10 Apps That Can Help You Control Your 3 Wheeler Buggies
3 Wheeler Buggies
A tri-wheeled stroller is ideal for off-road terrain and offers an easy ride for babies. They are also simpler to push and maneuver than a four wheel buggy, particularly those with fabric slings or seat units that are positioned tightly in the frame and provide the best shape and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeler has great stability, which is the reason it's an ideal option for off-road walks (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat unit). They often feature oversized front wheels, which can cope well with bumps and kerbs as well as rough terrain. Some models even have a lockable front wheel to provide extra stability on uneven terrain.
It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have a lower centre of gravity than 4-wheeled models, which can mean that they topple over more easily. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs have perfect geometry and engineering to ensure that they remain stable in all conditions. They must be able to pivot on a dime and be able to steer with one hand, and feature a 360o swivelling front wheel which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating challenging terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. These are made to handle nonpaved tracks, and should be able to take on mud, gravel, rocks and more. Many all-terrain buggies come with a swivelling wheel on the front which can be locked for extra stability when you're dealing with rough terrain.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great choice for runners and those who love to speed up the hill. This is particularly true if you intend to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, offering a world-facing seat that reclines flat. It also comes with a new 5-point harness as well as storage space for all your equipment (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's light, compact and suitable for babies and can be used with a carrycot or car seat. It also allows for some moderate jogging, but it's not designed for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle the tough terrain, then you'll need one with large wheels. These will cope well over grass, cobbles and dirt tracks and provide an enjoyable ride for any passenger. They are also ideal for jogging because they have built-in suspension and are able to climb up and down kerbs. However, the drawback is that they are quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy for use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels with an swivel wheel lockable to the front, so it's very manoeuvrable. It has air-filled tyres which require pumping regularly. It can be used by children until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the shape of the seat and found it easy to drive with her 3-year-old riding along.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. It's also easy to get up and down kerbs and fit in small car boots. It can also be used as a stroller with an infant carrycot or toddlers.
Fabric sling seats are tucked within the frame of the buggie instead of over it like modular seats. This model has a lower centre of gravity at the perfect height. It is easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you can't underestimate the number of times you'll do this as a new parent!).
Seating
The capacity for seating of 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are many different options to pick from. For a newborn, there is the option to use the included carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lying flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy) and older infants and toddlers can be seated in the world-facing or parent facing seat that is large and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. It is important to note that the seats do not recline completely however, they can be lowered to the lowest position which will give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available. It is positioned snugly inside the frame, rather than sitting on top as an open-back seat. This delivers a much lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push especially when you're on bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath loved the way this type of seat handled these obstacles.
In addition to a big shopping basket, this kind of buggy generally has quite useful features, such as an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal and some games-changing visibility lights that come up from the handlebars and can be placed in front of the occupants to improve their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.
If you're seeking a buggy that will grow with your family, the sport(tm), a world-first designed to accommodate the newborn, and later be modified to accommodate two or three children as they grow, all in one footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy more sturdy to push one-handed and is also ideal for handling rough terrain. However, it means that the basket won't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A high-quality ATP will come with pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It should be able to accommodate a car seat, which means you can use it from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't pass through all doors in their homes, or small car boots - make sure you know the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded prior to purchasing for those who are concerned about space.
Look for a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. seats once your family grows. These are the best of both worlds and can help you to save money in the future. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most sought-after. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggy and later converted into twin buggies once your baby is walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. They are commonly included on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport, which MFM reviewer Kath said offered "an exceptional ride for her toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres make it easy to tackle cobbles and kerbs.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain their inflation and need to be filled regularly. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres, so you'll need to ensure that you have repair kits, spare inner tube and pump on hand when you are traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres can be seen on more pushchairs than air-filled tyres but they're still as robust. You can identify PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft texture. They also glide well on smooth and tightly woven surfaces.
You can usually discern the difference between air-filled and PU tyres by running your hand over them, if it feels hard then it's a rubber tyre, and If it slides, then it's a PU. You can also confirm whether your buggy has PU tyres by sliding the tyres over a clean, flat surface They'll roll easily and fit snugly in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain of high-performance buggies. This can make your buggy less stable because the foam loses its springy quality. You'll also find that these kinds of tyres can often be noisy as they make a lot of noise as you turn and navigate your way through the town.