The Benefits and Drawbacks of a 3 Wheeled Pushchair
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for those who walk a lot on rough terrain or run. They are the best choice for those who need a pushchair that can tackle any terrain, from busy streets to forest tracks.
Look for models with front wheels that can be locked or turned. This gives you more flexibility. Front and rear wheels that are larger give you an easier riding on different surfaces.
Manoeuvrability
A 3-wheel pushchair is a great option for those who wish to move effortlessly. The wheels are positioned close to each other, allowing the chassis to turn and twist more easily than a traditional four wheel pushchair, making them perfect for busy streets and shopping. Some models even have a pair of front wheels that can be locked and swivelled for extra maneuverability when needed. The Roma Atlas, for example, has two wheels positioned close to each other at the front, and an innovative lock that swivels to give the flexibility of a 3-wheeler, but with added stability.
A lot of our most well-loved 3 wheelers can be converted from pram, stroller or toddler seat and car-seat carrier as your child develops. This is great for those who plan to travel together as a family, or make frequent trips to the store. One such example is the Baby Jogger Nipper pushchair that comes with Hauck's XL air wheels, a 360 swivel front wheel that can be locked and an adjustable suspension system that allows it to be used on all terrains including off-road and jogging when your child is old enough to be able to join in with you!
Another option is the ickle bubba Nipper, a pushchair that is all-terrain with a great suspension and huge puncture-proof tyres that allow it to be used for off-roading and smooth city pavements. It's suitable from birth (in the reversible seat unit or with a carrycot compatible) and has a handy one-handed instant fold for boot storage and airport travel.
It's important to choose the right wheels for a pushchair depending on where it will be used most. Moulded wheels are great for city life but won't do well on rougher ground. If you plan on taking your pushchair off paved surfaces, opt for air-filled tyres, sometimes known as pneumatic tyres capable of coping with rough terrain.
For a pushchair that's designed to handle both rural and urban environments check out our top-rated Bugaboo Fox Five All-Terrain pushchair. It has all the suspension and large wheels you'd expect from a pushchair designed for all-terrain use, but it's also a city pushchair that's super lightweight with a lockable front wheel.
Stability
You can improve the stability of your buggy by looking for certain features. Certain models come with an swiveling front wheel that can be locked in place to provide additional stability when driving on rough terrain. This can be particularly useful when you're planning to be using your pushchair off-road, or for running as it gives you the confidence to go on varying surfaces without difficulty.
Another excellent stability feature is suspension - this will make your baby's buggy more comfortable for both baby and parents particularly on uneven ground. Some brands even offer the option to swap out tyres with different sizes to allow you to tailor the performance of your pushchair to suit the terrain you will be riding it on.
If you're looking for a 3 wheeled pushchair that can be used on any terrain, you should consider buying a model that has air-filled tyres. These wheels will provide smoother rides over bumps and are less likely to puncture than solid wheels. They will also allow you to tackle non-paved tracks and will carry your buggy over a variety of surfaces including dirt, grass, sand and mud.
All-terrain strollers are generally larger than standard strollers however there are several great options that don't compromise on maneuverability or stability. One of our top picks, the UPPAbaby Ridge, has numerous remarkable features that make it suitable for off-road use as well as jogging after your child reaches a certain age. These include large, foam-filled, never-flat tyres and adjustable suspension as well as a quick one-handed fold.
The Bugaboo Fox 5 is another great all-terrain stroller. It's got similar features to the UPPAbaby and is equipped with an excellent suspension, large puncture-proof tires, and a single hand fold. It is compatible with a variety of car seats, and can also accommodate a carrycot. It is a bit heavier than other 3-wheelers but is still an excellent option for parents looking to take their pushchairs on all types of terrain.
Weight
The disadvantage of 3-wheeled pushchairs is that they can be heavy, particularly when dealing with bumpy surfaces and kerbs. The larger rear wheels of a 3-wheeler increase the overall weight, which is higher than the 4-wheeler. This means you will need more strength when lifting them.
All-terrain models are a good choice if you need a pushchair that can cope with rough terrain or rocky tarmac. These usually have special features, like robust suspensions and large puncture-proof tyres. More and more, manufacturers are creating all-terrain pushchairs that have gel-filled or foam-filled tyres that are not designed to go flat, and thus don't require inflating.
UPPAbaby's Ridge stroller that is all-terrain offers many features that are designed to be child-friendly and can help you navigate a variety of terrains with ease. The Ridge all-terrain pushchair has numerous features that are suitable for parents, such as the ability to lock the front wheel, a simple one handed fold, a large basket, and a movable handlebar. MFM reviewer Becky discovered that the Ridge was "very excellent for walks in woodlands, gravel tracks and market town cobbles".
iCandy is another brand that provides a range of all terrain pushchairs. Their latest all-terrain model, the Core is suitable for babies from birth and is used with a carrycot as well as car seat adaptors. The iCandy Core is packed with features that make it an excellent, all-terrain stroller. It has large and foam-filled tyres which never flatten, and a superb suspension. The Core is heavier than other all-terrain strollers yet light enough to be able to move in rough terrain.
Folding
If you're looking for a stroller that can handle the most difficult of terrain, you may think about an all-terrain model. This type of pushchair has large wheels both on the front and rear to make it easier to navigate bumpy off-road terrain. Most often, they'll have stronger suspension too and larger puncture-proof tyres to prevent them from getting clogged up with sticks, grass or mud.
The Mountain Buggy Ridge is a great model of a pushchair similar to this. It's an all-terrain model with a myriad of amazing features, including a smooth suspension, a large basket, one-handed steering and rapid, one-handed fold. It's also compatible with a carrycot and car seat (with adaptors) so can be used from birth or even from six months old with the seat unit that faces the world.
Other all-terrain pushchairs include Bugaboo Fox 5, which is a 3-wheeler with some seriously impressive off-road features. It has a large 10kg basket and can be folded in one hand. The handlebar can be adjusted with just one hand. It has a lockable wheel at the front, and never-flat foam-filled tyres.
The GB Maris, a new stroller with all-terrain design that is attractive it was unveiled at the Kind + Jugend fair. It is designed for kids who have mild to moderate positioning requirements. It has soft, adjustable components as well as a reclining chair. The front wheel can be locked and it has an braking foot for additional control and safety.
Whether you're shopping for a 3 wheeled pushchair or a four-wheeler, we carry an array of styles and features to fit your family. Our models are built with durable frames and wheels that will last for a lifetime. They also have great storage solutions for all of your baby's things. Plus, they can be folded and put away in the boot of your car or under the stairs when not in use. 3 wheel buggy 'll be prepared for your next family trip.