3 Wheeler Buggies 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known Earlier
3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is ideal for rough terrain providing a smooth ride for your infant. They are also more convenient to move and push than a four-wheel buggy especially those with fabric sling seats or seat units that are positioned snugly in the frame, offering the best ergonomics and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is the reason it's a good option for off-road walking (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat). These buggys often have oversized front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels on the front to provide additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have lower centers of gravity than the 4-wheeled versions which means they could fall more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been built with the perfect geometry to ensure that they remain solid in all conditions. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer with one hand. They also have the ability to rotate 360o on the front wheel which makes them perfect for maneuvering over difficult terrain.
For extremely difficult surfaces be sure to choose a model with air-filled tyres which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres. Push Chairs And Prams are designed to work on roads that are not paved and can deal with mud, gravel, rock etc. Many all-terrain buggies include an swivelling wheel at the front that can be locked for added stability when tackling very rough terrain.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great option for those who run or like to walk fast uphill. This is especially true if you plan to connect to a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It features a flat-reclining seat with 5-point harness and plenty of storage space for all your gear (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's light, compact, and suitable to use from birth. It can be used with either a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging, but is not intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that can handle the tough terrain, you need one with big wheels. They are designed to tackle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks easily and still provide smooth riding. They are also ideal for jogging as they come with built-in suspension and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. However, they're a bit heavy to push.
The best 3-wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy is extremely 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 be used to carry a child up to 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 on board.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar and a hood made of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move up and down kerbs, and can fit into the car's boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a pram with baby car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly inside the frame of the buggie instead of on top of it like modular seats. This model has a lower centre of gravity at the perfect 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 number of different choices to choose from. For babies, there is the option to use the carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lie flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can use the parent or world-facing seat unit that is roomy and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. The seats do not recline completely, but can be adjusted to the lowest setting. This should still allow your child to have plenty of space and headroom.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available. It has the advantage of being set snugly inside the frame rather than on top like the modular seat. This gives a lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially over bumpy terrain and curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this type of seat handled challenges.
This type of buggy has an enormous basket, along with other useful features like an extended hood with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal, and some unique visibility lights that can be positioned on the front of the passengers for improved safety on difficult terrain.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a single buggy that will adapt to your family's needs There's a brand new sport(tm) that's the first in the world to take one baby from the moment of birth and change to take two or even 3 once your children have grown, all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy more stable to push one handed and also perfect for handling terrain that is difficult to navigate. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A top-quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned to ensure your ease. It will accept a carrycot or car seat, which means you can use it from birth.
MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame can't fit through all the doors in their homes or small car boots - make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before buying if you're worried about space.
Look for a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. 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 well-known. It can be used from day dot as a single buggy, and later transformed into twin buggies after your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
These tires cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. They are typically included on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport that MFM reviewer Kath said provided "an amazing ride for her toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres on it made it easy to tackle kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres can be difficult to maintain and need to have their air pressure maintained regularly. These tyres are prone to punctures, and you should always carry an repair kit and spare inner tube when you're out and out and about.
PU tyres can be used on pushchairs because they are a cheaper option than tyres filled with air, but they are just as robust. You can recognise PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft texture. They also slide on smooth and tidy surfaces.
You can usually tell the difference between air-filled and PU tyres by running your hand over each one. If it feels hard, then it's made of rubber, If it slides, then it's a PU. You can also check whether your buggy comes with PU tyres, by sliding them across a flat, clean surface. They should roll easily and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are commonly utilized in high-performance buggies and Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain that's associated with this type of pushchair. This could make your buggy less stable since the foam will lose its springy nature. You'll also find that these kinds of tyres can often be noisy as they make a lot of noise as you turn and navigate your way through town.