3 Wheeler Buggies: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
3 Wheeler Buggies A three-wheeler is perfect for off-roading providing the most comfortable ride for your infant. They are also more convenient to move and push than a four-wheel buggy, particularly those with fabric sling seats or seats that are set snugly in the frame, delivering the best geometry and weight distribution. Stability Three-wheeled vehicles are very stable, and this makes them an excellent option for off-road walks (especially when equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). They typically have larger front wheels, which can cope well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough ground. Some have a lockable wheels on the front for additional stability while driving on uneven terrain. It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled versions, which could mean they are more likely to fall over. That said, the best 3-wheel buggies have the perfect geometry and engineering to make them very stable in all weather conditions. They must be able to pivot at a single click and be easy to steer with just one hand and have a 360o swivelling front wheel which makes them perfect for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain. For extremely difficult surfaces be sure to choose an air-filled model, also known as pneumatic tyres, which are designed to handle roads that are not paved and can deal with mud, gravel, rock and so on. A lot of all-terrain buggies have an swivelling wheel at the front that can be locked to provide extra stability when you're dealing with rough terrain. A tri-wheeled pram is a great option for those who run and enjoy walking fast uphill. This is particularly true if you are planning 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 features a more comfortable 5-point harness and storage space for all your equipment (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's compact, lightweight and suitable for infants and can be used in conjunction with a carrycot or car seat. It also allows for some light jogging but isn't intended for serious joggers. Weight If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle the tough terrain, you need one with big wheels. These will cope well over cobbles, grass and dirt tracks, while providing an enjoyable ride for all passengers. They are also great for jogging as they have a suspension built-in and are easy enough to climb up and down kerbs. The downside is that they're quite heavy to push. The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy for use on rough terrain (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy is extremely maneuverable because it has 16 rear wheels as well as the front wheel can be locked. It has air tyres that require occasional pumping and it can be used to carry children until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat, and she found it easy to drive with her three-year-old in the seat. The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another great option. It has an adjustable handlebar, a top-quality hood that provides 50+ UV protection, and a 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 be used as a stroller along with a carrycot for newborns or toddlers. Fabric sling seats are tucked inside the buggie's frame, as opposed to over it like modular seats. This style has a lower centre-of-gravity at the right height. It is much easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you can't underestimate the number of times you'll do this as a new parent!). Seating The capacity for 3 wheelers is impressive and there are many different options to choose from. best 3 wheel pushchair that comes with it is ideal for a baby (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfy and cozy lay-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy). Older infants and toddlers will love the spacious and padded seat with adjustable ventilation. It is important to note that the seats aren't fully reclined however, they can be lowered to the lowest setting which will give your child plenty of headroom and space to move around. A sling seat made of cloth is also available, which is placed snugly within the frame, rather than on top like the modular seat. This delivers a much lower centre of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat dealt with challenges. This type of buggy comes with an enormous basket, along with other beneficial features, such as an extended hood with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal, and some unique visibility lights that can be positioned in front of occupants for improved safety on difficult terrain. If you're looking for a buggy that will grow along with your family it's the sport™ is a first in the world designed to accommodate infants and be modified to accommodate two or three children as they grow, all within one footprint. Stores The 3-wheeled frame is more stable and can be pushed by one hand. It's also ideal for terrains that are difficult to navigate. However, it means that the shopping basket doesn't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy. A top-quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It will be able to accommodate a carrycot or a car seat, so you can use it from birth. MFM's reviewers discovered that the 3-wheeler frame didn't fit through their home's doors or car boot. If you're worried about space, make sure to check out the dimensions of the buggy when it is folded prior to purchasing. Choose a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the most suitable option for your future and can save you money. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the best of these and can be used as a single unit from day dot, and then transforms to a twin buggies when your baby starts walking. Tyres Air filled tyres are made to give your child more comfort while riding by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They are typically found on pushchairs like the Phil & Ted’s Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said was “an amazing ride for her toddler”. She also said that the grippy tyres make it easy to tackle kerbs and cobbles. These tyres can sometimes prove tricky to keep inflated and will need to be replenished regularly. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres. So you'll need to make sure that you have a repair kit along with a spare inner tube and pump in case you go traveling with your buggy. PU tyres can be used on pushchairs since they are less expensive than air-filled tyres but are just as durable. You can identify PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft feel. They also slide across smooth and tidy surfaces. You can usually tell the distinction between air-filled and PU tire by running your fingers over each one, if it feels firm, then it's a rubber tyre, and when it slides, it's a PU. You can also verify that your buggy has PU tyres by sliding the tyres onto an even, clean surface They'll roll easily and should fit snugly into their wheel hubs. Foam tyres are commonly used in high-performance buggies and joggers since they are able to cope with the rough terrain associated with this kind of pushchair. The downside of this is that the foam could shrink and make your buggy feel less stable since it loses its springy feel. You'll also find that these types of tyres can frequently be noisy, as they make a lot of noise as you turn and navigate your way through town.