3 Wheeler Buggies: 10 Things I'd Loved To Know In The Past 3 Wheeler Buggies

A three-wheeler is perfect for off-roading, offering a smooth ride for your child. They can also be easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy, particularly those with fabric sling seats or modular seats that are set snugly within the frame, providing the best ergonomics and weight distribution.

Stability

A three-wheeler has great stability, which is why it's a good option for off-road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat unit). They typically have large front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some models have a lockable wheel in the front to give you additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.

It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have lower centers of gravity than 4-wheeled versions which means they can topple over more readily. That said, the best 3-wheel buggies have the perfect geometry and engineering to make them very stable in all conditions. They must be able to pivot at a whim and be able to steer with just one hand, and have 360o swivelling front wheels which makes them perfect for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.

Look for models with pneumatic tyres. 3 wheeled pushchair are designed to be able to navigate tracks that aren't paved and are able to withstand dirt, gravel, rocks and more. A lot of all-terrain buggies have an swivelling wheel at the front that can be locked to provide extra stability when you're dealing with rough terrain.

A tri-wheeled pram is a great option for those who run and like to walk fast uphill. This is particularly true if you intend to attach a car seat or carrycot. 3 wheeler pushchair is a great example, with a wide-facing seat that can recline flat and comes with a new 5-point harness as well as storage space for all your gear (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's compact, lightweight and suitable from birth and can be used with car seats or a carrycot. It also handles some light jogging, but isn't designed for serious runners.

Weight

If you're seeking a buggy that can tackle difficult terrain, then you should choose one with large tires. They are designed to tackle dirt, cobbles, and grass tracks with ease, while still providing an enjoyable ride. They are also ideal for jogging because they come with built-in suspension and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. The downside is that they're a bit heavy to push.

The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy is very maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels as well as the front wheel can be locked. 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 says that her toddler loved the shape of the seat, and she was able to steer it easily with her 3-year-old riding along.

Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, which has an adjustable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. 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 a carrycot or infant car seat for infants and toddlers.

Sling seats made of fabric fit snugly inside the frame of the buggie instead of over it like modular seats. This design has a lower centre of gravity at the perfect height. It is much easier to push, and is lighter to kerb-pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you will do that as a brand new parent!).

Seating

There are many options for seating in 3 wheelers. For newborns, there is the option to use the included carrycot plus (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can use the parent-facing or world-facing seat unit that is roomy and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. It is important to note that the seats do not recline completely, but they can be lowered to the lowest level which will give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.

A fabric sling is also available. It has the advantage that it is placed inside the frame rather than on top as a seat that is modular. This creates a lower center of gravity with perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat dealt with the obstacles.

This kind of buggy comes with a large basket and other useful features such as an hood that can be extended with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal, and a few innovative lights for visibility that can be placed in front of occupants for improved safety on difficult terrain.

If you're looking for a single buggy that can adapt to your family's needs, there's the brand-new sport(tm) which is the first of its kind to take a single infant from day one and change to take two or even 3 after your children have developed and all within the footprint of a single buggy.

Storage

The 3-wheeled frame is more sturdy and can be moved by one hand. It's also better for terrains that are difficult to navigate. However, it also means that the basket won't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.

A top-quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres and padding for the handle to ensure your comfort. It should be able to accommodate a car seat, so you can use it right from birth.


MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't fit through their home's doors or car boot. If you're concerned about space, be sure to verify the dimensions when the buggy is folded before purchasing.

It's worth looking for 3-wheelers that can accommodate two (or even 3!) seats once your family grows. These are the best of both worlds and future proof your money. 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 later converted into twin buggies after your baby is walking.

Tyres

These tyres absorb bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more enjoyable. They are commonly found on pushchairs, such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an amazing ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tires of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it simple for her to negotiate the kerbs as well as other obstacles.

These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and will need to have their air pressure maintained regularly. These tyres are prone to punctures, so you should always have a repair kit as well as an spare inner tube with you when you're out and about.

PU tyres can be seen on more pushchairs than the air-filled tyres but they're still as robust. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide across smooth and tidy surfaces.

If you rub your hands over the tyres, then you can tell if they are rubber or PU. If it feels like it's sliding, then it's a PU. You can also verify whether your buggy has PU tyres by slipping the tyres over a clean, flat surface - they'll be able to roll easily and should fit snugly in their wheel hubs.

Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. The drawback is that the foam may shrink and make your buggy feel less stable, as it loses its springy quality. You'll also find that these types of tyres can often be noisy as they generate a lot of noise when you turn and make your way around town.