The Reasons You Shouldn't Think About Enhancing Your 3 Wheeler Buggies
3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is ideal for rough terrain, offering a smooth ride for your baby. They are also easier to maneuver and push than a four-wheel buggy especially if they have fabric sling seats or seat units that are positioned snugly in the frame, offering the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is the reason it is a great option for off-road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat unit). These buggys often have oversized front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some models have a lockable wheel on the front for additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies may have a lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled models, which can mean that they fall over more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs are built with the perfect geometry to ensure that they remain solid in all conditions. They should be able of turning on a dime and be easy to steer with one hand and have 360o swivelling front wheels which makes them ideal for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
For surfaces that are extremely challenging be sure to choose models with air-filled tyres, also known as pneumatic tyres. They are designed to handle non-paved tracks and are able to deal with mud, gravel, rock and more. Many all-terrain buggies feature a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to add stability when tackling extremely rough ground too.
A 3-wheel pram is also an excellent option for runners and those who like to walk quickly and uphill, particularly in the event that you're planning to connect an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, offering a world-facing seat that reclines flat and has improved 5-point harness and storage space for all your equipment (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It is lightweight and compact, and is suitable for use starting at birth. It can be used with a car seat or a carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging, but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you are looking for a buggy to take on difficult terrain, you should choose one with big tires. They will be able to handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks, while providing a smooth ride for all passengers. They are also ideal for jogging, as they come with built-in suspension and are able to climb up and down kerbs. However, the downside is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The best 3-wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy is very maneuverable because it has 16 rear wheels as well as a lockable front wheel. It has air tyres, which require pumping occasionally, and it can carry a child up to 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler loved the shape of the seat, and she found it easy to steer even with her 3-year-old on the board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is an alternative that is also a great choice. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a top-quality hood that offers 50+ UV protection and a high-quality hood. three wheeler pushchair is also easy to move kerbs up and down, and can fit into the boot of a car that is small. It can also be used as a stroller and baby carriers or toddlers.
Fabric sling seats are tucked within the buggie's frame rather than over it like modular seats. This design delivers a lower center of gravity and a perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you can never underestimate how often you'll do this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
There are many options for seating in three wheelers. For newborns, there is the option to use the included 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 use the parent or world-facing seat that is large and padded and does have adjustable ventilation. It's important to note that these seats aren't fully reclined, but they can be adjusted to the lowest position which will give your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It's a benefit that it is located inside the frame, instead of on top as a modular seat. This results in a lower centre of gravity, with a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat handled the obstacles.
In addition to a large shopping basket, this type of buggy usually has pretty useful features such as an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal, and a few games-changing visibility lights that appear from the handlebar and can be positioned directly in front of the occupants to increase their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
If you're looking for a buggy that will grow along with your family it's the sport(tm) is a world first, can accommodate infants and be modified to fit two or three children as they grow. All within a single footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame is much more stable and can be pushed by one hand. It's also ideal for difficult terrain. The shopping basket is smaller than a 4-wheeler.
A top-quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres, a cushioned grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It will be able to accept a carrycot or car seat, so you can use it from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame can't pass through all doors of their homes or small car boot - be sure to check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before purchasing for those who are concerned about space.
It's worth considering a 3-wheeler that can take 2 (or even 3!) seats as your family grows. These are the most efficient of both and will help you save money in the future. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most sought-after. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggy, and then converted into twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to give your child a more comfortable ride by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. You'll find these on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an outstanding ride for my toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres on it made it easy to tackle cobbles and kerbs.
These tyres are sometimes tricky to keep inflated and need to be filled regularly. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres. So it is essential that you have a repair kit, spare inner tube and pump on hand when you are traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres are typically used on pushchairs since they are less expensive than air-filled tyres, but they are just as durable. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide on flat and tidied surfaces.
You can usually tell the distinction between air-filled and PU tire by running your fingers over each one. If it feels firm, then it's rubber and when it slides, it's a PU. You can also determine whether your buggy comes with PU tyres sliding them across a flat, clean surface. They should roll easily and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are commonly used in high-performance buggies as well as joggers because they can cope with the rough terrain that's common to this type of pushchair. The drawback is that the foam may compress and make your buggy feel less stable, because it loses its springy feel. The tyres can also be noisy, as they make lots of noise when you turn or drive around town.