There are many types of all terrain wheelchairs available as both manual and power chairs though they are typically miles apart in cost.
Manual all terrain wheelchairs are relatively cheap while electric power wheelchairs are very expensive. I think my next upgrade will be to an all terrain powerchair as I love the beach. The problem with many 4×4 powerchairs is size. They are difficult to navigate a standard house in – forget hallway u-turn’s – the wide tyres stick and mark tiled floors and they screw up carpet and mats.
Beach Wheelchairs
Mostly constructed from stainless steel, aluminium and lightweight plastics beach wheelchairs can often be used as an all terrain wheelchair as well. Capable of withstanding fresh and salt water. With large balloon tyres they roll over soft sand without digging in and aid buoyancy in the water.
Beach wheelchairs are also excellent for travelling over snow, soft grass, mud and terrain that is difficult to negotiate in a standard wheelchair. When on rough terrain the balloon tyres absorb the impact from rocks, gravel and rutted tracks.
Beach wheelchairs are a great way to cross soft sand and enter the water. They range in price starting from a few hundred dollars. Self propelled models are rare and so a common downfall is they require an assistant.
The Power of One
Climbing to the top of the highest mountain in Africa, the 19,340 feet high Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, is quite an accomplishment for any person. Paralysed 28-year-old Erica Davis of Carlsbad took six days to reach the snow capped summit using her everyday wheelchair modified only with knobby tires and geared wheels to provide more torque.
When Erica was 24 years old blood vessels near her spinal cord and a major artery ruptured. In a matter of days she went from being a woman who once rode dirt bikes, played multiple sports in high school and taught high school P.E. to being paralysed from the waist down. Her strength of spirit still shines through with a simple home -made mountain climbing wheelchair.
Its very sad that the industry is so far behind. Insulting more than anything. Its the reason why im working on this problem. Good post
Where can I find a shower chair? I’ve looked around my town and all they have are the
ones for paraplegics. I’m a quid and need a taller back and head rest.
I am also looking for a shower wch ,,,,, hard to find. Does anyone know where to buy one in Canada/Toronto area?
Are these wheelchairs available for purchase in the USA?
Most of them Maria yes.
Kevin Spencer
If you are looking for an all terrain wheelchair it’s near imposable to fined one that can do what a 4×4 can do. Recently i went to a disability Exhibition at Rose Hill Race Course and saw this vehicle/wheelchair with some of its options. It can have a canopy to keep you dry, the east can tilt, back recline or made to take an air or jell cushion. It could travel ok AT A left to right 45 degree angle and could climb stairs depending on the angle of the stairs.
http://www.kemcare.co.nz
They do have distributor in Australia and are made in New Zealand. If you are visiting NZ i think you can hire them. I saw a broacher about them when I was there a couple of years ago.
Hey Kevin,
A representative from that company approached us seeking s page on this website to promote that wheelchair. We set up an account with access but they failed to ever utilize it. Not what you would expect from any reputable supplier. It should also be noted that wheelchair-tank is not suitable for indoor use.
A few weeks ago I trialed a 4×4 “Extreme X8” power wheelchair from http://www.MagicMobility.com who distribute globally (Melbourne based in Australia). While it looks much nicer and is brilliant for beach, bush, snow, climbing gutters, steps etc. it was also not really suitable for indoor use. Each wheel has an independent high torque 4 pole motor. All models have canopy, tilt, lights, usb sockets etc. available as extras.
I decided to order its little brother, the indoor friendly “Frontier V4” after trialing it. I’ll drop wider forks and tyres on the front end and still be able to venture on the beach. Best of both worlds.
Where can these chairs be found in canada? anyone have a clue????need one for my son