All-terrain wheelchairs also known asoff-road wheelchairs, 4×4, and outdoor wheelchairs are special types of wheelchairs that allow wheelchair-bound people to visit places and landscapes that would have been completely inaccessible to a wheelchair user.
While the standard manual and electric wheelchair can navigate on sidewalks and paved roads, all-terrain wheelchairs ensure that every wheelchair user can explore the outdoors with no restrictions.
These types of wheelchairs were built to explore wheelchair inaccessible locations including rocky trails, sandy deserts, icy mountains, muddy swamps, marches, curbstones, and other uneven terrains.
The best thing about all-terrain wheelchairs is that they are also available in manual and electric versions.
The thing is, shopping for an off-road wheelchair can be frustrating.
Purchasing a reliable off-road chair can be mind-boggling since there are so many brands and varieties of off-road wheelchairs.
It is even worse if you have no knowledge or experience with off-road wheelchairs.
In this article, we will give you an in-depth review of the best all-terrain wheelchairs in 2024.
This way, you know just what you are looking for and which type of all-terrain wheelchair is tailored for your lifestyle.
We won’t just show you the best outdoor wheelchair; you’ll also see some of the most important things that you should do before buying an off-road wheelchair.
The Forcemech Navigator XL is one of the best all-terrain wheelchairs on the market. It’s perfect for people who want to enjoy an active life outside, since it can handle all types of terrain, from gravel to snow and sand, thanks to its fat tires and all-wheel suspension.
The chair is super lightweight so you won’t have trouble lifting it into your car or a suitcase when you’re traveling. However, it has a high weight capacity of 300 lbs, so it’s suitable for heavier users as well. It has large wheels with 10-inch pneumatic tires for extra cushioning and comfort on uneven surfaces. The Navigator XL is designed with a wider seat than most electric wheelchairs to increase user comfort and allow more leeway for movement and positioning.
The Navigator XL has variable speed control and a powerful 500-watt motor. It can travel up to 15 miles on a single charge and it charges in about 7 hours. It has regenerative braking which makes it energy efficient and ensures extended range. The wheels are puncture proof and the solid tires reduce rolling resistance so that you can go further without having to charge your battery as often.
The Porto Mobility 2022 Ranger SpacePro is the best heavy-duty wheelchair we tested. It’s not only durable and reliable, but it also has an attractive, modern design.
The 2022 Ranger SpacePro is a lightweight, rugged wheelchair that comes in at just under 38 pounds with a battery. It offers one-touch, automatic folding and unfolding and has a weight capacity of 350 pounds. The chair’s seat width is adjustable from 18 to 22 inches.
Made of aircraft-grade aluminum, this chair was designed with durability in mind and comes with a lifetime warranty on its frame. The manufacturer says it can withstand extreme temperature ranges without warping or breaking, so it’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
The Porto has a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds, which makes it perfect for heavier users who want the extra support and durability that comes with a heavy-duty chair. The Ranger SpacePro features large rear wheels (24 inches) and small front casters (8 inches), which make it maneuverable enough to be used in smaller spaces while also providing stability on rougher terrain.
This all-terrain electric wheelchair is made from high-quality materials that guarantee its durability. It features a carbon steel frame, which makes it sturdy enough to carry up to 300 pounds of weight while ensuring a lightweight design at the same time. This wheelchair can freely pass through doors, turn in tight spaces and roll over curbs up to 2 inches high. The MALISA features four large wheels with full suspension for added comfort, plus dual rear shock absorbers, and it has two motors that are controlled by the joystick.
The Culver All Terrain Power Wheelchairs is a strong chair that can carry up to 350 pounds. If the battery has a full charge, the chair can run up to 20 miles without needing another charge. The chair is designed with a dual motor and dual battery system that allows it to climb hills at ease. The safety brake is designed to stop the chair when it senses that the chair is on uneven terrain or going down an incline.
The Rubicon is the most affordable, high performance all-terrain wheelchair on the market. A true game changer, this electric wheelchair is extremely powerful and has a range of 25 miles. It comes with a rear suspension as well as 10 inch rear tires and 8 inch front tires with pneumatic air filled rubber tires that can conquer any terrain you throw at it.
The Navigator is Forcemech’s signature model, the most advanced electric wheelchairs. Made in Houston Texas, The new model comes with two Tesla Grade Li-Ion batteries, power adjustable arm supports, headrest, hospital grade caster wheels with locking front, contour padded seat for ultimate comfort, and a rear shock absorption system for an ultra-smooth ride. It is also F AA approved for air travel. No matter your destination, the Navigator will get you there.
Porto Mobility Ranger Reclining XL Heavy Duty Lightweight Folding Electric Wheelchair is one of the best heavy-duty wheelchairs for all types of use. It has a weight capacity of 450 pounds and a top speed of 4 mph. This model comes equipped with a quiet 600-watt motor that provides enough power to climb over curbs, maneuver through tight spots, and handle rough terrain with ease. The Porto Mobility Ranger Reclining XL Heavy Duty Lightweight Folding Electric Wheelchair comes fully assembled and ready to go out of the box, so there is no need for assembly. All you need to do is plug it in and start enjoying the freedom of mobility.
The Rubicon wheelchair is one of the best electric wheelchairs in the market. It’s sturdy and reliable and can easily go over all terrain. If you have a height of up to 6 feet 4 inches and a weight of up to 300lbs, this is the electric wheelchair for you. You will be able to travel across grass, mud, soil, snow, gravel, and sand with ease when you use this chair. The dual motors will give you added power for better maneuverability even on challenging surfaces.
Malisa Mobility Electric Wheelchair is an All-Terrain Electric Wheelchair with Smart Remote-Control Feature, which allows you to remote control the wheelchair in any situation. The Malisa Mobility Limited Edition Power Wheelchair weighs only 65lbs and has an impressive weight capacity of 365 lbs. With a seat width of 19.5”, this wheelchair can accommodate most people comfortably.
Thanks to data from Amazon, Facebook, The National Center on Accessibility, and a small team of researchers, we completed our research on the best all-terrain wheelchairs of 2024.
We analyzed and assessed different off-road wheelchair models to help you choose the right one for your unique need.
We can say for a fact that these are the best wheelchair for outdoor use.
1. Terrain Hopper [Overall Best For Rough Terrains]
We found this one on Instagram and we were pretty excited when we hopped on it for a test drive. It was amazing.
We can say for a fact that the Terrain Hopper is the best made in the USA off-road wheelchair of all time.
The TerrainHopper is an electric all-terrain mobility vehicle designed for people with limited mobility. This futuristic off-road vehicle comes with a very stunning design, innovative technology, and incredible performance.
This incredible all-terrain vehicle can go on deep muddy roads, soft beach sand, steep hills, snowy roads, bumpy forests, everything in between.
The best thing about this mobility is that it can cover over 25 miles and run for up to 19 hours when fully charged.
How cool is that?
TerrainHopper is the ideal vehicle for wheelchair-bound people who want to enjoy outdoor sports and activities with their friends and family.
You can also use this all-terrain vehicle in urban areas like malls, streets, and even national parks.
The TerrainHopper is registered by the U.S. Justice Department as an Other Power-Driven Mobility Device (OPDMD). This means that wheelchair users and other mobility-impaired persons can drive and use this vehicle wherever pedestrians are allowed.
With its innovative technology and engineering, this off-road wheelchair can take you to your destination.
Since it can drive through deep mud, sand, snow, steep hills, and other rough terrains, it is one of the most reliable off-road wheelchairs for general use.
TerrainHopper also gives you the chance to customize your wheelchair. You can style every option to fit into your lifestyle. This way you have an outdoor wheelchair that fits your specific needs.
This is perfect because they can help you design the perfect wheelchair for hunting, fishing, adaptive hiking, camping, and other fun outdoor activities.
2. Forcemech Navigator [Best For General Use]
Forcemech is an industry leader in premium mobility vehicles and equipment. Made in Houston, Texas, the Forcemech Navigator is another recommended made in USA electric off-road wheelchair.
This smart wheelchair comes with a lot of exciting features including front and rear shock absorbers, long-lasting Li-NCM batteries, honey-comb tires, a foldable joystick controller, an electronic anti-theft security system, and a super portable design.
The Forcemech Navigator is one of the most advanced electric off-road wheelchairs on Earth.
It is a durable lightweight mobility vehicle that weighs less than 60 lbs but can carry people and luggage that weighs over 350 lbs.
This reliable all-terrain vehicle has two high-performance Tesla-grade lithium batteries that can serve you for up to 16 hours [18 Miles] when fully charged.
The Forcemech Navigator is FAA Air-travel approved. This means that you can board a plane with this wheelchair or ship it to your preferred vacation destination, whether it’s an urban city, mountains, or beach.
The best thing about this mobility vehicle is that it comes with a free travel bag [terms and conditions apply].
This rigid off-road wheelchair is equipped with front and rear shock absorbers that allow you to enjoy premium comfort in transit and maintenance-free use.
Then there’s the seat. We all know that all terrible wheelchairs have awful seat cushions. The Navigator has an 18” x 19” adjustable air-filled cushion and backrest that can be adjusted to any angle of your choice for comfortable prolonged sitting.
The Navigator can go on snow, gravel, grass, sand, and shallow pools.
It can comfortably travel on the roughest terrains and even use your chair in the worst weather, including rain and snow.
3. MobiQuip G-Explorer All Terrain WheelChair [Perfect For Both Indoor & Outdoor Use]
MobiQuip is another manufacturer of mobility vehicles and equipment with more than a decade of experience. Over the years, they’ve gained enough knowledge to build innovative equipment for disabled people.
The G-Explorer is another simplest-looking all-terrain wheelchair that is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
Unlike other off-road wheelchairs, the G-Explorer maintains the traditional wheelchair design and features.
The MobiQuip G-Explorer is a budget-friendly outdoor wheelchair, especially that is perfect for minimalists.
This outdoor wheelchair allows you to move in all kinds of terrain, whether it is natural or constructed.
Weighing just 13kg, the G-Explorer is made of durable lightweight aluminum that makes it easy to use, transport, and store.
Despite its lightweight, it can withstand harsh weather and crashes.
One outstanding feature of this type of off-road wheelchair is its rear steppers and the anti-tip mechanism. These features provide additional support to the wheelchair and prevent it from tipping backward when you’re moving on bumpy roads and run into a cracked sidewalk.
Just like the Hippocampe, this off-road wheelchair comes in three unique sizes: 16 inches, 18 inches, and 20 inches seat widths suitable for children and adults.
The G–Explorer also has two 24-inch pneumatic tires similar to those of mountain bikes. These tires provide more traction on uneven terrain and also increase grip when the chair is in motion.
The G-Explorer uses the mountain bike style and technology to create an off-road manual wheelchair to guarantee independence and a life without limits.
The tires on this hardware have a deep thread that allows them to go on sand, grass, cobbles, and snow.
4. The Rig [Best Budget-Friendly Electric Off-road Wheelchair]
The Rig by Not-A-Wheelchair is one of the most outstanding off-road wheelchairs that I’ve seen.
It started as a small DIY project and has grown to be one of the most impressive outdoor wheelchairs in 2024. Not to mention that it is one of the cheapest electric off-road wheelchairs on this list.
The Rig is a fully electric outdoor wheelchair designed by Youtuber and tech enthusiast, Zack Nelson. You may know him from his channel, Jerry Rig Everything.
The rig is an ATV and motorized bike hybrid designed to travel anywhere that would be impossible to go from your wheelchair. What makes the Rig kind of special is the fact that 85% of this wheelchair is made from bicycle parts.
This four-wheeled off-road wheelchair can reach speeds of up to 12 mph and travel up to 30 miles once the batteries are charged.
Since the Rig is created from bike parts, it is easy and cheap to maintain and handle. You simply have to handle it the way you would any bike and you’ll be fine.
The Rig is 3x cheaper than other custom-built electric all-terrain wheelchairs on the market.
This heavy-duty wheelchair has a maximum weight capacity of 225 pounds; it can easily carry heavy cargo while moving on rocky trails and muddy paths. This makes the Rig perfect for camping.
There’s even an open trunk for carrying camping gear, coolers, picnic basket, travel bags, and kids that want to hitch a ride 🙂
Make sure that you carry load within the recommended limit since it is half-bike after all.
Just like the TerrainHopper, you can also customize certain parts of this off-road wheelchair like the color, wheels, and batteries.
Despite its rigid posture, the Rig is super portable. You can fold the chair and transport it with a pickup truck, roof box, or the trunk of your SUV.
5. Vipamat Hippocampe All-Terrain Wheelchair [Best For Beach Use and Sandy Terrains]
The Hippocampe is the most durable off-road wheelchair on this list and is perfect for leisure and all outdoor activities in a wheelchair. This is the only maintenance-free wheelchair on this list.
It floats on water, slides over snow, and goes on muddy roads, sand, pebbles, and rocky trails.
The Hippocampe off-road Wheelchair is one of the most outstanding manual wheelchairs for outdoor use. It is designed for outdoor adventure and ultimate comfort.
This self-propelled vehicle is made of lightweight aluminum that weighs just 82 lbs and has three off-road wheels for effortless movement on rocks, sand, mud, and grass.
This off-road chair has solid “airless” tires.
Its shock-absorbing tires provide great traction and maneuverability in the toughest terrains and landscapes.
This vehicle comes in four unique sizes: small [72cm X 167cm X 34cm], medium [82cm X 177cm X 34cm], large [92cm X 187cm X 34cm], and extra large [107cm X 202cm X 34cm].
This means there is always an Hippocampe for everyone, regardless of their age and size.
Aside from a user-friendly design, lightweight setup, and tires perfect for long-term outdoor use, the Hippocampe also has very comfy handrims for manual control.
Its handrims are perfect for people who want to maintain independence and regain control of their mobility whether they are indoors or exploring the outdoors.
The Hippocampe has a brilliant design; it is foldable, compact, fashionable, and recreational.
Whether you want to go camping in the woods or travel to Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, or any city in the US for a brief vacation, this is the best manual all-terrain wheelchair for you.
Things To Consider When Buying An All-Terrain Wheelchair
With thousands of all-terrain wheelchairs available in the market, it’s difficult to pick one that is perfect for you, tailored to fit you, or the activity you need for.
In this section of our review, we will point out five essential details you must consider before buying any all-terrain wheelchair.
1. Tires
Since you are buying a wheelchair for off-road use, you want to go for equipment with extra study tires and nothing less. All-terrain wheelchairs are usually fitted with pneumatic tires, solid tires, or tracked wheels.
Pneumatic puncture-proof tires are tires made of puncture-resistant Kevlar with air-filled tires inner tubes. These air-filled tubes absorb all the jolts and bumps during transits on uneven terrains.
They also offer better traction and stability, which makes them perfect for off-road use.
This makes off-road wheelchairs with pneumatic tires perfect for hiking, camping, hunting, and other active outdoor activities.
Off-road wheelchairs with solid “Airless“ tires are perfect for grasslands, marshes, snow, and other sandy terrains.
Sharp objects, tree branches, and pointy rocks cannot puncture or deflate off-road wheelchairs with solid tires. Their plastic shell allows you to enjoy maintenance-free use.
Wheelchairs with tracked tires are better at handling rough terrains. If you’re looking for a power chair that you can take over uneven terrains, opt for a model that is fitted with larger tracked wheels like the Trackstander TR.
2. Safety Features
When purchasing an outdoor wheelchair for off-road use, look for the number of safety features it comes with.
You need to first understand that all-terrain wheelchairs can go on rough terrains and rugged areas that a standard wheelchair will not move on.
A good all-terrain wheelchair should come with a long list of safety features like a safety belt, anti-tippers, led lights, reflectors, windscreen, free helmet, and chest harness for paraplegics and disabled people that can’t maintain a good driving posture.
Before you use any off-road wheelchair, make sure it has a chest harness or seat belt.
Chest harnesses and seat belts will not only keep you from falling out of the wheelchair; they will also improve comfort, confidence, and even save your life.
LED lights and reflectors will help you remain visible to unaware pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, especially if you plan to use them at night.
What makes all-terrain wheelchairs special is the fact that it has an extra set of wheels/tires to enhance stability on uneven terrains.
These safety features don’t just protect you; it also protects other road users from accidents and collisions.
Many electric wheelchairs also come with anti-tippers. This will ensure that the chair will not topple over when going up or down inclines. Before making a purchase, look at whether your chosen model has these fitted items.
Don’t forget to wear a helmet.
3. Portability
Even if it is an off-road vehicle, it is still a wheelchair. One of the best features of every good all-terrain wheelchair is the ability to move it to any position of your choice.
Do not buy an all-terrain wheelchair that is too heavy or difficult to move.
You want to make sure that your all-terrain wheelchair is lightweight so that you can easily transfer it in and out of your vehicle, roof box, or store them in your garage.
You can also purchase an off-road wheelchair that can be disassembled and reassemble with no special tool. It is perfect if the whole chair won’t fit into the trunk of your car.
Some off-road wheelchairs even have a special travel case that can protect them from being damaged in transit. This is the ideal option for people that want to travel a lot and actively use their wheelchair.
A foldable outdoor wheelchair is another easy-to-use option that you should try out.
Is an Electric All-Terrain Wheelchair Better Than A Manual All-Terrain Wheelchair
Both manual and electric all-terrain wheelchairs have their advantages and disadvantages.
Electric all-terrain wheelchairs allow you to travel on snow, sand, grass, and rocky terrains. It’s difficult to propel a manual off-road wheelchair on bumpy roads and terrains on your own.
I would always pick an electric all-terrain wheelchair over a manual model.
Can Off-road Wheelchair Be Used for Traveling?
You can use your all-terrain wheelchair to travel to nearby towns, cities, and countries.
If you are traveling by road, you can put your wheelchair in the trunk of your car or a roof box. If you are traveling by air or train, you can register your all-terrain wheelchair as luggage and travel with it.
If you are traveling long distances, make sure you take a seat cushion with you to maintain comfort.
How Fast Can Off-road Wheelchairs Go?
An electric off-road wheelchair can go as fast as 35 km/h (21.8 mph) and maintain this speed for up to 76 seconds. Manual models can only maintain a speed of 9km/h [5.6 mph] for up to a minute.
With thousands of off-road wheelchairs available on the market, it’s difficult to choose the right one.
We’ve done a detailed review of the best all-terrain wheelchairs and even provided a list of questions and options you should look out for when buying an off-road-styled mobility chair.
You should have no problem buying the perfect off-road wheelchair for work or leisure as long as you follow the checklist and guide provided in this article.
Wheelchaired is a proud member of the United Spinal Association and a disability blog dedicated to sharing guides and advice on issues concerning disability, mobility, accessible travel, and personal development.
