Can I Ride My Mobility Scooter on the Beach?
One of the most noteworthy advantages of owning a mobility scooter is being able to go out and about again. The returned sense of independence is priceless and the possibilities seem endless! A frequent question we hear from our customers is, “Can I ride my mobility scooter on the beach?” The answer is more elaborate than a straightforward “Yes” or “No”. In this post, we will address this common question and provide some models that can handle a beach environment.
Check Out Our Beach Test Videos Below!
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Can You Ride a Scooter on the Beach?
As stated above, the answer is more complicated than a simple “yes” or “no”. Ultimately, there are a few different factors that contribute to a beach outing with your mobility scooter. First and foremost is the hardness of the sand. Scooters require compact, harder sand that some beaches offer. We do not recommend riding on soft, sugar-like sand due to the risk of getting the tires/scooter stuck.
Another important factor is the type of scooter you have. The most widely owned models are folding scooters and travel scooters. Unfortunately, we do not recommend taking either of these types of scooters on the beach or any kind of sand. The tires on folding/travel models are generally smaller sized and unable to handle the pliable nature of beach sand. With that being said, the most optimal model to bring to the beach is a heavy-duty mobility scooter. These scooters are built to withstand tougher terrain and have substantial tires with bigger surface areas.
Can You Get a Mobility Scooter Wet?
Another common question we hear is whether or not you can get a mobility scooter wet. Many customers are interested in bringing their scooters to the beach, but they are not sure if they can be partially submerged or not. Fundamentally, you should avoid getting your scooter wet at all costs. Mobility scooters are not waterproof, but they are considered rain resistant in most cases. Some models are more rain resistant than others, some are even rain-proof. This rule applies especially to the tiller, which contains an array of important power distribution/electronics. Therefore in the event of an emergency, like an unforeseen rain shower, the tiller needs to be protected to prevent damage.
In the case of a beach environment, some customers wonder if they can ride their mobility scooter through a shallow part of the tide. It might seem harmless, especially with scooters that have considerable ground clearance. However, we do not recommend riding through any height of salt water due to the risk of corrosion, rust, and damage. If you do get salt water on your scooter, you should immediately disconnect the power from the batteries and get some fresh water to wash off the areas that the salt water touched. We have a video (below) that shows you how to wash your mobility scooter, it needs to be done very carefully to prevent damage. Keep water away from electronics and connectors if possible, and use an air compressor to dry off connectors and electronic components if they do get wet. Let the unit air dry for several hours before reconnecting the batteries, just to be extra safe! It also helps to pre-apply some sort of water deterrents like T-9 or WD-40 if you think you might run into a slippery situation.
Beach-Friendly Mobility Scooters
As mentioned earlier, a beach-friendly scooter requires bigger tires and a powerful motor to successfully navigate the sand. Two great examples are the Baja Wrangler 2 by Pride Mobility and the Afiscooter S4 by Afikim. They are both made by trusted manufacturers with high-quality, robust components to make beach cruising a breeze.
Baja Wrangler 2
The Baja Wrangler 2 is manufactured by Pride Mobility, which is known for producing excellent scooters. The Wrangler 2 is no exception, boasting rugged features and earning the title of the ultimate outdoor scooter. This model is equipped with the power of 7.7 Peak horsepower dual motors and a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds. On a single charge, you can travel up to 29 miles, reaching top speeds of up to 11.4 MPH. By far, the most helpful feature on the Wrangler 2 for beach riding is its hefty tires. Both front and rear tires are 14.5 inches, tubeless, and pneumatic to overcome the toughest obstacles. With all of these characteristics and more, the Baja Wrangler 2 is an outstanding option for riders that wish to take on the beach again, as long as the beach is covered with compact, hard sand. Otherwise, as mentioned previously, you will likely get stuck.
Take a look at the video below to see the Wrangler 2 in action:
Afiscooter S4
The Afiscooter S4, made by Afikim Electric Vehicles, is one of the most durable and customizable mobility scooters available. It comes standard with a 500-pound weight capacity, but the high-weight capacity suspension upgrade would allow it to hold up to 600 pounds. This model has a standard travel range of up to 28-35 miles and can reach speeds of up to 10 MPH. If you choose to upgrade the motor or batteries, you can reach up to 12 MPH or travel up to 100 miles on a single charge! Click here to learn more about our Mobility Direct exclusive lithium battery upgrades. Last but not least, the golf (GT) tire upgrade is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The GT tires offer a considerable surface area and the ability to go over sand, dirt, grass, gravel, and more!
Check out the video below to see the Afiscooters take on the beach. Keep in mind, that like all mobility scooters, this scooter will likely get stuck in soft sand. It will only work well on beaches with very compact sand.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a mobility scooter that can handle the beach, it is important to remember the features you need: big tires and a powerful motor. A heavy-duty mobility scooter like the Baja Wrangler 2 or the Afiscooter S4 is perfect for taking on the sand. If you have any questions or inquiries, you can feel free to reach out to us. We have non-commissioned sales experts ready to help find the right scooter for you.
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Andrew Fatalo is the owner of Statewide Mobility Inc & Mobility Scooters Direct. He has been in the mobility product industry since 2005 and knows a ton about e-commerce marketing. He gives back to the handicap community by hosting mobility scooter and electric wheelchair give-aways which you can learn more about by following his companies on Facebook.
