---
title: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Beach Wheelchairs
description: There are now dozens of beach wheelchairs on the market. Check out some of the good, the bad, and the ugly of beach wheelchairs.
image: https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Blog-Images/kid-in-a-wheelchair-on-the-beach-min.jpg
---

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# The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Beach Wheelchairs

 Author: [Spinal Cord Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors)

 Publish Date: December 07, 2020

What makes a beach wheelchair? Beach wheelchairs first became a reality over 25 years ago. After [WheelEEZ](https://wheeleez.com/wheels/pu/) invented their now world-famous hard plastic inflated tires, several beach wheelchair makers have come to the surface – all hoping to become the go-to beach wheelchair maker for wheelchair users.

![kid-in-a-wheelchair-on-the-beach](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/kid-in-a-wheelchair-on-the-beach-min.jpg?width=300&name=kid-in-a-wheelchair-on-the-beach-min.jpg)

The only problem is that there are now dozens of beach wheelchairs on the market. It can be overwhelming to decide which chair to [buy](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-medical-expenses). Many of them look fantastic, but are all of them equal? That is a definite no, but it doesn't mean there aren't still a handful that are worth looking at.

When picking a beach wheelchair first decide what you need it for. Do you just want to soak in the sun rays or do you want to go swimming? Different activities call for different wheelchairs in the beach wheelchair world. See what we mean below.

## The Good

### Beach Bomber Wheelchair

### ![The-beach-bomber-wheelchair](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Optimized%20Blog%20Images/beachchair1.jpg?width=253&name=beachchair1.jpg)

[Learn More](https://www.boxwheelchairs.com/beach-bomber)

From Box Wheelchairs, a cutting-edge wheelchair company from California, the [Beach Bomber Wheelchair](https://www.boxwheelchairs.com/beach-bomber) is a beach wheelchair that enables manual wheelchair-users to push themselves independently through the sand. This beach wheelchair also has the capability of going into the surf, but only minimally. To traverse the beach, it has 5” wide back tires and large inflatable front wheels to get through most beach sand. The Beach Bomber costs around $4,500.

### The Hippocampe

![The-Hippocampe-Beach-Wheelchair](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/The-Hippocampe-Beach-Wheelchair-min.jpg?width=291&name=The-Hippocampe-Beach-Wheelchair-min.jpg)

[Learn More](http://www.hippocampe.co.uk/)

From France, the [Hippocampe](http://www.hippocampe.co.uk/) sits low to the ground and can be self-propelled by the person sitting in it. This helps to avoid beach wheelchairs that only can be pushed by an able-bodied assistant. The Hippocampe also has the ability to go into the water and float, which is spectacular for swimmers. This wheelchair does have two drawbacks: 1) It doesn’t do well in deep sand and 2) It is tricky to transfer out of it since it is so low to the ground, so you may need assistance to get out of it. Price is under $4,000.

### Sand Rider Offroad Beach Wheelchair

![Sand-Rider-Offroad-Wheelchair](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Sand-Rider-Offroad-Wheelchair-min.jpg?width=302&name=Sand-Rider-Offroad-Wheelchair-min.jpg)

[Learn More](https://custombeachwheelchair.com/)

Similar to the Hippocampe, the [Sand Rider Offroad Beach Wheelchair](https://custombeachwheelchair.com/) is different in that it can be completely customized in a variety of fun colors and has bigger oversized back wheels. It also is able to go in the water. It’s made by Virginia Beach Products in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and it uses the beach wheelchair wheels from WheelEEZ. Financing is available for anyone who needs a beach wheelchair but cannot afford it as well; a rarity. The Sand Rider costs approx. $2,300.

### cadWeazle

![cadWEAZLE-powered-wheelchair](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/cadWEAZLE-powered-wheelchair-min.jpg?width=304&name=cadWEAZLE-powered-wheelchair-min.jpg)

[Learn More](http://cadweazle.com)

A high-power beach/off-road mini-ATV style wheelchair made in Germany, the [cadWeazle](http://cadweazle.com/) runs completely from batteries, making it very eco-friendly for such power. It has an optional solar panel roof and balloon wheels. This chair does sit higher from ground, making it harder to relax at eye level with other beachgoers but for those that want to really zoom and explore the sand/beach (not the water), it’s a great option. The price for this wheelchair is around $14,000.

### Colours Razorblade All-Terrain Wheelchair![Colours-Razorblade-Wheelchair-min](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Colours-Razorblade-Wheelchair-min.jpg?width=298&name=Colours-Razorblade-Wheelchair-min.jpg)

[Learn More](http://colourswheelchair.com/all_terrain/)

Made by [Colours Wheelchairs](http://colourswheelchair.com/all_terrain/), the Razorblade is their beach wheelchair option. It is a manual wheelchair with wide wheels and large 8" front caster wheels that can be pushed through the sand. This is a great chair because it can be taken off the beach as well; an interchangeable wheelchair for your full day’s activities. Price is $2,400.

## The Bad

### Generic All-Terrain Wheelchair

![Generic-All-Terrain-Wheelchair](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Generic-All-Terrain-Wheelchair-min.jpg?width=273&name=Generic-All-Terrain-Wheelchair-min.jpg)

[Learn More](https://www.hmemedicalshop.com/6994-all-terrain-chair-mjm-intl-722-atc-yel.html)

If you have a high-level spinal cord injury and cannot use your arms, this generic[ All-Terrain Wheelchair](https://www.hmemedicalshop.com/6994-all-terrain-chair-mjm-intl-722-atc-yel.html) is an option to consider for the beach. For anyone who can use their arms, this is not a good beach wheelchair experience. As you can see, it is intended for the user to be pushed from behind, making you completely dependent on someone to move anywhere. Price is only around $1,000, though some sites sell it for less than that.

## The Ugly

### SandRoller

![The-SandRoller-Beach-Wheelchair](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Optimized%20Blog%20Images/beachchair9.jpg?width=305&name=beachchair9.jpg)

[Learn More](https://odditymall.com/sandroller-giant-wheeled-beach-wheelchair)

The [SandRoller](https://odditymall.com/sandroller-giant-wheeled-beach-wheelchair) is a manual beach wheelchair with the largest wheels ever spotted on a wheelchair. While its wheels are so large that it makes it highly impractical, it is something someone could enjoy on a private beach. It was created two years ago, but it did not get its Kickstarter funding and does not appear to be available for purchase. The large back wheels measure a foot wide and the front wheels measure 6 inches wide. It can be taken into shallow water only. Price unknown.

[![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/575040/d59d2232-0b56-4b13-a195-eab292389dfa.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/d59d2232-0b56-4b13-a195-eab292389dfa)

**Topics:** Sports & Activities, Accessibility & Adaptations

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About the Author

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true

### Spinal Cord Injury

- [Types of Spinal Cord Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries)
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### Brain Injury

- [Types of Brain Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-traumatic-brain-injury)
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- [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-symptoms)
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### Legal Options

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- [Types of Personal Injury Claims](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-personal-injury-claims)
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- [Local Assistance](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-personal-injury-claims)

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Spinal cord injuries are traumatic for patients and their families. They cause disruptive changes to every aspect of your life and there is a lot of new information to navigate and understand. Our experts have collected everything in one place to help you learn more about your injury, locate doctors and treatment centers, find financial support, and get assistance navigating your next move.

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  "articleBody" : "The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic <A href=\"/spinal-cord-injury\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><SPAN style=\"font-weight: 400;\">spinal cord injury</SPAN></A>, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as <A href=\"//www.spinalcord.com/blog/contusion-vs.-concussion-understanding-the-difference\">a contusion.</A> Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.</P>\n\n<H2><STRONG>What Is a Spinal Contusion?</STRONG></H2>\n<IMG src=\"https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg?width=300&amp;name=Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg\" alt=\"Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image\" width=\"300\" style=\"width: 300px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" srcset=\"https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg?width=150&amp;name=Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg 150w, https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg?width=300&amp;name=Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg 300w, https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg?width=450&amp;name=Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg 450w, https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg?width=600&amp;name=Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg 600w, https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg?width=750&amp;name=Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg 750w, https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg?width=900&amp;name=Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\"/>\n<P>Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather<I><SPAN style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> unlike</SPAN></I> bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the<A href=\"/blog/contusion-vs.-concussion-understanding-the-difference\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”</A>a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks.</P>\n<P>For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities.</P>\n<P>A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of <A href=\"http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/nervous_system_disorders/spinal_cord_compression_134,13/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">physical symptoms</A> such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way.</P>\n<H2><STRONG>Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For</STRONG></H2>\n<P>Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” <A href=\"http://www.healio.com/orthopedics/journals/ortho/2012-1-35-1/%7B7b1ed5f6-d6ca-435e-b69a-dba8a6d7c3c0%7D/spinal-cord-contusions\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">according to Dr. Wong</A>, an orthopedic physician.</P>\n<P>Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” <A href=\"http://www.aans.org/patient%20information/conditions%20and%20treatments/spinal%20cord%20injury.aspx\">(American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016)</A>. Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma:</P>\n<UL>\n<LI>Spinal shock — or the &quot;loss of feeling or movement below site of injury&quot; <A href=\"http://www.columbianeurosurgery.org/conditions/spinal-trauma/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><I>(Columbia University Medical Centre, 2016) </I></A>that can last between hours and weeks</LI>\n<LI>Loss of bladder or bowel function</LI>\n<LI>Difficulty breathing</LI>\n<LI>Muscle spasticity</LI>\n<LI>Difficulty understanding speech</LI>\n<LI>Problems with attention</LI>\n<LI>Memory challenges</LI>\n<LI>Heart rate and blood pressure problems</LI>\n</UL>\n<P>Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI.</P>\n<P>Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment.</P>\n<P>If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our <A href=\"/the-simplified-guide-to-understanding-a-spinal-cord-injury\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">guide to understanding a spinal cord injury</A>.",
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"description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.

What Is a Spinal Contusion?
Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image
Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks.

For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities.

A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way.

Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For
Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician.

Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma:

Spinal shock — or the loss of feeling or movement below site of injury (Columbia University Medical Centre, 2016) that can last between hours and weeks
Loss of bladder or bowel function
Difficulty breathing
Muscle spasticity
Difficulty understanding speech
Problems with attention
Memory challenges
Heart rate and blood pressure problems
Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI.

Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment.

If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.",
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