3 Wheeler Buggies

A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-road terrain and offers a smooth ride for baby. They are also easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy, especially those with fabric slings or modular seat units that are positioned comfortably in the frame, offering the most efficient geometry and weight distribution.

Stability

Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, which makes them a great option for off-road walks (especially when equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). These buggys often have oversized front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheel on the front to provide additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.

It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies may have a lower centre of gravity than models with four wheels, which can mean that they topple over more easily. The best 3 wheeler pushchair off road-wheeled pushchairs are made with the best geometry to ensure they remain solid in all conditions. They should be able turn at a whim and be easy to steer with one hand. They also come with a 360o rotating front wheel that is ideal for navigating difficult terrain.

Look for models with pneumatic tyres. These are made to work on tracks that are not paved, and should be able to take on mud, gravel, rocks and other debris. Many all-terrain buggies feature an swivelling front wheel that can be locked to add stability when tackling extremely rough terrain too.

A tri-wheeled pram is a great choice for those who run or love to speed up the hill. This is particularly true if you are planning to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, offering a world-facing seat that reclines flat and has improved 5-point harness and storage space for all your gear (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight and compact, and is suitable to use from birth. It can be used with a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging however, it isn't designed for serious runners.

Weight

If you're looking for a vehicle that will take on tricky terrain, then you'll need one with large wheels. They can handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks, and provide an enjoyable ride for all passengers. These are also great for jogging 3 wheel stroller, as they have a suspension built-in and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. The downside is that they are quite heavy to push.

The best lightweight 3 wheel stroller 3-wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheeler is highly mobile due to its 16 rear wheels as well as a lockable front wheel. It has air tyres, which do need occasional pumping and it can be used to carry children up to the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the shape of the seat and found steering it easy even with her 3 wheel pushchair-year-old in the seat.

Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, that comes with an adjustable handlebar and a hood made of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move kerbs upwards and downwards and fits in a the car's boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a stroller with baby carriers or toddlers.

Fabric slings are set in the frame and not on top of the frame like modular seats. This design has a lower center of gravity and a perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you cannot think about how often you'll be doing that as new parents!)

Seating

The capacity for 3 wheelers is impressive and there are many different choices to choose from. For a newborn it is possible to use the carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can sit in the parent or world-facing seat unit that is roomy and padded and does have adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to recline completely, but can be lowered down to the lowest position. This should allow your child to have plenty of space and headroom.

A sling seat made of cloth is also available. It offers the advantage of being placed snugly within the frame rather than on top like an open-back seat. This gives a lower centre of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push, especially when you're on bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath really liked the way that this style of seat negotiated these obstacles.

Alongside a huge shopping basket, this type of buggy usually has quite useful features, such as an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal, and a few game-changing visibility lights that come up from the handlebar and can be placed directly in front of the occupants to ensure their safety when traversing difficult terrain.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a single buggy that can adapt to your family's needs, there's the brand-new sport(tm) that's the first of its kind to take one baby from day one and adapt to take 2 or even three once your baby has developed in the space of one buggy.

Stores

The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy more sturdy to push one-handed and also perfect for handling terrain that is difficult to navigate. However, it does mean that the basket won't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.

A top-quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres, a padded grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It will be able to accommodate a carrycot or a car seat, so you can use it right from the time of birth.

MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame won't pass through all doors in their homes or small car boots - make sure you know the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before buying if you're worried about space.

Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. seats as your family grows - these are the most efficient of both and can help you to save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the top of them; it can be used as a single seat from day dot and later converts to twin buggies when your baby starts walking.

Tyres

These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. They are commonly found on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath discovered to provide "an outstanding ride for my toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres on it made it easier to handle cobbles and kerbs.

They can be difficult to maintain and require air pressure maintained regularly. They are also more susceptible to punctures than foam tyres so it is essential that you have repair kits with spare tubes and a pump handy when you're out and about in your buggy.

PU tyres are more commonly used on pushchairs because they are a cheaper option than air-filled tyres but are equally robust. You can tell PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft texture. They also slide across flat and tidy surfaces.

It's usually possible to tell the difference between PU and air-filled tire by running your fingers over each one, if it feels hard then it's rubber and when it slides, it's a PU. You can also determine if your buggy is fitted with PU tyres, by sliding them on a flat, clean surface. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into wheel hubs.

Foam tyres are typically used in high-performance buggies and Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain associated with this kind of pushchair. This could make your buggy less stable as the foam will lose its springy nature. You'll also find that these types of tyres can typically be noisy because they create a lot of noise when you turn and make your way through the town.