For those who enjoy the great outdoors but who have restricted mobility and need the use of a wheelchair, finding the appropriate mobility equipment for their needs may be tricky – but finding the appropriate equipment can significantly enhance your overall quality of life. It might be beneficial to access the outdoors to continue doing the activities you like – this is especially true for socializing and regaining independence. What is an off-road wheelchair?
The off-road wheelchair is a mobility assistance device made for special persons to go off-road. It comprises a sturdy frame and a powerful motor that provides enough power to steer at any trail. The wheelchair is equipped with all-terrain tires to help get traction over loose surfaces of trails.
A wheelchair is a lifeline for many individuals, yet they are more than simply the simple wheeled mobility assistance that most people think. Thanks to some innovative design, several wheelchairs can handle terrain that is off the main road. If you’re a wheelchair user with a sense of adventure, one of these off-road wheelchairs could be the perfect fit.
Types of Off-Road Wheelchairs- That Support Outdoor Activities:
All-terrain wheelchairs provide a level of mobility that would otherwise be impossible to achieve without assistance. Using several various wheelchairs, small pebbles, mud, snow, and sand are ploughed over. As technology advances, the difficulties of riding over rough and uneven terrain will become a thing of the past. Everyone may now take advantage of the many advantages of a range of outdoor sports with astonishing simplicity.
Sand Wheelchair:
Sand & beach wheelchairs are made of massive wheels that help the wheelchair to remain on top of the sand rather than burrowing into the ground as a tiny wheel and caster would generally do in a similar situation. These are excellent for use in any aquatic situation that has a sandy beach or shoreline.
Off-Road Wheelchair:
These chairs are ideal for individuals travelling around and discovering the wonders of the natural world. All-terrain wheelchairs are often equipped with wide knobby tires and more prominent, fatter front casters to aid the user in navigating rugged terrain.
Why to Use an Off-Road/All-Terrain Wheelchair:
Using a wheelchair may be pretty restrictive for many people. They can typically only travel on paved sidewalks or well-kept footpaths; otherwise, they get stuck and must be removed by friends, relatives, or total strangers. This may be very irritating, leading to some people refusing to leave their homes and becoming sad or worried.
Fortunately, there is an all-terrain wheelchair that allows them to move almost anywhere and over any surface without danger of being trapped or toppling over and harming themselves.
The All-Terrain Wheelchair is much more than simply a novel and inventive method for individuals to go about; it also provides a slew of advantages that may make the lives of those who need to use wheelchairs much easier.
Benefits of Off-road/All-Terrain wheelchair:
Independence – an off-road wheelchair is meant to offer disabled persons a safe form of mobility that allows them to move across practically any surface. It is also designed to be portable. It doesn’t matter whether they want to go to the shop, take advantage of the spring weather at a nearby park, or stroll a local trail; an all-terrain wheelchair may provide them with the freedom they need to travel anywhere.
Falls are avoided while using an off-road wheelchair, intended to prevent falls when travelling over rocky, unpaved, or uneven terrain. Knowing that an off-road wheelchair can travel almost anywhere may be quite freeing for some people concerned about the dangers of falling or even the possibility of death.
Regardless of whatever off-road wheelchair you choose for your lifestyle, you can be confident that you will be able to move about freely.
Find Out: What Size ATV Do I Need to Buy for Off-Roading?
A List of Best Wheelchair for Off-Road Use:
Given below is the list of the best off-road wheelchairs available in the market. You can Check out their specification and their usability.
1. Enigma XS:
Off the beaten road and into more rugged terrain, there are a few other risks to be aware of. Safety is vital because the undulation under the wheels increases the chances of losing control of your wheelchair and having a minor accident.
As a result, the Enigma XS was designed and tested with the importance of safety in mind. The Enigma XS’s reinforced frame delivers strength and rigidity, making it an invaluable tool in the case of a collision. The wheelchair has been crash-tested by the makers so that you may be confident in its promises of safety. Comfort for the elderly and disabled at home
The Enigma XS has several features that are beneficial off-road, in addition to its robustness and safety. When things become rough, the cushioned seat offers comfort, the wheels have a textured tread for traction, and the materials used are simple to clean when they get dirty.
2. Outlander All-Terrain:
Off-Road Focused is a red all-terrain self-propelled wheelchair. The Outlander All-Terrain is the most off-road-oriented of all the wheelchairs offered at CareCo, with every function designed to operate in an off-road setting. This is the chair for you if you intend on spending a lot of time where the roads don’t go.
The large back tires are the most noticeable characteristic. Inspired by the form of a mountain bike, these wheels will give traction on wet and uneven roads, reducing the likelihood of becoming stuck or spinning your wheels. You won’t be cringing every time you hit a bump since they’re robust enough to endure tumbling down tiny ledges or rolling over rock or logs.
The Outlander is composed of durable materials, including wheels. The frame is light yet sturdy, allowing you to move quickly without fear of injury. Furthermore, all surfaces have been engineered to be simple to clean if they get muddy; hose or wipe them off with water.
3. Smooth Traveling Enduro Suspension (Wheelchair with a Red Suspension):
When travelling over rougher terrain, the Enduro Suspension is designed to provide smoothness and comfort. When you go off the wonderfully smooth surface, the painstaking engineering guarantees that you are not rattled to pieces.
The suspension on the rear wheels is the key means by which the Enduro gives a smooth ride. This enables each side of the chair to respond to a bump or divot individually, preventing the chair from becoming disturbed as a result of the shock. Not only will this make you feel more comfortable, but it will also give you more confidence in your control over the chair.
However, the Enduro's suspension isn't the only feature that makes it more comfortable. There's also the cushioned chair, which absorbs even more of the off-road terrain's undulations. Finally, the taller armrests and footplates provide additional security when travelling.
Regardless of whatever off-road wheelchair you choose for your lifestyle, you can be confident that you will be able to move about freely.
4. The Mountain Trike (All Terrain Wheelchair with a Lever Drive):
This Company now has four all-terrain wheelchair models available as part of their product line; the distinctions between them are detailed below to assist you in determining which type is best for you.
the Mountain Trike is the company’s flagship model and the one with which it all began in the first place. This model, which was first introduced in 2011, has undergone various revisions over the years, most of which have been caused by advancements in technology and materials.
While preserving clean, dry hands in all weather conditions, the user may independently push, steer, and use the hydraulic brakes thanks to the system’s innovative lever drive mechanism. Using a joystick positioned on one of the drive levers, the driver may direct the vehicle’s direction, with each drive lever propelling one of the main wheels separately.
The third wheel in the back of the chair provides stability, hydraulic brakes regulate all weather conditions, and three separate shock absorbers provide comfort and safety while travelling over rugged or uneven terrain.
In the market for a manual off-road wheelchair, this is a good competitor with little competition in terms of performance and aesthetics, so have a look at it.
Top Characteristics:
- Set up the lever drive system on either the left or right side of the vehicle.
- Direct steering refers to the ability to steer and drive with just one hand.
- SRAM disc brakes are available in all weather conditions.
- Rock shox monarch R air suspension provides a smooth and comfortable ride.
- Footrest that is both adjustable and foldable
- Personalized goods and accessories are available: Examples include a larger frame, a push handle, and many racks.
- It may be folded into a cube for convenient transportation.
- Weight: 20 kg
- Any colour scheme is acceptable.
- Mountain Trike wheelchair that can go everywhere.
5. Mountain Push – A Wheelchair with a Lever Drive:
The MT Push, an attendant (buddy), and an all-terrain wheelchair are included: When it was first introduced in 2015, the MT Push offered similar performance to the Mountain Trike but did not have the lever drive mechanism.
MT Push includes an adjustable push handle behind the Rider, which was used for steering and braking by the Rider's companion.
Those who find it difficult to move but want to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family – going across rough terrain in comfort and safety – will find this ideal. A variety of terrain may be easily traversed by the Pusher while riding on the MT Push, which has been developed mainly with the Rider and the Pusher in mind.
Top Characteristics:
- Set up the lever drive system on either the left or right side of the vehicle.
- Brake Handle: The pivoting handle is used to activate the disc brake in conjunction with the gripping assistance.
- Having the ability to steer and drive with one hand by rotating left or right is called direct steering.
- Drive engagement is made simple by ergonomic loops, which are simple to operate.
- Hydraulic brakes: SRAM disc brakes for all-weather usage in conjunction with a gripping aid
- Rock Shox Monarch R air suspension provides a smooth and comfortable ride.
- A footrest that is both adjustable and foldable
- Customized products and extras are available, such as a higher seat back, a headrest, or a multi-rack.
- It may be folded into a cube for convenient transportation.
- Weight: 20 kg
- Any colour scheme is acceptable.
6. MT Evo wheelchair for All-Terrain Use:
MT Evo is an all-terrain wheelchair that is designed for those who have limited hand use.
The e-Trike is an all-terrain wheelchair with an electric power assist. It was introduced in 2019 and is appropriate for a wide variety of users – imagine Mountain Trike, but with electric power – and is somewhat unusual in that it allows you to mix physical power with electric support when you want it.
Perfect for users who may need help while travelling off-road and active users who want to go farther, quicker, or across more challenging terrain than is currently available.
Top Characteristics:
- Set up the lever drive system on either the left or right side of the vehicle.
- Throttle options include a twist grip or a thumb lever.
- The motor and the battery Power Assist: 250W, 36V Power Supply Motor with five different power settings
- Speed is limited to a maximum of 8mph.
- Lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 12.8Ah and a voltage of 36V
- Display: An LCD panel with options for speed, distance, and power.
- Direct steering refers to the ability to steer and drive with just one hand.
- SRAM disc brakes are available in all weather conditions.
- Rock Shox Monarch R air suspension provides a smooth and comfortable ride.
- A footrest that is both adjustable and foldable
- Customized products and extras are available, such as a higher seat back, a headrest, or a multi-rack.
- It may be folded into a cube for convenient transportation.
- Weight: 25 kg
- Any colour scheme is acceptable.
- eTrike is an electric-assisted tricycle.
- eTrike is an electric power-assist wheelchair that may be used on any terrain.
Comparison Chart:
There are a variety of alternatives for trying out the items and receiving a thorough demonstration to assist in determining whether the product is right for you. Also, because all products are modular, if your circumstances change, there are cost-effective ways to update your Trike without having to purchase an entirely new product, such as converting the MT Push to a Mountain Trike by adding the lever drive system or converting the Mountain Trike to an e Trike by adding the e Kit to your existing Mountain Trike.
| Wheelchairs | Top Feature |
|---|---|
| MT Evo Wheelchair | Electric powered and available for people with limited hand’s ability |
| MT Push Wheelchair | Available for people with limited hand use |
| Outlander All-Terrain | Available with rugged tires and better suspension and power transmission system |
| Enigma XS | Comes with a Rugged and collision tested frame |
Also Read:
Off-Roading Boots 101- All You Need to Know
Bicycle Off-Roading 101- All You Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Do they make all terrain wheelchairs?
Yes, there are several companies that are working globally and making all-terrain wheelchairs. These companies include Enigma, Mountain Trike, Outlander etc.
What is an off-road wheelchair?
An off-road wheelchair is a type of wheelchair that has some specific additions like rugged tires, a sturdy frame, and a powerful motor to support travel at off-roads.
How do you build an off-road wheelchair?
You can convert your normal wheelchair into an off-road wheelchair by adding certain components. Like adding a powerful motor and a battery to support it, adding a light yet sturdy frame in place of the existing one and lastly adding an electronic system to control the movement of the vehicle.
This is Surya. I am an experienced off-roader. I have been off-roading for many years across several terrains. I am passionate about 4×4 driving and want to share my knowledge and experience with others.
My goal is to provide you with the most comprehensive and unbiased information about off-roading.
I curated this article through my personal experience and expertise, and I hope it helps you with what you are looking for.