Ask Me Anything: 10 Responses To Your Questions About 3 Wheeler Buggies
3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-road terrain and offers a smooth ride for baby. They are also easier to move and push than a four-wheel buggy especially if they have fabric sling seats or seat units that are placed snugly within the frame, providing the most efficient geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeler has great stability, which is why it's an ideal option for off-road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat). They often feature oversized front wheels, which can cope well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough terrain. Some models have a lockable wheel on the front to provide extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies can have a lower centre of gravity than 4-wheeled models which means that they can tip over more easily. But, the top 3-wheel pushchairs are designed with perfect geometry and engineering to ensure they are stable in all weather conditions. They should be able to turn at a whim, be easy to steer using just one hand, and have the front wheel rotate 360o which makes them ideal for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
Look for models with pneumatic tyres. These are designed to work on tracks that are not paved, and should be able to take on rocks, mud, gravel and more. A lot of all-terrain buggies have an swivelling wheel at the front that can be locked to provide greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheel stroller is a good option for runners or for those who like to walk fast and uphill, particularly in the event that you're planning to connect a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It features an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with 5-point harness and plenty of storage space for everything you need (plus the ability to extend 50+ of the sun hood). It's lightweight, compact, and suitable for use starting at birth. It can be used in conjunction with a 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 vehicle that will take on tricky terrain, you need one with large wheels. These are designed to handle dirt, cobbles, and grass tracks easily and still provide an enjoyable ride. These are also great for jogging as they have built-in suspension and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. However, 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). This 3-wheeler has 16 rear wheels and a lockable swivel front wheel, so it's very manoeuvrable. It has tyres with air that need to be pumped regularly. It can accommodate children as young as the age of three. 3 wheeled pushchair www.pushchairsandprams.uk says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat, and she was able to steer it easily with her 3 year old riding along.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, that comes with an adjustable handlebar as well as a hood that is of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It's also easy to get up and down kerbs and fit in small car boots. It can be used as a stroller and an infant carrycot or toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed within the frame and not on top of the frame like modular seats. This model has a lower centre-of-gravity at the right height. It is much easier to push, and lighter to kerb-pop (you don't know how many times you will do that as a new parent!).
Seating
There are a myriad of alternatives for seating options in 3 wheelers. The carrycot that comes with it is ideal for a baby (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a cozy and comfortable lying-flat bed that can be used both in and out of the buggy). Older babies and toddlers will love the large and comfortable seat with adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to recline fully, but they can be adjusted to the lowest position. This should give your child plenty of room and headroom.
A fabric sling seat is also available, which has the advantage of being placed snugly within the frame rather than sitting on top as an open-back seat. This provides a lower center of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push especially when you're on bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath was impressed with the way that this style of seat dealt with these obstacles.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this type of buggy typically has some quite useful features, such as an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal, and some games-changing visibility lights that pop up from the handlebars and can be placed in front of the occupants to ensure their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
Alternatively, if you are searching for a single baby buggy that will expand with your family There's the new sport(tm) that is the first of its kind to take one baby from day one and adjust to take 2 or even three once your baby has developed, all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is much more sturdy and can be moved by one hand. It's also more suitable for difficult terrain. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A high-quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres, and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned for your convenience. It is also able to take the form of a car seat and carrycot so you can use it right from the moment you are born.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame can't fit through all the doors in their homes or small car boot - be sure to check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before purchasing if you're worried about space.
It's worth looking into a 3-wheeler that can take 2 (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 popular that can be used as a single unit from day dot and later converts to a twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more enjoyable. These are included on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted’s Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said was "an exceptional ride for her toddler". She also mentioned that the grippy tyres of the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easier for her to negotiate the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain and will require having their air pressure topped up regularly. These tyres are more prone to punctures, so you should always have a repair kit as well as an spare inner tube when you're out and about.
PU tyres can be seen on more pushchairs than the air-filled tyres but they're just as robust. You can identify PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft texture. They also slide easily on uneven and tied surfaces.
You can usually discern the difference between air-filled and PU tires by running your hands over each one. If it feels firm, then it's made of rubber, if it slides then it's a PU. You can also determine whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres, by sliding them across flat, clean surfaces. They should roll easily and fit snugly into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are able to withstand the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. This could make your buggy less stable since the foam will lose its springy feel. You'll also find that these types of tyres can typically be noisy because they generate a lot of noise when you turn and make your way around town.