3 Wheel Buggies

3 wheeled buggy wheel buggies offer excellent maneuverability in a stylish and streamlined frame. Many of these have a fabric sling with a comfortable lay flat bed that is perfect for weight distribution and are suitable from birth.

The wheels are bigger and often have suspension to ensure smooth, agile movement on different terrains. The only downside is that they may be heavier and more bulkier to store & transport.

Stability

Three wheel buggies are very stable - they don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when they're in a straight line, and you'll find that you can manoeuvre them much more quickly and efficiently. If you stop or turn abruptly, they may lose stability and tip over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3 wheeler pushchairs-wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.

The additional wheel can also help you tackle off-road terrain. Look for models that have air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that can be used to handle off-road trails, sand, dirt, as well as other surfaces like rock and sand. They'll also have the option of locking the front wheel to add stability over really rough terrain.

The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.

If you are in the market for a seat made of fabric, these tend to be lower in the frame compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground - instantly ensuring an easier ride.

Popular for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an ultra-light pushchair and travel system to its line-up with the attractive Citylife. This 3-in-1 is perfect for urban living and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It comes with four wheels and an exclusive pewter-black aluminum frame that the brand calls'slim and compact. It's smaller at 2cm than the Babyzen Yoyo.

Folding

There's a wide selection of 3 wheel buggies that fold down to fit into smaller space. Many can be folded with one hand and are easy to wipe down. Some of the smallest models have a simple handlebar-height adjustment, whereas others come with adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. They could also come with a large, spacious basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.

The best 3 wheeler for rocky terrain

A 3-wheeler will typically be more able to deal with off-road terrain than a 4-wheel model, although both can be stuck in difficult spots. However, choosing a model that has larger wheels both front and back can be beneficial. This makes them easier to push over rough ground and is often helpful in moving up and down steep kerbs.

One option is the new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly quick handling, despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her infant and her 3 wheel stroller for running-year-old, and said "it handles really well over bumpy pavements, cobbles dirt roads and gravel tracks as well as on some hills."

Stella, the new all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It's suitable from birth when used with the carrycot and is a little bigger than the lightweight 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim 54cm wide frame) but it comes with big air-filled tyres, three recline positions, and a quick one-hand fold.

Its primary selling point is its modularity, though it's compatible with all the car seats for infants from the brand and strollers. You can build your own travel system, whether you're planning to take a an easy stroll or a longer one using the chassis.

Tyres

The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of designs and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres offer a great performance and a smooth ride, whereas foam-filled tyres last longer. The type you choose will depend on your needs and the location you live in.

If you intend to travel on roads that are not paved or in rough terrain frequently, you might want to consider a three-wheeler with more durable tyres. Also, you should consider the type of suspension that you require. Strong suspensions are useful to tackle humps and bumps but they can be heavy and add to the overall weight.

The size of the tyre is also important. Knowing how to read the tyre size is important for safety, performance and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewalls of tyres can seem confusing, but once you decode it, you can understand the tyre dimensions. A tyre with a size of 185/70 R14 for instance, means that it is a radial tire with a diameter of 185/70 and has 14-inch rim diameter.

PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you aren't sure if the tires of a pushchair are rubber or PU, try sliding the tires across the surface with a smooth surface. If they move easily, then the tires are made of PU. If not, they are made of rubber.

Suspension

The suspension of a three-wheel buggy makes it more comfortable for your child because it absorbs any knocks or bumps that occur from rough terrain. Large wheels that are air-filled, and are able to be locked to ensure stability when jogging are also crucial. This will enable your buggy to navigate off-road surfaces effortlessly.

There are a variety of buggy designs to fit every budget and lifestyle. For example, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. Their sling seats made of fabrics are designed with precise geometry and engineering to fit comfortably inside the frame rather than on top, like modular seats. This creates a lower center of gravity and sits at the ideal height to distribute weight easily to tackle the kerbs.

The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It has an elegant design, a large wheel that's easy to maneuver and comes with a superb suspension. It also comes with the twist handbrake to facilitate ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put the buggy through its trials by going for a ride through rough terrain. She found that it performed admirably and said that it "navigates over bumpy grass, sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks, and even makes it easy to go up and down kerbs".

The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road choice. It comes in a variety of colours that will complement your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar and a large basket. You can also choose from a variety of infant car seats to transform the buggy into a pram, including the stylishly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a cosy lie flat bed for newborns and babies up to 12 months old.

Safety

Four wheels make a buggy much more stable, less likely to tip and easier to handle. It is also more secure for your baby since their weight is distributed more evenly over the frame of the pushchair.

A four-wheeled buggy has a lower center of gravity, making it easier to get over curbs and walk up. The fabric sling seat sits inside the frame rather than sitting on top like modular seats do, which results in a lower seating position and a lighter buggy that is more easily maneuverable.

If you want to run with your child, then a 4-wheeler is the best option. It comes with a suspension system that allows the front wheel to be independent from the rear one. This will allow you to take on rough terrain or bumpy roads. However, not all four wheel buggies are able to be used for running. The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been tested by an independent party on all kinds of terrain.