The Benefits and Drawbacks of a 3 Wheeled Pushchair
If you often walk across rough terrain or would like to go jogging on a treadmill, a three-wheeled pushchair is the perfect choice. They are the best option to use if you require a buggy to handle any terrain from busy streets to forest tracks.
To make your ride more maneuverable, look for a model that has swivelling or lockable front wheels. Front and rear wheels that are larger give you a more comfortable ride on different surfaces.
Manoeuvrability
A 3 wheel pushchair is a great option for those who wish to be able to move effortlessly. The wheels are close together which allows the chassis to turn and turn more easily than a 4 wheel pushchair. This makes them perfect for busy streets and shops. Some have small front wheels that are locked and swivelled for additional maneuverability. The Roma Atlas has two wheels in the front placed close together, and a clever lock that allows it to be as stable as a three-wheeler while still allowing for the same maneuverability.
A lot of our top-selling 3 wheelers come with a 4-in-1 travel systems that change from stroller to a toddler seat or car seat carrier as your child grows. This is a great option for those who plan to travel as a family or for frequent shopping trips. The Baby Jogger Nipper is a great illustration. It has Hauck airwheels XL and a 360-degree lockable swivel wheel and a suspension that lets it be used on all terrains.
Another great option is the ickle Bubba Nipper, an all-terrain pushchair with a great suspension and large puncture-proof tyres, which make it suitable for off-road adventures as well as smooth city pavements. It's suitable for use from birth (in the seat that can be reversible, or with a carrycot that is compatible) and has a handy one-handed instant fold for boot storage and airport travel.
The wheels you choose for your pushchair is essential depending on where you'll use it the most. Moulded wheels are great for city life but won't perform well on more rough terrain. If you plan on taking your pushchair off paved surfaces, opt for air-filled tyres which are sometimes referred to as pneumatic tyres that are capable of handling rough terrain.
If you're in search of a pushchair that can be used in both rural and urban environments, then take a look at our top-rated Bugaboo Fox 5 All Terrain pushchair. It's got all the fantastic suspension and big wheels of an all-terrain model, but it's also a brilliant urban pushchair, with a lightweight frame, easy-to-use lockable front wheel and a single-handed fold.
Stability
There are a number of features you can check for that will increase the stability of your buggy. For instance, some models come with a swivelling front wheels that can lock into place to give you extra stability when driving on rough terrain. This can be especially useful for those who will use your pushchair off-road or running as it gives you the confidence to walk on varying surfaces easily.
Suspension is another good feature for stability. It will make your buggy more comfortable ride, both for you and your baby especially on rough terrain. Certain brands allow you to change the tyres on their pushchairs, allowing it to be tailored to the terrain you will be using it on.
If you are looking for a 3 wheeled pushchair that is able to perform on any terrain, consider investing in a model with air-filled tyres. 3 wheeler pushchair provide smoother rides over bumps, and are less likely to break than solid wheels. They also permit you to tackle non-paved tracks and can carry your buggy over a variety of surfaces including dirt, grass, sand and mud.
All-terrain strollers are generally bigger than standard strollers however there are several great options that don't compromise on maneuverability or stability. One of our favourites, the UPPAbaby Ridge, has a number of amazing features that make it suitable for off-road use as well as jogging once your child is of the right age. This includes large, foam-filled tyres that are never flat, adjustable suspension and an easy one-handed fold.
Another great all-terrain pushchair is the Bugaboo Fox 5 - this features the same all-terrain capabilities as the UPPAbaby Ridge and features great suspension with large puncture-proof tyres as well as a one-handed fold. It's compatible with a range of car seats, and can also accommodate the carrycot. It's a little heavier than other 3-wheelers, but it's still a great choice for parents who wish to have their pushchair equipped to travel across any terrain.
Weight
The downside of strollers with three wheels is that they can be heavy, especially when you are required to traverse bumpy terrain and kerbs. The bigger rear wheels on a 3-wheeler contribute to a heavier overall weight than 4-wheelers which means you'll need more strength to lift them, particularly when folding them.
All-terrain models are a great choice if you need a pushchair to handle rough terrain or rocky tarmac. They typically have features, like robust suspensions and large puncture-proof tyres. Increasingly, brands are designing all-terrain pushchairs using gel-filled or foam-filled tyres that are not designed to roll flat, so they don't require inflation.
UPPAbaby's Ridge all-terrain pushchair has a great choice of parent-friendly features that will help to conquer all kinds of terrain easily. The Ridge all-terrain pushchair comes with many features for parents, including the ability to lock its front wheel, a simple one handed fold, a large basket, and a movable handlebar. MFM reviewer Becky said that the Ridge is "very ideal for woodland walks, gravel roads and market town cobbles".
Another brand that offers a range of all-terrain pushchairs is iCandy. Their latest all-terrain model, the Core is suitable for use for babies from birth and is coupled with a carrycot or car seat adaptors. The iCandy Core has a host of features that will make it an excellent all-terrain pushchair, including large foam-filled, never-flat tyres as well as an excellent suspension system. The Core is a little heavier than other pushchairs for all-terrain use, but it's still light enough to be manoeuvrable on more rough terrain.
Folding
If you're in search of a pushchair that can handle the most difficult of terrain, you might be interested in an all-terrain model. This kind of pushchair comes with large wheels both on the front and back to help it navigate rough off-road terrain. Often they'll have more robust suspension, as well as 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 of this type. It's an all-terrain model that comes with a myriad of amazing features including smooth suspension, a large basket, one-handed steering and a rapid one-handed fold. It also works with a car seat and carrycot (with adaptors), so it can be used as early as six months.
Other all-terrain pushchairs include Bugaboo Fox 5, which is a three-wheeler with seriously impressive off-road features. It comes with a huge 10kg basket, which can be folded with one hand. The handlebar can also be adjusted with just one hand. It also comes with the option of locking the front wheel as well as foam-filled, never-flat tyres so you don't have to fret about punctures in rough terrain.
The GB Maris, a new all-terrain stroller that is eye-catching, was launched at the Kind + Jugend fair. It was designed for children who have moderate to light mobility requirements. It comes with soft, adjustable components and an adjustable reclining chair. The front wheel can be locked and has a footbrake for security and control.
Whether you're shopping for a 3 wheeled pushchair or a 4-wheeler, we offer many styles and features to suit your family. Many of the models we sell have sturdy, long-lasting frames and sturdy wheels that last a lifetime and provide fantastic storage solutions for all your baby's belongings. They can be folded and put away in the car's boot or under the stairs of your car when not in use. You'll be ready for your next family vacation.