The Most Underrated Companies To Monitor In The 3 Wheel Buggies Industry
3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look stylish and sleek, with excellent maneuverability. Many of these feature seats made of fabric that have a comfortable lay flat bed and a perfect weight distribution, ideal for babies from birth.
The wheels are larger and often have suspensions for smooth movements on different terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they tend to be bulkier and heavier to transport and store.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are remarkably stable - they don't tip over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when traveling in a straight line. Also, you'll notice that you can move them more quickly and efficiently. If you stop or turn abruptly, they can lose their stability and fall over. This is why certain manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
The extra wheel also helps you navigate off-road terrain. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road paths and other surfaces including rocks, sand and mud. They'll also come with a lockable front wheel to provide stability on rough ground.
The buggies are simple to maneuver and agile with 360o front swivel wheel. They also pass the same global stability standards and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a fabric sling, then they are typically placed lower in the frame than modular seats, so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the ground - instantly delivering a smoother ride and a less noticeable kerb pop (you don't need to apply as much pressure or effort to get the buggy up and over a Kerb).
Most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a best lightweight 3 wheel stroller travel system and pushchair to its product line with the attractive Citylife. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban life, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It has four wheels and an exclusive black pewter frame, which the company claims is 'light and compact' - it's actually only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a variety of three wheel buggies that can be folded down to can fit into smaller spaces. Many of these buggies can be folded with one hand and are easy to clean. The smallest models will come with a basic height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others could have an adjustable suspension or an extended 50+ UV canopy. Some models could have an enormous basket as well as a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most reliable 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain
A 3-wheeled model is typically better equipped to handle off-road terrain in comparison to a model with four wheels but both can be a bit stuck on tight corners. But, picking a model with larger wheels both front and back can be beneficial. This allows you to push them across rough terrain and can assist you in climbing up and down high curbs.
One option is the new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its responsive handling despite its three-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her infant and 3-year-old and said "it does really well on cobbles, bumpy pavements, dirt roads and gravel tracks as well as on a few hills."
Stella, the new all-terrain 3 wheeled buggy-wheel buggy by Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It is suitable from birth if used with a carrycot. It is slightly larger than the lightweight 4-wheelers, however, it comes with air-filled tires and three recline positions and a one-handed fold.
Its main selling point is its modularity, though - it's compatible with all the brand's infant car seats and strollers. This means you can build your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks, using only the chassis as a starting point.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are offered in a variety of styles and types of materials. Each one has its own pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example offer an effortless ride and superior maneuverability, while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you pick will depend on your lifestyle and where you live.
If you plan to travel on roads that are not paved or in rough terrain frequently you may want to consider a three-wheeler with more durable tyres. Also, you should consider the type of suspension you require. Suspensions that are strong are ideal to deal with humps and bumps but they can be heavy, adding to the overall weight.
The size of the tyre can be crucial. Understanding how to read the tyre size is important for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of numbers and letters on a tyre's sidewall may be confusing at first, but decoding it allows you to understand the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre size of '185/70 R14 indicates that the tire is a 185/70 radius with 14 inches of rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are lighter and more puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure whether a pushchair's tires are rubber or PU, try sliding the tires across an even surface. If the tires slide easily they are made of PU. If they don't then the tires are composed of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a 3 wheel buggy is a vital component to look for because it will absorb the bumps and knocks of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your child. Large wheels that are filled with air, and are able to be locked to ensure stability when running are important. This will enable your buggy to navigate off-road surfaces effortlessly.
There are many options for buggy styles that will suit any budget and lifestyle. For example, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain 3 wheel stroller terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. Their sling seats made of fabrics are designed with the perfect design and engineering to fit snugly inside the frame, rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This provides an lower center of gravity, and allows it to be placed at the right height to distribute weight evenly to conquer bumps.
Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that boasts a sleek style with large highly manoeuvrable front wheel, excellent suspension and an easy-to-use handbrake that twists. MFM reviewer Kath really put this buggy to the test by taking it on a hike through rough terrain and found that it adapted to the terrain well saying that it 'navigates easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, roads dirt tracks, and can be a breeze climbing and descending the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road option. It comes in a variety of colors that will complement your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar and a spacious basket. You can also select from a range of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the stylishly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a cosy lie flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns that are up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the buggy more stable and less likely to tip over and is easier to maneuver. It is also more secure for your baby since their weight is distributed more evenly throughout the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheel buggy also tends to have a lower center of gravity and therefore is easier to pop up and over curbs. The seats of the fabric sling are built into the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This results in a low seat position and buggy that is easily moved.
However, if you want to go out for a run with your baby then a four-wheeler is better suited as it has a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel which allows you to navigate bumpy roads and rough terrain be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most are NOT, such as the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception, as they have a suspension system specifically designed for them that's been independently tested across all kinds of terrain.