An off road electric wheelchair is a type of powered wheelchair that is designed to be able to navigate a variety of different terrains, including rough and uneven surfaces. These wheelchairs typically feature larger wheels to provide a smoother ride and better stability on uneven ground. They may also have additional features such as increased weight capacity, adjustable seat heights, and advanced control systems to make them more versatile and user-friendly.
Safety
Safety is one of the most important things to consider when finding the right off road electric wheelchair. Being unable to trust yourself and your equipment during an adventure can make a huge difference; this is often a big reason folks search for off-road wheelchairs in the first place!
In off road electric wheelchairs, safety should be integral to any product’s design. Outdoor adventuring lends itself to tricky terrains and environments, so you’ll want a chair designed to keep you safe and powering forward. The wheelchair’s design should incorporate features that protect the rider, such as:
Balance over uneven surfaces
A seatbelt and the ability to add your own strapping
Hill-hold capabilities
Reliable parking brakes
All-terrain wheels
Optional features like chest harnesses, foot straps, and anti-tip bars
Independence & Assistance
Additionally, a off road electric wheelchair will give its riders the choice between independence and assistance. Because these off-road wheelchairs will take you to tougher terrains, you may need a little help from your friends—your chair should make this teamwork easy for both you and anyone assisting. This can take the form of tow-ropes, push handles at the rear of the chair, and the option for multiple assistants to participate if desired.
Performance
A close second to safety is performance! Whether your goals include hiking up mountains, going fishing, or enjoying rides through the park with your grandkids, your off road electric wheelchair needs to be up for the job at hand.
Depending on your level of ability and your particular adventure goals, a big element of performance may be the decision between a motorized or a manual chair. If a power chair is the best way to get you outside, go for it—this is the best option for many. If a manual chair is an option, however, the advantages include a lower price tag, no reliance on charging or power, and easier transportation. If you do go manual, make sure to select a chair that allows someone to assist you—with the right setup on a manual chair, two people can work together to enjoy some seriously impressive outings.
The performance of an off road electric wheelchair will only increase as your own performance increases. As you grow stronger, more familiar with the device, and fluent in the realities of using your new equipment, you and your chair will be able to do more and more. Choose a wheelchair for all terrains that you can use easily and often, as that will get you to your adventure goals, sooner.
Versatility
Some off road electric wheelchairs are built specifically for one kind of terrain (e.g. the beach) but perform awfully others (e.g., the forest, the snow, the grass). These hyper-specialized devices are phenomenal in that single environment, but we think the best off road electric wheelchairs are those that can navigate… all terrains!
It isn’t uncommon for conditions to change when being active outdoors. For example, rain can turn the gravel trail you were riding on into a wet, muddy track. Or, maybe you want to take your chair over the boardwalk, through the sand, and down to the water, and then pack it up into your car for a trail hike the next day. For circumstances like these, it is good to have an off road electric wheelchair that can support shifts in conditions and activities.
An off road electric wheelchair that’s versatile gives you the ability to be versatile, too. Get a chair that can go with you anywhere.
Payment and Funding
Purchasing adaptive sports equipment costs time and money—often, quite a bit of both. The price range for this kind of product fluctuates drastically, so it is important to find one that fits in your budget while still being able to get the job done.
Some folks can afford their off road electric wheelchairs outright. Many can’t. So, it is important to select an off road electric wheelchair company that can help you as much or as little as you need. Is there a payment plan option? Are there loan options? Are there full or partial grants you could use? When you’ve found a chair that seems like a good fit, get on the phone and speak with them. Are they willing to help you find a way to afford the product?
Adaptive sports companies should try to get as many people outside as possible; if they make a high-value item, they should be prepared to help people and not keep them stuck behind a paywall. We encourage you to reach out to company representatives and ask about their available payment options, it could be a dealmaker.
Longevity
But have you considered the lifetime cost (in time and money) of that product? Are you going to be calling the manufacturer over and over again for custom replacement parts, spending gobs of money on repairs, and staring at a broken piece of equipment you can’t use?
Rough and constant use of any product will cause natural wear and tear (e.g., think about cars or mountain bikes), but repairs should be straightforward, quick, and not outlandishly expensive.
Getting a new wheel on your off road electric wheelchair, for example, should be quick and easy, but some manufacturers will make you wait weeks for a replacement caster. It can often take a miracle to even get in contact with a representative. Select an off road electric wheelchair that boasts intuitive, easy-to-maintain products and a reliable customer success team. When you need help, you should be able to get it—it’s as simple as that.
Easy Transport
What good is an off road electric wheelchair you can’t take to different terrains? Most people aren’t lucky enough to have a trailhead in their backyard, so you’re going to need to be able to load up your chair, your supplies, and get out there!
Your off road electric wheelchair should be able to fold or disassemble without much effort. The device should also be able to fit into most car trunks, so you aren’t hindered from being able to really venture into new territory. Most folks aren’t willing or interested in buying a separate trailer for their off road electric wheelchair. Even if you are able to afford a trailer, it means having to get it set up before every ride, which can be a big hassle.
Customization
More than just aesthetics, customizations and accessories can help make your off road electric wheelchair uniquely yours. You should be able to improve the comfort and practicality of your chair with accessories and customizations offered by the manufacturer.
A big part of this is being able to understand the different options that are available to you. Call the company you’re researching and ask them about the different packages.
Speaking with a representative before buying the chair could save you some trouble down the line. They’ll work with you to decide what model and accessories suit your needs, so you can focus on enjoying your new off road electric wheelchair as soon as it arrives. And, if you do want to add some extra flare (handlebar wraps, stickers, flags, spoke covers, etc.), you chair should make that possible, too.
5 Features To Consider When Choosing An Off Road Off Road Electric Wheelchair
Type of Chair
The first thing to consider is whether you want an electric or manual chair. off road off road electric wheelchairs require less effort from the user. These offer a range of controls, like touchpads and joysticks, to improve the mobility of the chair. However, off road electric wheelchairs are battery-powered. You have to pack an extra battery if you will be out for a long time.
Comfort Level
You want a comfortable wheelchair to avoid causing body pains and improper posture. The comfort level of the chair will depend on how often and how long the user will use it. Thick seat cushions, headrests, armrests that mold to the shape of the user’s body offer the most comfort.
Adjustable height, removable arms, and elevating footrests are also helpful features. With these, the user won’t have to sit in the same position for hours.
Weight
Wheelchairs come in several weight categories. The lighter the chair, the easier it is to lift and load in and out of cars. Keep in mind that lightweight wheelchairs tend to cost more than models of standard weight. You want the chair to be sturdy and stable even if it’s lightweight to keep its movements smooth even on rough pavements.
Maneuverability
Many wheelchairs can be used indoors and outdoors. But some are designed for specific environments. off road off road electric wheelchairs usually have larger front wheels than models designed for indoor use. It gives the chair more traction, allowing it to easily drive over doorways, gravel, and other small obstacles on the road.
Accessory Options
You may add various accessories onto wheelchairs, from handles and seatbelts to multifunction bags and eating trays. Although these aren’t necessary, they’re helpful additions that can increase the functionality and convenience of the wheelchair. You want a wheelchair with multiple attachments so you can add accessories depending on your outdoor trip.
Deciding on the features of the wheelchair will depend largely on the user’s comfort and the nature of your outdoor travels. Whether the user’s disability is permanent or temporary is also a factor. If the person is using it for a long time, you want a chair that’s sturdy and comfortable. Meanwhile, a simple, standard wheelchair is enough if the user only needs it for a short while.
