What NOT To Do In The 3 Wheeler Buggies Industry
3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is perfect for tackling off-road terrain and provides an easy ride for your child. They are also more convenient to maneuver and push than a four-wheel buggy, particularly those with fabric sling seats or seats that are set perfectly in the frame, offering the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, making them a great option for off-road walks (especially when equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). They typically have larger front wheels, which cope well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels in the front to give you additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies can have a lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled models and this can mean that they fall over more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs are designed with perfect geometry to ensure they remain solid in all conditions. They should be able of turning on a dime and be easy to steer with just one hand and have a 360o swivelling front wheel which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. They are made to work on tracks that are not paved, and are able to withstand dirt, gravel, rocks, etc. Many all-terrain buggies feature an swivelling front wheel that can be locked to increase stability when working on extremely rough ground too.
A 3-wheel pram is also an excellent option for runners or those who like to walk quickly and uphill, particularly if you're planning to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a wide-facing seat that reclines flat. It also comes with a new 5-point harness as well as storage space for all your kit (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight, compact and suitable for babies and can be used in conjunction with a carrycot or car seat. It can also be used for light jogging but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can take on difficult terrain, you should choose one with big tires. These are made to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks with ease and still provide a smooth ride. They are also great for jogging because they have built-in suspension and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. The trade-off is that they are quite heavy to push.
The best 3-wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy comes with 16 rear wheels with a lockable swivel front wheel, so it's very manoeuvrable. It comes with air tyres which require pumping occasionally, and it can carry a child until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat, and she found steering it easy even with her three-year-old riding along.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, that comes with an adjustable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move kerbs up and down and fits in a the car's boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a stroller and baby carriers or toddlers.
Fabric slings are positioned in the frame and not on top of the frame like modular seats. This design has a lower centre-of-gravity, which is the perfect height. It is much easier to push, and is lighter to kerb-pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you will do that as a new parent!).
Seating
The seating capacity of 3 wheelers is impressive and there are a variety of different choices to choose from. The carrycot that comes with it is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfortable and cosy lie-flat bed that can be used both in and out of the buggy). Older infants and toddlers will appreciate the spacious and padded seat unit that has adjustable ventilation. The seats do not fully recline, but they can be adjusted to the lowest position. This should give your child plenty of room and headroom.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It is advantageous in that it is positioned inside the frame, rather than on top as a modular seat. This results in a lower centre of gravity, with a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly over bumpy terrain and curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat handled obstacles.
This kind of buggy comes with an enormous basket, along with other beneficial features like an extended hood with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal, and some unique visibility lights that can be placed in front of the occupants for improved safety on difficult terrain.
If you're seeking a buggy that will grow with your family The sport(tm) is a first in the world designed to accommodate the newborn, and later be modified to fit two or three children as they grow. All within a single footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy much more stable to push one handed and also perfect for handling rough terrain. However, it does mean that the basket won't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A top-quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned to ensure your convenience. It will also be able to take car seats and a carrycot so you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't fit through all the doors in their homes, or small car boot - be sure you know the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before purchasing in case you're concerned about space.
It's worth considering a 3-wheeler that can take 2 (or even 3!) This is the best option for your future and will save you money. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the top of them; it can be used as a single unit from day dot and later converts to a twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
These tyres absorb bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. They're commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath discovered to provide "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres on it made it easier to handle kerbs and cobbles.
They can be difficult to maintain and require having their air pressure maintained regularly. three wheel pushchair are more susceptible to punctures, so you should always have an repair kit and spare inner tube with you when you're out and out and about.
PU tyres can be found on more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, yet they are still just as durable. PU tires are easily distinguished by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide over flat and tidy surfaces.
You can usually discern the distinction between air-filled and PU tire by running your fingers over them, if it feels hard then it's rubber and If it slides, then it's a PU. You can also verify that your buggy has PU tyres simply by sliding the tyres on flat, clean surfaces - they'll be able to roll easily and fit snugly in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. This can make your buggy less stable as the foam will lose its springy quality. You'll also find that these types of tyres can often be noisy as they create a lot of noise when you turn and navigate your way around town.