3 Wheeler Buggies

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

Stability

Three-wheeled vehicles are very stable, making them an ideal option for off-roading (especially when they are equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some even feature a lockable front tire to give extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.

It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have a lower centre of gravity than 4-wheeled models, which can mean that they can tip over more easily. The most reliable 3-wheeled pushchairs are designed with perfect geometry to ensure they remain stable in any condition. They should be able to turn on a dime, be easy to steer using just one hand, and have a 360o swivelling front wheel which makes them ideal for maneuvering and navigating challenging terrain.

For really tricky surfaces you should look for a model with air-filled tyres also known as pneumatic tyres. They are made to handle non-paved tracks and should cope with mud, gravel, rock etc. Many all-terrain buggies have a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to increase stability when tackling extremely rough terrain.

A three-wheeled stroller is a great option for those who run and like to walk fast uphill. This is particularly true if you are planning to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It has the flat-reclining seat, a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space to keep 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 jogging with a light pace, but it’s not designed for serious runners.

Weight

If you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle the tough terrain, you need one with large wheels. These will cope well over cobbles, grass and dirt tracks while providing an enjoyable ride for all passengers. They’re also good for jogging because they come with suspension and are easy to get up and down kerbs. The downside is that they’re quite heavy to push.

The best 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy comes with 16 rear wheels, and a lockable swivel front wheel, so it’s very manoeuvrable. It has tyres with air which require pumping up from time to time. It can carry children as young as the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the seat shape and she was able to steer it easily with her 3 year old in the seat.

The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It comes with a movable handlebar, a hood made of high-end materials that provides 50+ UV protection, and an extremely high-quality hood. It is also easy to move kerbs up and down, and can fit into the car’s boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a pram that comes with baby car seat for newborns and toddlers.

Fabric sling seats sit snugly within the buggie’s frame instead of over it like modular seats. This model has a lower centre-of-gravity, which is the ideal height. It is much easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you’ll need to do this as a new parent!).

Seating

The seating capacity of 3 wheelers is quite impressive, and there are a number of different choices to choose from. For babies you have the option to use the carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy) and older infants and toddlers can be seated in the parent or world-facing seat that is spacious and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. It’s worth noting that the seats do not recline completely, but they can be adjusted to the lowest position which will give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.

A fabric sling is also available. It’s a benefit that it is positioned within the frame, rather than on top as a seat that is modular. 3 wheeler pushchair results in a lower centre of gravity with perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly over bumpy terrain and curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this style of seat handled the obstacles.

In addition to a large shopping basket, this kind of buggy typically has some very useful features like an extended 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal, and a few games-changing visibility lights that appear from the handlebar and can be placed in front of the passengers to improve their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a single buggy that can adapt to your family’s needs There’s the new sport(tm) that is a world’s first that can take a single newborn from the moment of birth and adapt to take 2 or even 3 once your little ones have developed, all within the footprint of a single buggy.

Stores

The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy more stable to push one handed and also perfect for handling terrain that is difficult to navigate. However, it means that the shopping basket doesn’t hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.

A top-quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as an ergonomic handle that is cushioned to ensure your comfort. It is also equipped to carry car seats and a carrycot and you can use it from birth.

The MFM reviewers noted that the 3-wheeler frames didn’t pass through their doors at home or car boot. If you’re concerned about space, make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy once it is folded before purchasing.

It’s worth looking into 3-wheelers that can accommodate 2 (or even 3!) seats as your family grows. These are the best of both worlds and can help you to save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the best of these and can be used as a single seat from day dot and then converts to a twin buggies when your baby begins walking.

Tyres

Air filled tyres are made to give your child an easier ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They are typically included on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted’s Sport that MFM reviewer Kath said offered “an outstanding ride for her toddler”. She also mentioned that the grippy tyres of the Phil and Ted’s Sport made it easy for her to navigate the kerbs and other obstacles.

They can be difficult to maintain and will need to have their air pressure topped up regularly. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres, so you’ll need to ensure that you have a repair kit, spare inner tube and pump handy when traveling with your buggy.

PU tyres are typically used on pushchairs because they are less expensive than tyres filled with air, but they are equally durable. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide easily on even and tied surfaces.

If you move your hand over the tyres, then you can determine if they’re PU or rubber. If it feels as if it is sliding then it’s a rubber or PU. You can also check whether your buggy comes with PU tyres by sliding them on flat, clean surfaces. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into wheel hubs.

Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. The downside of this is that the foam could compress and make your buggy feel less stable, as it loses its springy feel. These tyres are also noisy due to the fact that they create a lot noise when you turn and drive around town.