3 Wheeler Buggies
A tri-wheeled stroller is ideal for off-road terrain and offers an easy ride for babies. They can also be easier to maneuver and push than a four-wheel buggy, especially if they have fabric slings or modular seat units that are placed comfortably in the frame, offering the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeler has great stability, which is the reason it's an ideal option for off-road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road-style seat). These buggys often have oversized front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheel in the front to give you additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have lower centers of gravity than 4-wheeled versions, which could mean they are more likely to fall over. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs are made with the best geometry to ensure they remain steady in any weather. They should be able turn on a dime and be able to be controlled with one hand. They also feature the ability to rotate 360o on the front wheel which is ideal for navigating difficult terrain.
Look for models that have pneumatic tyres. These are designed to be able to navigate tracks that aren't paved and should be able to handle mud, gravel, rocks, etc. Many all-terrain buggies include a swivelling wheel on the front which can be locked for extra stability when you're dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheel stroller is an excellent option for runners and those who like to walk quickly 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 an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space for all your equipment (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It is lightweight and compact, and is suitable for use starting at birth. It can be used in conjunction with a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging however, it isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a vehicle that will take on tricky terrain then you want one with big wheels. These are designed to handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks with ease while providing a smooth ride. These are also great for jogging as they have a suspension built-in and are easy enough 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-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels with a lockable swivel front wheel making it extremely maneuverable. It comes with air tyres which require pumping occasionally, and it can carry children up to 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the shape of the seat and found steering it easy even with her three-year-old riding along.
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's also simple to get up and down kerbs, and it can fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a stroller and baby carriers or toddlers.
Fabric slings are positioned within the frame and not on top as modular seats. This design provides a lower center of gravity and a perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you cannot overestimate how often you'll do this as a new parent!)
Seating
There are a myriad of alternatives for seating options in 3 wheelers. For babies you have the option to use the carrycot plus (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can be seated in the world-facing or parent facing seat that is spacious and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. It's important to note that these seats do not recline completely, but they can be adjusted to the lowest setting which will give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A fabric sling seat is also available. It is placed snugly within the frame, rather than sitting on top as an open-back seat. This delivers a much lower centre 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 really liked the way that this style of seat handled these obstacles.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this type of buggy usually has pretty useful features such as an extended 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal and some bright, game-changing lights that come up from the handlebar and can be placed in front of the occupants to increase their safety when traversing difficult terrain.
If you're seeking a buggy that will grow with your family The sport(tm) is a world first that can take in the newborn, and later be modified to fit three or four children as they grow, all within one footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy more stable and stable to push with one hand, and it's also great for handling rough terrain. The shopping basket is smaller than a 4-wheeler.
A good quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as a padded handle for your convenience. It will be able to accommodate a car seat, meaning you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame won't fit through all the doors in their homes, or small car boot - be sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded prior to purchasing if you're worried about space.
It's worth looking into 3-wheelers that can accommodate 2 (or even 3!) This is the best option for your child's future and will save you money. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the top of them that can be used as a single seat from day dot, and then transforms into twin buggies once your baby begins walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are made to give your child more comfort while riding by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. You'll find these on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an exceptional ride for my toddler". double pushchair 3 wheeler noted that the grippy tyres on the Phil and Ted's Sport made it simple for her to navigate the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and will require air pressure topped up regularly. These tyres are more prone to punctures, so you should always carry a repair kit as well as an spare inner tube when you're out and about.
PU tyres are more commonly found on pushchairs as they are less expensive than air-filled tyres, but they are equally durable. You can recognise PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft texture. They also slide easily on uneven and tied surfaces.
You can usually tell the difference between air-filled and PU tires by running your hands over each one. If it feels hard then it's made of rubber, if it slides then it's a PU. You can also test whether your buggy comes with PU tyres, by sliding them onto a flat, clean surface. They should roll easily and fit comfortably into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are often used in high-performance buggies and joggers because they can cope with the rough terrain 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 quality. Also, these types of tyres can typically be noisy because they make lots of noise when you turn and make your way around the town.