3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for rough terrain, offering an easy ride for your baby. They are also more convenient to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy particularly those with fabric sling seats or seat units that are positioned comfortably within the frame, providing the most efficient geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent stability, which is why it's a good choice for off road walking (especially with an all terrain or off-road-style seat). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels on the front to provide additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than models with four wheels and this can mean that they can tip over more easily. The most reliable 3-wheeled pushchairs are built with the perfect geometry to ensure they remain solid in all conditions. They should be able to turn on a dime and be able to steer with just one hand and have 360o swivelling front wheels which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating challenging terrain.
For really tricky surfaces, look out for a model with air-filled tyres, also known as pneumatic tyres, which are designed to work on roads that are not paved and can deal with mud, gravel, rock and more. Many all-terrain buggies have an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to increase stability when dealing with extremely rough terrain too.
A three-wheeled stroller is a great choice for those who run or enjoy walking fast uphill. This is especially true if you plan to connect an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It features a flat-reclining seat with 5-point harness and plenty of storage space for all your gear (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It's light, compact and suitable from birth and can be used with car seats or a carrycot. It also handles a bit of light jogging, but isn't designed for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can handle the tough terrain, you need one with large wheels. These are made to handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks with ease while providing a smooth ride. They're also ideal for jogging as they have built in suspension and are easy to climb and descend kerbs. The trade-off is that they're quite heavy to push.
The best 3-wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy is extremely maneuverable because it has 16 rear wheels as well as a lockable front wheel. It has air tyres which do need occasional pumping, and it can carry a child up to the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler liked the design of the seat and she found it easy to steer even with her 3-year-old son on the seat.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another great option. It has an adjustable handlebar, a high-quality hood that offers 50+ UV protection as well as a high quality hood. It's also easy to get up and down kerbs, and it can fit in small car boots. It can also be used as a pram, with baby car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed inside the frame and not on top as modular seats. This design delivers a lower centre of gravity at the perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you can never 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 many different choices to choose from. For babies it is possible to use the included carrycot plus (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lying flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy) and older infants and toddlers can sit in the parent or world-facing seat that is large and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to recline fully, but they can be adjusted to the lowest setting. This should still give your child plenty of space and headroom.
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 a modular seat and this gives a lower centre of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly over bumpy terrain and curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this style of seat handled challenges.
In addition to a big 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 a few game-changing visibility lights that come up from the handlebar and can be positioned in front of the occupants to ensure their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.
If 3 wheeler pushchair searching for a stroller that can grow with your family, the sport(tm) is a first in the world that can take in the newborn, and later 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 with just one hand. It's also more suitable for terrain that is difficult. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A high-quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres and a padded handle to ensure your comfort. It should be able to accommodate a carrycot or a car seat, meaning you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't pass through all doors in their homes or small car boot - be sure to check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded prior to purchasing for those who are concerned about space.
It's worth considering 3-wheelers that can accommodate two (or even 3!) seats once your family grows - these are the most efficient of both and will help you save money in the future. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most sought-after. It can be used as early as day dot as a single buggie and then converted into twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are made to provide your child with an easier ride by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. You'll find these on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an outstanding ride for my toddler". three wheel pushchair said that its grippy tyres made it easier to handle kerbs and cobbles.
They can be tricky to keep inflated and will need to be filled regularly. These tyres are more prone to punctures, which is why you should always have an repair kit and spare inner tube with you when you're out and out and about.
PU tyres are more commonly found on pushchairs as they are a cheaper option than air-filled tyres, but they are just as robust. You can recognise PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft feel. They also slide easily on even and tied surfaces.
You can usually discern the distinction between air-filled and PU tyres by running your hand over each one. If it feels hard, then it's rubber and if it slides then it's a PU. You can also check whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres by sliding them across a flat, clean surface. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain of high-performance buggies. The downside is that the foam may compress and make your buggy feel less stable, as it loses its springy nature. These tyres are also noisy, as they make a lot noise when you turn and drive around the town.