10 Apps To Help Manage Your 3 Wheel Buggies
3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies look stylish and sleek, with great maneuverability. Many of them come with an sling made of fabric with a cosy lay flat bed that is perfect for weight distribution and are ideal starting at birth.
The wheels are bigger and often come with suspension for agile smooth movement on a variety of terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they may be bulkier and heavier to transport and store.
Stability
Three-wheel buggies provide a lot of stability. They don't fall over more easily when going straight. You can also maneuver them more quickly. However, if you try to stop or turn abruptly they'll lose their stability and may fall over. For this reason, some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their three wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.
The extra wheel also helps you tackle off-road terrain. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road trails as well as other surfaces such as sand, mud and rock. 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 the 360o front swivel wheel. They also pass the same stability standards worldwide and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a seat made of fabric that are breathable, they tend to be smaller in the frame as compared to modular seats. 3 wheeled pushchair means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground - instantly ensuring the smoothest ride.
Maxi-Cosi is best known for its car seat collection however, it has recently expanded its product line with the Citylife compact travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 model is designed for urban living and is compatible for newborns with a car seat or carrycot for infants. It comes with 4 wheels and an exclusive black pewter frame, which the company claims is 'slim and compact'. It's just 2cm larger than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a wide selection of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to fit into smaller spaces. They can be folded with just one hand, and are simple to wash down. Some of the smallest models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, whereas others come with adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. Some models could have an enormous basket as well as brake levers that are quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain
A 3-wheeled buggy is usually better equipped to deal with off-road conditions as compared to a 4-wheeled model, though both may get stuck in tight corners. A model with bigger front and rear wheels will assist. This makes them easier to push across rough terrain and can help in moving up and down steep kerbs.
The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its surprising agility despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her baby, and she said that "it handled really well on cobbles, bumpy surfaces, dirt roads, gravel tracks, and a few hills."
Stella, the new 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi, is another option. It is suitable from birth when used with a carrycot. It's a bit bigger than the lighter 4-wheelers but it features air-filled tires, three recline positions, and a one-handed fold.
Its main selling feature is its modularity. It's compatible with all the brands' infant strollers and car seats. You can design your own travel system, no matter if you're looking to go for a shorter walk or a longer one using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of styles and materials, and each has its pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example provide a smooth ride and great maneuverability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you choose will be based on your personal preferences and the location you live in.
If you intend to travel on roads that are not paved or in rough terrain frequently you may think about a three-wheeler with more robust tyres. Also, you should consider the type of suspension you need. The suspensions that are strong are great for tackling bumps and humps however they can be quite heavy, adding to the overall weight.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the tyre. Knowing how to read the tyre size is important for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewalls of tyres can appear confusing however, once you understand it, you will be able to understand the tyre's dimensions. A tyre with a size of 185/70 R14 for instance is a radial tire that has a size of the 185/70 size with a 14-inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're not sure if a pushchair has rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires over a smooth surface and tie them. If they slide easily then the tires are made from PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a three wheel buggy is a vital component to look for because it will absorb the jolts and bumps of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your baby. A large wheel that are air-filled, and can be locked for stability during jogging is crucial to ensure that your buggy is capable of navigating off road surfaces with ease.
There are a variety of buggy designs to fit every budget and lifestyle. For example, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a 3-wheel buggies. The sling seats made of fabric are designed with perfect design and engineering to fit perfectly inside the frame instead of on top like modular seats. This creates a lower center of gravity, and sits at the ideal height to distribute weight evenly to tackle the kerbs.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It sports an elegant design, a huge wheel that's easy to maneuver and comes with a superb suspension. It also has a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath took this buggy to the test by taking it for a hike through rough terrain and she was impressed with how it handled the terrain really well, stating that it 'flies effortlessly over bumpy grass, cobbles, roads, dirt tracks and even makes a light work of climbing and descending kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road choice. It comes in a variety of colors that will match your style. It also features an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also choose from a range of infant car seats to transform the buggy into a pram, including the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a comfortable lie-flat bed for newborns and babies from 12 months to 12 years old.
Safety
Having four wheels makes the pushchair much more stable and less likely to tip over and easier to maneuver. It is also more secure for your child since the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheel buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity, making it more easy to roll over curbs and up the stairs. The seats made of fabric are built into the frame and not on top as modular seats. This creates a low seat position and buggy that is easily maneuvered.
However, if you want to go out for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler might be better suited since it will have suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel which allows you to navigate bumpy roads and rough terrain - just bear in mind not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most are NOT, such as the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially designed suspension system that has been tested by an independent party on all types of terrain.