20 Myths About 3 Wheeler Buggies: Busted
3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for off-roading and provides a smooth ride for your child. They can also be easier to maneuver and push than a four-wheel buggy especially those with fabric sling seats or modular seats that are set snugly in the frame, delivering the best ergonomics and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, and this makes them a great choice for off-road walking (especially when equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). They typically have large front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some models have a lockable wheel in the front to give you additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower centre of gravity than models with four wheels and this can mean that they topple over more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been made with the best design to ensure they stay stable in any condition. They should be able to turn on a dime, be easy to steer using just one hand and have the front wheel rotate 360o that makes them great for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. These are made to work on tracks that are not paved, and are able to withstand mud, gravel, rocks and other debris. Many all-terrain buggies feature an swivelling front wheel that can be locked to add stability when dealing with extremely rough terrain.
A 3-wheeled pram is a great choice for runners and those who like to walk fast uphill. This is particularly true if you are planning to connect a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It features the flat-reclining seat, 5-point harness and plenty of storage space for all your equipment (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's light and compact, and is suitable for use from birth. It can be used in conjunction with the car seat or carrycot. It can also handle some light jogging but isn't intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy to tackle difficult terrain, then you should pick one with big tires. These are designed to handle dirt, cobbles, and grass tracks with ease and still provide a smooth ride. They're also ideal for jogging as they're equipped with suspension and are easy to get up and down kerbs. However, the drawback is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy comes with 16 rear wheels with an swivel wheel lockable to the front which makes it very maneuverable. It has tyres with air that require pumping up from time to time. It can be used by children as young as the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the shape of the seat and found it easy to drive with her three-year-old on board.
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's also easy to get up and down kerbs and can fit in small car boots. It can be used as a stroller and an infant carrycot or toddlers.
Fabric sling seats are tucked inside the buggie's frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This design provides an lower centre of gravity at the perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you cannot underestimate how often you'll be doing this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
The capacity for seating of 3 wheelers is impressive, and there are a number of different choices to choose from. The carrycot included is ideal for a baby (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a cozy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy). Older infants and toddlers will appreciate the spacious and padded seat with adjustable ventilation. It's important to note that these seats don't recline fully however, they can be lowered to the lowest position which will give your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.
A sling seat made of fabric is also available. It has the advantage of being set snugly inside the frame instead of sitting on top as the modular seat. This delivers a much lower centre of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially over bumpy terrain and curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this type of seat handled challenges.
This kind of buggy comes with an enormous basket, along with other useful features like an hood that can be extended with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal, and a few innovative lights for visibility that can be placed on the front of the passengers for improved safety on difficult terrain.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a single buggy that can adapt to your family's needs, there's the brand-new sport(tm) that's a world's first that can take a single infant from day dot and then change to take two or even three once your children have grown and all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is much more stable and can be pushed with just one hand. It's also more suitable 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 good quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres and a padded handle to ensure your ease. It should also be equipped with car seats and a carrycot so you can use it right from the time you are born.
MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame won't pass through all doors in their homes or small car booties - make sure to check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded prior to purchasing in case you're concerned about space.
It's worth looking into a 3-wheeler that can take 2 (or even 3!) seats as your family grows. These are the best of both worlds and will help you save money in the future. three wheel pushchair is one of the most popular that can be used as a single unit from day dot and later converts to twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's journey more comfortable. They are typically included on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said offered "an exceptional ride for her toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres make it easy to navigate cobbles and kerbs.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain their inflation and must be filled regularly. These tyres are more prone to punctures, so you should always carry an repair kit and spare inner tube when you're out and out and about.
PU tyres can be found on pushchairs as they are a cheaper option than air-filled tyres but are equally robust. You can tell PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft, smooth feel. They also slide on smooth and tidy surfaces.
It's usually possible to discern the distinction between air-filled and PU tires by running your hands over them, if it feels firm, then it's rubber and when it slides, it's a PU. You can also test whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres, by sliding them across an even, smooth surface. They should roll easily and fit snugly into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain of high-performance buggies. The downside of this is that the foam could shrink and make your buggy feel less stable as it loses its springy quality. Additionally, these types of tyres can frequently be noisy, as they make a lot of noise as you turn and make your way through the town.