"Ask Me Anything": Ten Responses To Your Questions About 3 Wheeler Buggies
3 wheel jogger Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for off-roading providing an easy ride for your infant. They are also easier to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheel buggy especially those equipped with fabric slings or seat units that are tightly positioned in the frame and deliver the most efficient geometry and distribution of weight.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent stability, which is the reason it is a great choice for off road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road-style seat). These buggys often have oversized front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some even come with a lockable front wheel for extra stability on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies can have a lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled models and this can mean that they can tip over more easily. But, the top 3-wheel pushchairs are designed with perfect geometry and engineering to ensure that they remain stable in all conditions. They should be able turn at a whim and be easy to steer using one hand. They also feature the ability to rotate 360o on the front wheel that is ideal for navigating difficult terrain.
For really tricky surfaces you should look for models with air-filled tyres, also known as pneumatic tyres. They are designed to work on non-paved tracks and should cope with dirt, gravel, and more. Many all-terrain buggies feature an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when tackling extremely rough terrain.
A 3 wheel bassinet stroller-wheeled pram is a great option for runners and those who enjoy walking fast uphill. This is particularly true if you are planning to connect to a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It has the flat-reclining seat, 5-point harness and plenty of storage space to store everything you need (plus the ability to extend 50+ of the sun hood). It's light and compact, and is suitable to use from birth. It can be used in conjunction with a car seat or a carrycot. It also handles some light jogging but isn't intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you are seeking a buggy that can tackle difficult terrain, then you should pick one with large tires. These will cope well over grass, cobbles, and dirt tracks while providing an enjoyable ride for all passengers. These are also great for jogging, as they have built-in suspension and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. The downside is that they're a bit heavy to push.
The best 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front which makes it very maneuverable. It has air-filled tyres that need to be pumped up from time to time. It can accommodate children as young as the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler liked the best 3 wheel stroller design of the seat and found it easy to steer even with her three-year-old child on board.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar and a hood made of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move up and down kerbs, and can fit into the car's boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a pram that comes with a carrycot or infant car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric slings are set within the frame and not on top of the frame like modular seats. This design has a lower centre-of-gravity, which is the perfect height. It is much easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you'll do that as a new parent!).
Seating
The seating capacity of 3 wheelers is impressive, and there are a number of different options to choose from. The carrycot included is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a cozy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy). Older babies and toddlers will love the spacious and padded seat unit with adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats do not recline completely, but they can be lowered to the lowest position which will give your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.
A fabric sling is also available. It is advantageous in that it is placed inside the frame instead of being placed on top of it as a seat that is modular. This results in 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 was impressed with the way this kind of seat handled these obstacles.
This type of buggy has a large basket and other useful features like an extendable hood with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal and some innovative visibility lights which can be put on the front of the passengers for improved safety on difficult terrain.
Alternatively, if you are searching for a single baby buggy that will expand with your family, there's the brand-new sport(tm) which is the first of its kind to take a single newborn from day dot and then change to take two or even 3 wheel Stroller Set once your baby has developed and all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Stores
The 3 wheeler stroller-wheeled frame makes the buggy much more stable to push one handed and also perfect for handling rough terrain. However, it means that the shopping basket can't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A good quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres and padding for the handle for your comfort. It will also be equipped with the form of a car seat and carrycot and you can use it from the time you are born.
MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame can't pass through all doors in their homes, or small car booties - make sure you know the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before purchasing in case you're concerned about space.
It's worth considering an SUV with three wheels that can fit two (or even 3!) seats as your family grows. These are the best of both worlds and future proof your money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most well-known. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggie and later converted into twin buggies once your baby is walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. They are commonly found on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an amazing ride for my toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres on it made it easy to tackle kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres can sometimes prove tricky to keep inflated and need to be filled regularly. These tyres are prone to punctures, and it is recommended to always carry a repair kit and spare inner tube when you're out and about.
PU tyres can be found on more pushchairs than the air-filled tyres, but they are still just as durable. You can recognise PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft texture. They also slide easily on uneven and tied surfaces.
If you rub your hands over the tyres, then you can determine if they're PU or rubber. If it feels as if it's sliding, then it's a rubber or PU. You can also test whether your buggy comes with PU tyres sliding them across an even, smooth surface. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are often used in high-performance buggies as well as Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain that's associated with this type of pushchair. The downside of this is that the foam could shrink and make your buggy feel less stable because it loses its springy feel. Additionally, these kinds of tyres can frequently be noisy, as they create a lot of noise as you turn and make your way through the town.