The Benefits and Drawbacks of a 3 Wheeled Pushchair
A three-wheeled pushchair is perfect if you walk regularly on rough terrain or jog. They are the best option if you need a buggy to handle any terrain, from busy roads to forest tracks.
For more manoeuvrability, look for a design with swivelling or lockable front wheels. Larger wheels both front and back also offer a more comfortable ride on varying terrains.
Manoeuvrability
A 3-wheel pushchair is a great choice for those who want to be able to move effortlessly. The wheels are set close to each other, allowing the chassis to turn and twist more easily than a traditional 4 wheel pushchair, making them perfect for busy streets and shopping. Some even have a pair of front wheels that can be locked and swivelled to provide additional maneuverability when required. The Roma Atlas has two wheels at the front that are positioned close together and a lock that allows it to be as stable as a three-wheeler while still allowing for the same maneuverability.
Many of our best-selling 3 wheelers are also 4-in-1 travel systems which can convert from stroller to pram to a toddler seat or car seat carrier as your child grows. This is a great option if you're planning on travelling with your family or taking frequent shopping trips. One such example is the Baby Jogger Nipper pushchair that features Hauck's XL air wheels with a 360-swivel front wheel that locks and an adjustable suspension system that makes it suitable for all types of terrain, including off-road, and jogging when your child is old enough to join in with you!
Another option is the ickle bubba Nipper, a pushchair that is all-terrain with great suspension and huge puncture-proof tyres, which make it suitable for off-roading and smooth city pavements. It can be used from birth using the reversible seat, or carrycot compatible. 3 wheel pushchair comes with an easy fold that can be folded with one hand for storage in the boot and for airport travel.
The wheels you choose for your pushchair is essential depending on where you'll use it the most. Moulded wheels work well in the city but not on more rough terrain. If you plan on taking your pushchair off of pavements choose tyres with air in them which are sometimes referred to as pneumatic tyres capable of coping with rough terrain.
If you're looking for a pushchair built to be able to handle both rural and urban environments take a look at our top-rated Bugaboo 5 All-Terrain pushchair. It comes with all the suspension and big wheels you'd expect from a pushchair designed for all-terrain use, but it's also a city pushchair that's extremely light and has the option of locking the front wheel.
Stability
There are a number of features that you can look out for that will enhance the stability of your buggy. Some designs have a rotating front wheel that is locked to give additional stability when driving when riding on rough terrain. This is particularly useful if you plan to use your pushchair to jog or off-road. It will allow you to confidently handle different surfaces.
Another great stability feature is suspension. This makes your buggy more comfortable to ride in for both the baby and you, especially on uneven ground. Some brands even offer the option to swap out tyres with different sizes so that you can alter the performance of your pushchair to the type of terrain you will be riding it on.
If you are looking for a 3-wheeled pushchair that is able to perform on any terrain, think about purchasing a model with air-filled tyres. These wheels will provide smoother rides over bumps and are less likely to break than solid wheels. They also permit you to ride on tracks that are not paved and will carry your buggy across a variety of surfaces including grass, sand and mud.
All-terrain pushchairs can be slightly wider than standard pushchairs, however there are a few great options to choose from that won't compromise on the stability or maneuverability. One of our top picks is the UPPAbaby Ridge which comes with a range of impressive features that make it suitable for off-road and jogging (once your child is old enough). It comes with large, foam-filled never-flat tyres, adjustable suspension, and a simple, one-handed folding.
Another excellent all-terrain pushchair is the Bugaboo Fox 5 - this is similar to the UPPAbaby Ridge. 3 wheel buggy has excellent suspension large puncture-proof tyres, and the ability to fold with one hand. It's also compatible with a wide selection of car seats and can accommodate the infant carrier or carrycot too. It's heavier than other 3-wheelers, however it's still an excellent choice for parents who wish to have their pushchair able to go across any terrain.
Weight
The downside of 3 wheeled pushchairs is that they can be quite heavy, particularly when navigating bumpy ground and kerbs. The bigger rear wheels on a 3-wheeler also make up a higher total weight than 4-wheelers, which means you'll need more strength to lift them, particularly when folding.
If you require a pushchair that can handle rough terrain and tarmac that is rocky, an all-terrain model could be worth considering. These models usually come with specific features like a sturdy suspension system and large puncture-proof tires. Brands are increasingly designing all-terrain strollers with tyres that are filled with foam or gel to prevent them from falling flat.
UPPAbaby’s Ridge stroller is all-terrain and has an array of features that are designed to be child-friendly and will help it tackle a variety of terrains with ease. The Ridge all-terrain pushchair is equipped with many features for parents, including the ability to lock the front wheel, an easy fold with one hand with a large basket and a movable handlebar. MFM reviewer Becky said that the Ridge is "very good for walking in the woods and gravel roads, as well as market town cobbles".
Another brand to offer 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 used with a carrycot as well as car seat adaptors. The iCandy Core has a host of features that make it an excellent all-terrain stroller, including big foam-filled, never-flat tyres as well as a great suspension system. The Core is heavier than other strollers for all-terrain use yet light enough to maneuver on rougher terrain.
Folding
All-terrain models are a good choice if you need a pushchair to handle rough terrain. This kind of pushchair will come with large wheels both in the front and back, which will help you navigate rough terrain off-road. They usually have more durable suspension as well as more puncture-proof tyres that can prevent them from getting clogged up with sticks, grass or mud.
A good example of this type of pushchair is the Mountain Buggy Ridge. It's an all-terrain model that comes with a host of impressive features including an easy suspension, a large basket, one-handed steering and rapid, one-handed fold. It's also compatible with a carrycot and car seat (with adaptors) and can be used as early as birth, or even from six months old with the world-facing seat unit.
Other all-terrain pushchairs include Bugaboo Fox 5, which is a 3-wheeler with some amazing off-road features. It has a massive 10kg basket, which can be folded in one hand. The handlebar can be adjusted using just one hand. It has a lockable wheel on the front, and never-flat foam-filled tyres.
Finally, the GB Maris is a new, eye-catching all-terrain pushchair which was unveiled at the Kind + Jugend trade fair. It's made for children with moderate to mild positioning needs and offers soft, adjustable components including a reclining seat, as well as an array of colors. The front wheel is lockable and comes with a footbrake for security and control.
If you're looking for a 3-wheeled pushchair or a four-wheeler, we carry many designs and features that will fit your family. The majority of the models we offer come with sturdy, durable frames and tough wheels that last a lifetime and provide fantastic storage solutions for all your baby's possessions. They can also be folded up and put into the boot of your car or under the stairs when not in use. You'll be ready for your next family vacation.