The Benefits and Drawbacks of a 3 Wheeled Pushchair
If you often walk across rough terrain, or wish to go jogging on a treadmill, a three-wheeled pushchair is the best option. They are the best choice for those who need a buggy to handle any terrain from busy roads to forest tracks.
Find models with front wheels that can be locked or turned. This gives you more flexibility. Larger wheels, both front and back also offer an easier ride on various surfaces.
Manoeuvrability
Manoeuvrability is a key benefits of a 3 wheel pushchair. The wheels are positioned close, allowing the chassis turn and turn more easily than a four wheel pushchair. This makes them suitable for busy shops and streets. Some have small front wheels that are locked and swivelled to give them extra maneuverability. The Roma Atlas, for example is equipped with two wheels that are positioned close together in front, and an ingenious lock that can swivel to give the flexibility of a 3-wheeler with added stability.
A lot of our top-selling 3 wheelers come with a 4-in-1 travel systems that convert from stroller to pram to a toddler seat or car seat carrier as your child grows. This is ideal if you're planning on travelling as a family or for frequent trips to the shops. One such example is the Baby Jogger Nipper pushchair that includes Hauck's XL air wheel, a 360 swivel front wheel that can be locked and suspension that allows it to be used on all terrains, including off-road and jogging when your child is old enough to start jogging with you!
The ickle Bubba Nipper is a different alternative. It's an all-terrain stroller, with large puncture-proof tyres and a fantastic suspension that allows it to go on both off-road adventures and smooth city pavements. It's suitable from birth (in the reversible seat unit or with a compatible carrycot) and has a handy one-handed instant fold to store your boot and for airport travel.
It is crucial to select the correct wheels for a pushchair based on where it is most likely to be used. Moulded wheels work well in the city, but not so on more rough terrain. If you intend to take your pushchair off of roads, you should consider pneumatic tyres. They can handle rough terrain.
For a pushchair that's built to be able to handle both urban and rural environments take a look at our top-rated Bugaboo Fox 5 All-Terrain pushchair. It comes with all the suspension and big wheels you'd expect from an all-terrain pushchair but it's also a city pushchair that is extremely light with the option of locking the front wheel.
Stability
There are numerous features that you can look out for that will improve the stability of your buggy. For instance, some models feature a swivelling front wheel that can lock in place to give you extra stability when driving on rough terrain. This can be especially useful if you are going to be using your pushchair off-road or jogging as it will give you the confidence to take any surface easily.
Suspension is another good feature for stability. It will make your buggy more comfortable to ride, for both the baby and you, particularly on uneven terrain. Certain brands allow you to alter the tyres of their pushchairs, allowing it to be tailored to the terrain you'll be using it on.
If you're in the market for a three-wheeled pushchair that can be used on any terrain, think about purchasing a model with air-filled tyres. These wheels will offer a smoother ride over bumps, and are less likely to puncture than solid wheels. These wheels let you use your buggy on non-paved surfaces and can be used on many surfaces such as grass or sand, as well as mud.
All-terrain pushchairs tend to be slightly larger than standard pushchairs, but there are plenty of excellent options that don't compromise the stability or maneuverability. One of our favourites is the UPPAbaby Ridge, has a number of impressive features which allow it to be used for off-road use as well as jogging once your child is of the right age. It has large, foam-filled, never-flat tyres and adjustable suspension as well as the ability to fold with one hand.
Another excellent all-terrain pushchair model is the Bugaboo Fox 5 - this has similar all-terrain capabilities to the UPPAbaby Ridge. It has great suspension, large puncture-proof tyres and the ability to fold with one hand. It's also compatible with a large selection of car seats and can accommodate an infant carrier or carrycot as well. It can be slightly heavier than some of the other 3-wheelers but is still an excellent choice for parents who want to use their pushchair across all terrains.
Weight
The downside of 3 wheeled strollers is that they are heavy, especially if you have to navigate bumpy terrain and kerbs. The larger rear wheels on a 3-wheeler add up to a greater overall weight than 4-wheelers which means you may need more strength to lift them, particularly when folding.
All-terrain models are a good option for those who want an infant stroller that can handle rough terrain or rocky tarmac. These models usually have particular features, such as a sturdy suspension system and large puncture-proof tires. Nowadays, manufacturers are developing all-terrain pushchairs that have foam or gel-filled tyres that are not designed to roll flat, so they don't require inflating.
UPPAbaby's Ridge all-terrain pushchair comes with an array of child-friendly features that allow to conquer all kinds of terrain with ease. It includes the possibility of locking the front wheel, a quick and easy one-handed fold, a large basket, and an adjustable handlebar. MFM reviewer Becky found that the Ridge was "very great for woodland walks with gravel tracks, as well as market town cobbles".
Another brand that has a range of all-terrain pushchairs is iCandy. Their latest all-terrain model the Core is suitable for babies from birth and is combined with a carrycot or car seat adaptors. The iCandy Core is packed with features that make it an excellent stroller that is all-terrain. It has large and foam-filled tyres which never flatten, and a fantastic suspension. The Core is a little heavier than some other pushchairs for all-terrain use, but it's lightweight enough to maneuver on rougher ground.
Folding
If you're looking for a stroller that will take the roughest of terrain, you may think about an all-terrain model. This type of pushchair has large wheels both front and back to tackle rough terrain off-road. They'll usually have a more robust suspension and larger puncture-resistant tyres to ensure they don't get blocked by sticks, grass, or mud.
A good example of this kind of pushchair is the Mountain Buggy Ridge. It's an all-terrain model that comes with a host of impressive features, including a an easy suspension, a large basket, one-handed steering and a fast, one-handed fold. It's also compatible with a carrycot as well as a car seat (with adaptors) so can be used as early as birth, or from six months with the world-facing seat unit.
Other all-terrain pushchairs include Bugaboo Fox 5, which is a three-wheeler with amazing off-road features. It has a large 10kg basket and can be folded in just one hand. The handlebar can also be adjusted by one hand. It has a lockable wheel at the front and never-flat, foam-filled tyres.
The GB Maris is a new stylish, attractive all-terrain stroller that was unveiled at the Kind + Jugend trade fair. It is designed for children with moderate to light mobility needs. It has soft, adjustable components with a reclining seat as well as a range of colour options. The front wheel can be locked and has a footbrake for security and control.
Whether you're shopping for a 3 wheeled pushchair or 4-wheeler, we have many styles and features to fit your family. Our models are built with durable frames and wheels that are built to last for a long time. They also have great storage solutions that can store all of your baby's things. They can be folded and stored in the boot or under the stairs of your car when not being used. You'll be prepared for your next adventure with your family.