7 Little Changes That'll Make An Enormous Difference To Your 3 Wheeler Buggies
3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-road terrain and provides the most comfortable ride for infants. They are also simpler to push and maneuver than a four-wheeler, particularly those with slings made of fabric or modular seat units that are positioned tightly in the frame to provide the best geometry and distribution of weight.
Stability
Three-wheeled vehicles are very stable, and this makes them a great choice for off-road walking (especially when they are equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). They often feature oversized front wheels, which cope well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheel on the front to provide extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have lower center of gravity than the 4-wheeled versions, which could mean they are more likely to fall over. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs have an ideal geometry and design to ensure they are stable in all conditions. They should be able of turning on a dime and be able to steer using just one hand, and have 360o swivelling front wheels which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
For extremely difficult surfaces you should look for models with air-filled tyres also known as pneumatic tyres. They are designed to handle non-paved tracks and should cope with dirt, gravel, etc. Many all-terrain buggies include an swivelling wheel at the front which can be locked for greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheel stroller is an ideal option for runners or for those who like to walk fast and uphill, especially in the event that you're planning to connect a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It features a flat-reclining seat with five-point harnesses, and plenty of storage space for all your gear (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It is lightweight, compact, and suitable for use starting at birth. It can be used in conjunction with a car seat or carrycot. It also handles a bit of light jogging, but isn't designed for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that will take on tricky terrain then you want one with big wheels. They are designed to tackle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks with ease while providing smooth riding. These are also great for jogging, as they come with built-in suspension and are able to climb up and down kerbs. However, the drawback is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 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 making it extremely maneuverable. It has air-filled tyres that need to be pumped up every now and then. It can accommodate children until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler liked the design of the seat, and she found it easy to steer with her three-year-old child on board.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move up and down kerbs and fits into a small car boot. It can also be used as a pram that comes with an infant car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric sling seats are tucked within the frame of the buggie, as opposed to over it like modular seats. This design delivers an lower centre of gravity and a perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you cannot overestimate how often you'll do this as a new parent!)
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is impressive and there are a variety of different options to pick from. For newborns, there is the option to use the carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lying flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can be seated in the parent or world-facing seat that is large and padded and does have adjustable ventilation. The seats don't recline fully, but they can be lowered to the lowest position. This should still give your child plenty of space and headroom.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It's a benefit that it is positioned inside the frame rather than on top as a modular seat. This means that it has a lower centre of gravity with perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push especially over bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath really liked the way this type of seat dealt with these obstacles.
In addition to a large shopping basket, this kind of buggy typically has some quite useful features, such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal and some game-changing visibility lights that pop up from the handlebar and can be placed directly in front of the occupants to increase their safety when traversing difficult terrain.
If you're seeking a buggy that will grow along with your family it's the sport(tm) is a first in the world designed to accommodate the newborn, and later be modified to accommodate three or four children as they grow. All within one footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled model is more stable and can be pushed with one hand. It's also ideal for difficult terrain. However, it also means that the shopping basket can't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A top-quality ATP will come with pneumatic tyres, a cushioned grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It will be able to accommodate a car seat, so you can use it right from the time of birth.
The MFM reviewers noted that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't fit through their home doors or car boot. If you're concerned about space, be sure you check the dimensions when the buggy is folded before purchasing.
It's worth looking into 3-wheelers that can accommodate two (or even 3!) This is the best choice for your child's future and will help you save money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most well-known. It can be used as early as day dot as a single buggy, and then converted into twin buggies after your baby is walking.
Tyres
These tires cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more enjoyable. You'll find these on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an amazing ride for my toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it easy for her to navigate the kerbs and other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain and will require having their air pressure regularly topped up. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres so you'll need to ensure that you have repair kits with spare tubes and a pump on hand when you are you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres can be used on pushchairs because they are a cheaper option than air-filled tyres but are equally robust. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide across flat and tidied surfaces.
You can usually identify the difference between air-filled and PU tyres by running your hand over each one. If it feels firm, then it's a rubber tyre, and when it slides, it's a PU. You can also confirm whether your buggy has PU tyres by sliding the tyres over an even, clean surface They'll be able to roll easily and fit comfortably in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are typically utilized in high-performance buggies and joggers because they can cope with the rough terrain associated with this kind of pushchair. This could make your buggy less stable since the foam loses its springy quality. Also, 3 wheeler pushchair may typically be noisy because they make a lot of noise when you turn and make your way around town.