Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

sl8

(16,273 posts)
Tue Nov 15, 2022, 06:07 AM Nov 2022

All-Terrain Wheelchairs Arrive At U.S. Parks: 'This Is Life-Changing'

https://www.rvia.org/news-insights/all-terrain-wheelchairs-arrive-us-parks-life-changing

All-Terrain Wheelchairs Arrive At U.S. Parks: ‘This Is Life-Changing’

Nov 9, 2022 Andrea Sachs, Natalie B. Compton, The Washington Post

Cory Lee is a contributor to Go RVing’s first-timer’s toolkit, an educational series aimed at new RVers that provides tips on getting started. Through his work with Go RVing, Cory provides a starting point for people searching for accessible RV options and recounts his favorite features that made his experience worry-free. Check out below how the all-terrain wheelchair is helping Cory access rugged outdoor terrain.

Cory Lee has visited 40 countries on seven continents, and yet the Georgia native has never explored Cloudland Canyon State Park, about 20 minutes from his home. His wheelchair was tough enough for the trip to Antarctica but not for the rugged terrain in his backyard.

Lee’s circumstances changed Friday, when Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources and the Aimee Copeland Foundation unveiled a fleet of all-terrain power wheelchairs for rent at 11 state parks and outdoorsy destinations, including Cloudland Canyon. The Action Trackchair models are equipped with tank-like tracks capable of traversing rocks, roots, streams and sand; clearing fallen trees; plowing through tall grass; and tackling uphill climbs.

“I’ll finally be able to go on these trails for the first time in my life,” said the 32-year-old travel blogger, who shares his adventures on Curb Free With Cory Lee. “The trails are off-limits in my regular wheelchair.”

[...]

5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
All-Terrain Wheelchairs Arrive At U.S. Parks: 'This Is Life-Changing' (Original Post) sl8 Nov 2022 OP
I'm happy to celebrate this technology for all who can use it. hlthe2b Nov 2022 #1
How true... secondwind Nov 2022 #2
True yankee87 Nov 2022 #5
Pretty cool gadget that will help a lot ov people, but I can't help... TreasonousBastard Nov 2022 #3
"plowing through tall grass" sounds destructive of habitat Bernardo de La Paz Nov 2022 #4

hlthe2b

(106,750 posts)
1. I'm happy to celebrate this technology for all who can use it.
Tue Nov 15, 2022, 06:19 AM
Nov 2022

A wonderful opportunity exists now for those who wish to (and can economically) pursue it.

That said, as one who has encountered all kinds of hikers/backpackers/skiers/bikers in the backcountry traveling solo (I'm always with a HIGHLY experienced group) my most ardent hope is that they will likewise travel with other experienced group members, including at least a few who are not wheelchair bound. Wildlife are not going to respect, but rather exploit the vulnerabilities of being movement restricted. Just as with the solo able-bodied hikers/skiers/backpackers/bikers, tragedy can result.

TreasonousBastard

(43,049 posts)
3. Pretty cool gadget that will help a lot ov people, but I can't help...
Tue Nov 15, 2022, 06:23 AM
Nov 2022

wondering if it will fuck up oubeaches more than the average RV does.

Bernardo de La Paz

(51,248 posts)
4. "plowing through tall grass" sounds destructive of habitat
Tue Nov 15, 2022, 06:30 AM
Nov 2022

But in general, overall, all-terrain wheelchairs seems like a good idea.

ploughing through tall grass
plowing through tall grass
plowing thru tall grass

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Disability»All-Terrain Wheelchairs A...