended to always carry a repair kit and spare inner tube when you're out and about.
PU tyres are typically used on pushchairs since they are less expensive than air-filled tyres, but they are just as robust. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide on flat and tidy surfaces.
It's usually possible to identify the distinction between air-filled and PU tires by running your hands over them, if it feels firm, then it's rubber and If it slides, then it's a PU. You can also check that your buggy has PU tyres by sliding the tyres over flat, clean surfaces - they'll be able to roll easily and should fit snugly into their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. This could make your buggy less stable because the foam will lose its springy nature. You'll also find that these tyres may typically be noisy because they generate a lot of noise when you turn and make your way through town.