Phil & Ted’s three-wheelers are that rare combination of style and function: you can take it off-road without fear and won’t look out of place with it while you’re sipping your skinny latte. The Sport has a jogging strap, but no hand brake, which would be useful for joggers and serious off-roaders. Steering is smooth, even one-handed on uneven terrain: use the swivel front wheel for extra manoeuvrability here. For more strenuous country walks, fix the front wheel to prevent the buggy going everywhere.
The height-adjustable handle is nicely cushioned so you won’t feel the lumps and bumps from rocky ground – and very useful if your partner is significantly taller (or shorter) than you. The seat is easily adjusted from totally flat for a newborn to upright for a toddler, with two extra positions between. Folding the buggy is simple, and the quick-release wheels mean it’s a doddle to get it completely flat for easy storage (leave the wheels on and it will stand upright when folded). With the optional car seat adaptor kit, you can even use this as a travel system.
What really sets Phil & Ted’s apart from other three-wheelers is the Doubles Kit, which clicks simply underneath the seat to convert your single into a double when your second child comes along. I always think this baby seat looks a little low, but owners have convinced me over the years that their baby is perfectly happy in this ‘hammock’ and have emerged untraumatised from the experience. It’s certainly a less bulky, and cheaper, option than buying a whole new double buggy when the time comes.
