The Benefits and Drawbacks of a 3 Wheeled Pushchair
A three-wheeled pushchair is perfect for those who regularly walk on uneven terrain or jog. They are the best choice if you need a pushchair that can tackle any terrain from busy roads to forest tracks.
Look for designs with front wheels that can be locked or swivelled. This gives you more flexibility. The rear and front wheels that are bigger give you the most comfortable riding on different surfaces.
Manoeuvrability
A 3-wheel pushchair is a great option for those looking to be able to move easily. The wheels are positioned close, allowing the chassis turn and twist more easily than a 4 wheel pushchair. This makes them perfect for busy shops and streets. Some models have smaller front wheels that can be locked and swivelled to give them extra maneuverability. The Roma Atlas has two wheels at the front that are positioned close together and a smart lock that allows it to be as solid as a 3-wheeler while maintaining the same maneuverability.
A majority of our top-selling 3 wheelers are also 4-in-1 travel systems that can change from stroller to toddler seat and car seat carrier as your child grows. This is a great option when you are planning to travel together as a family or make frequent trips to the shop. One example is the Baby Jogger Nipper pushchair that features Hauck's XL air wheels and a 360 swivel front wheel that locks and a suspension system that makes it suitable for all terrains including off-road and jogging once your baby is old enough to start jogging with you!
Another great option is the ickle Bubba Nipper, an all-terrain pushchair with excellent suspension and huge puncture-proof tyres that make it suitable for off-road excursions and smooth city pavements. It's suitable from birth (in the seat unit that is reversible or with a carrycot compatible) and comes with a convenient one-handed fold that is ideal to store your boot and for airport travel.
It's important to choose the right wheels for a pushchair based on the location it will be used most. Moulded wheels are great for urban use, but they won't do well on rougher ground. If you plan on taking your pushchair off pavements choose tyres with air in them also known as pneumatic tyres, which are able to cope with rough terrain.
For a pushchair that's built to be able to handle both rural and urban environments take a look at our top-rated Bugaboo 5 All-Terrain pushchair. It's got all the great suspension and large wheels of an all-terrain model, but it's also a fantastic urban pushchair with a super lightweight frame, easy-to-use lockable front wheel and a single-handed fold.
Stability
You can increase the stability of your buggy by searching for certain features. For example, some designs feature a swivelling front wheel that can lock into place to give you extra stability when driving on rough terrain. This can be particularly useful when you're planning to be using your pushchair off-road or running, as it gives you the confidence to go any surface with ease.
Another great stability feature is suspension. This makes your buggy more comfortable to ride in for both the baby and you especially on uneven terrain. Certain brands allow you to alter the tyres of their pushchairs so that they can be adapted to the terrain you will be using it on.
If you are looking for a 3 wheeled pushchair that will perform well on any terrain, think about purchasing a model with air-filled tyres. These wheels provide smoother rides over bumps and are less likely to puncture than solid wheels. These wheels will permit you to ride your buggy on unpaved surfaces and can be used on many surfaces such as grass as well as sand and mud.
All-terrain strollers are generally wider than standard models, but there are still many great options that don't compromise on maneuverability or stability. One of our favourites is the UPPAbaby Ridge which has an array of amazing features that allow it to be used for off-road and running (once your child is old enough). These include large, foam-filled, never-flat tyres, adjustable suspension as well as a quick one-handed folding.
Another excellent all-terrain pushchair is the Bugaboo Fox 5 - this has similar all-terrain capabilities to the UPPAbaby Ridge and features excellent suspension with large puncture-proof tyres as well as a one-handed fold. 3 wheeler pushchair is compatible with a variety of car seats and also can accommodate the carrycot. It's a little heavier than some of the other 3-wheelers but is still an excellent option for parents who want to take their pushchair on all types of terrain.
Weight
The disadvantage of 3-wheeled pushchairs is that they can be quite heavy, particularly when navigating bumpy ground and kerbs. The larger rear wheels on a 3-wheeler also make up a higher overall weight than 4 wheelers which means that you'll require more strength to lift them, especially when folding them.
If you need a pushchair that can handle rough terrain and tarmac that is rocky it might be worth considering. These models usually have particular features, such as an extremely sturdy suspension system as well as large puncture-proof tires. Nowadays, manufacturers are developing all-terrain pushchairs using gel-filled or foam-filled tyres that are not designed to roll flat and therefore don't need inflation.
UPPAbaby's Ridge stroller is all-terrain and has a wide range of features that are designed to be child-friendly and will allow it to tackle different terrains easily. The Ridge all-terrain pushchair comes with many features for parents, including the ability to lock the front wheel, an easy fold that is one-handed with a large basket and a movable handlebar. MFM reviewer Becky found that the Ridge was "very great for woodland walks as well as gravel tracks and market town cobbles".
iCandy is another brand that provides a variety of all-terrain pushchairs. The Core, their latest all-terrain pushchair, is suitable for infants from birth. It can be fitted to the car seat or carrycot. The iCandy Core has a host of features that will make it an excellent all-terrain pushchair - including large foam-filled tyres that never flatten and an excellent suspension system. The Core is a bit heavier than other pushchairs that are all-terrain, but it's still lightweight enough to maneuver on more rough terrain.
Folding
If you're looking for a stroller that can withstand the toughest of terrain, you might be interested in an all-terrain model. This type of pushchair has large wheels both in the front and back to help tackle rough terrain off-road. They'll typically have more durable suspension as well as larger puncture resistant tyres, to prevent them from getting clogged with grass, sticks or mud.
An excellent model of this kind of pushchair is the Mountain Buggy Ridge. This all-terrain model comes with many impressive features, like a an easy suspension, a large basket, one handed steering, and a quick, one-handed folding. 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.
Bugaboo Fox 5 is another all-terrain stroller that has some impressive off-road features. It has a massive 10kg basket that can be folded in just one hand. The handlebar can also be adjusted by one hand. It also comes with the option of locking the front wheel as well as tyres that are filled with foam and never flat so you don't have to worry about punctures in rough terrain.
The GB Maris is a new stylish, attractive all-terrain stroller that was unveiled at the Kind + Jugend trade fair. It's made for children with moderate to mild positioning needs. It comes with soft, adjustable components, a reclining seat and an array of colors. The front wheel is lockable and has a brake for foot for safety and control.
Whether you're shopping for a pushchair with 3 wheels or a 4-wheeler, we offer many styles and features to fit your family. Our models are built with durable frames and wheels that can last for a lifetime. They also come with fantastic storage solutions for all of your baby's things. Additionally, they can be easily folded and tucked into the boot of your car or under the stairs when not being used. You'll be prepared for your next family trip.