Beach Wheelchair vs Regular Wheelchair: What Actually Works on Sand

"Can we just push the regular wheelchair on the beach?" We hear this every summer. The honest answer: not really. Here is why, and what to do instead.

Why a regular wheelchair fails on sand

Standard wheelchairs have narrow, hard tires and small front casters. On soft sand those casters dig in within a few feet, the chair tips forward, and the person pushing ends up dragging the chair backward. It is exhausting and can be unsafe.

Why a beach wheelchair works

A beach wheelchair has wide, soft balloon tires on all wheels. They spread the weight across a large area, so the chair floats on top of the sand. It is also rust resistant and fine to get wet near the waterline. More in how beach wheelchairs work.

Use both on a beach trip

Most families rent a standard wheelchair or transport chair for the boardwalk, restaurants and the car, and a beach wheelchair for the sand. On flat boardwalks like Hampton Beach a mobility scooter is another great option.

What about mobility scooters on sand?

Mobility scooters are not made for soft sand either. See can mobility scooters go on sand.

Book both chairs together. Contact us or call or text (603) 395-1246. See beach wheelchair rental in New England.

Oceans Mobility · 45 Ashworth Ave, Hampton Beach, NH · (603) 395-1246 · Serving the beaches of New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts.