3 Wheeler Buggies: 10 Things I Wish I'd Known Sooner

· 6 min read
3 Wheeler Buggies: 10 Things I Wish I'd Known Sooner

3 Wheeler Buggies

A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-road terrain and provides an easy ride for babies. They can also be easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy especially those with fabric sling seats or modular seat units that are placed perfectly in the frame, delivering the most efficient geometry and weight distribution.

Stability

Three-wheeled buggys are extremely stable, and this makes them an excellent option for off-roading (especially when they are equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). They often feature oversized front wheels, which cope well with bumps and kerbs as well as rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheel on the front to provide additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.

It's important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies can have a lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled models which means that they fall over more easily. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs are designed with perfect geometry and engineering to ensure that they remain stable in all weather conditions. They should be able of turning at a whim and be easy to steer with just one hand, and have 360o swivelling front wheels which makes them ideal for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.

For surfaces that are extremely challenging you should look for a model with air-filled tyres, also known as pneumatic tyres. These are designed to handle non-paved tracks and are able to deal with mud, gravel, rock etc. Many all-terrain buggies have a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to add stability when dealing with extremely rough ground too.

A 3-wheeled pram is a great choice for those who run and like to walk fast uphill. This is especially true if you plan to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It features the flat-reclining seat, 5-point harness and plenty of storage space for all your gear (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It is lightweight, compact, and suitable to use from birth. It can be used with either a car seat or a carrycot.  three wheel pushchair  can also be used for jogging with a light pace, but it's not designed for serious runners.

Weight

If you're seeking a buggy that can handle difficult terrain then you want one with big wheels. They will be able to handle grass, cobbles, and dirt tracks while providing a smooth ride for any passenger. They are also great for jogging since they're equipped with suspension and are simple to move up and down kerbs. However, the trade off is that they are quite heavy to push.

The best 3-wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheeler is highly maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels as well as the front wheel can be locked. It has air tyres that require occasional pumping, and it can carry a child until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat and found steering it easy even with her 3 year old in the seat.

The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a top-quality hood that provides 50+ UV protection, and a high-quality hood. It's also easy to move up and down kerbs, and it can fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a pram that comes with baby car seat for newborns and toddlers.

Sling seats made of fabric fit snugly inside the buggie's frame, as opposed to on top of it like modular seats. This design has a lower centre-of-gravity at the right height. It is simpler to push and is lighter to kerb-pop (you don't know how many times you will do this as a new parent!).

Seating

The capacity for 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are a variety of different options to pick from. For babies it is possible to use the included carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy and comfortable lying flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can use the parent-facing or world-facing seat that is spacious and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. The seats don't fully recline, but they can be lowered to the lowest setting. This should still allow your child plenty of room and headroom.

A sling made of fabric is also available. It has the advantage that it is located within the frame, instead of on top as a seat that is modular. This results in a lower centre of gravity, with a perfect weight distribution.  3 wheeled pushchair  makes it much easier and lighter to push especially when you're on bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath was impressed with the way this type of seat negotiated these obstacles.

Alongside a huge shopping basket, this type of buggy typically has some very useful features like an extendable 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal and some games-changing visibility lights that come up from the handlebars and can be placed in front of the occupants to increase their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.

If you're seeking a buggy that will grow along with your family it's the sport(tm), a world-first designed to accommodate infants and be modified to fit three or more children as they grow, all within a single footprint.

Storage

The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy much more stable to push one handed and is also ideal for handling terrain that is difficult to navigate. The shopping basket is smaller than a 4-wheeler.

A high-quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres and padding for the handle for your ease. It should also be equipped to carry a carrycot and car seat which means you can use it right from birth.

MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame won'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 prior to purchasing in case you're concerned about space.

It's worth looking for 3-wheelers that can accommodate two (or even 3!) This is the most suitable option for your child's future and will help you save money. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the most popular; it can be used as a single unit from day dot and then converts to twin buggies when your baby starts walking.

Tyres


Air filled tyres have been designed to give your child more comfort while riding by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They are commonly used on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport that MFM reviewer Kath said provided "an exceptional ride for her toddler". She also mentioned that the grippy tyres on the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easy for her to maneuver around the kerbs as well as other obstacles.

They can be difficult to maintain and need to be filled regularly. These tyres are prone to punctures, which is why you should always have a repair kit and spare inner tube when you're out and out and about.

PU tyres are more commonly used on pushchairs since they are less expensive than air-filled tyres but are equally durable. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and soft feel.  3 wheeler pushchair  slide well on uneven and tied 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 made of rubber, when it slides, it's a PU. You can also check whether your buggy has PU tyres by sliding the tyres over a clean, flat surface - they'll be able to roll easily and fit comfortably in their wheel hubs.

Foam tyres are often utilized in high-performance buggies and joggers since they are able to cope with the rough terrain that's associated with this type of pushchair. This could make your buggy less stable as the foam will lose its springy quality. The tyres can also be noisy due to the fact that they create lots of noise when you turn and navigate around the town.