Frequently Asked Questions – Equipment Hire

1. What equipment is available

– Beach wheelchairs for use on sand and soft surfaces
– All -terrain Wheelchairs for use on a variety of terrains
– Ramps
– Hoist
– Loop-systems

For more in depth details see chart

2. Where can I rent or borrow a beach wheelchair?

A list of our current Host is available on our booking site lease be aware that the offer can change out of season. Follow your host on social media. A few of our hosts can be weather dependent and change their hours on the day, especially in spring and autumn.

All our hosts are volunteers and offer their support for free, we would not be able to offer this service without the generosity and support they show.

3. How do I reserve a beach wheelchair in advance?

You can typically book a beach wheelchair in advance through our booking pages website, email and by phone.
It’s advisable to reserve ahead of time, especially during peak seasons, as equipment can be in high demand.

4. Can I take a beach wheelchair away with me?

Yes, outside of peak season we can arrange for equipment to be borrowed for longer periods please email to discuss further.
Multiple bookings can also be made using the booking site.

5. How much does it cost to rent a equipment?

The cost of renting a equipment through Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is free as part of our drive to become accessible to all.

Donations via the website are welcomed and go towards our running costs of the project and investing in new equipment.

The project also welcomes monthly sponsorship.

6. Plan your route.

We try and get our equipment as close to the beach as possible. On occasions there is some logistics involved in getting the chair to the safest place to transfer and access the beach.

Know your limitations in terms of strength and endurance before attempting to go down or up a ramp, slope or slipway, or negotiating a difficult terrain.
• Is the ramp too steep?
• Is the ramp too long for your endurance?
• Is the ramp slippery? (fine dry sand or wet sand can be a slip hazard)
• Are there any obstacles? (rubbish bins, steps, people, etc.)
• Is there anyone around who can support you offer help?
The beach wheelchair is designed for use on the beach. Its use on the pavement should be restricted to travel to and from the beach to save tyre wear.
• Make sure you are comfortable with the layout and condition of the place you are visiting
• Check the weather forecast and tide times, where appropriate, before your visit
• When in the wheelchair, use a sunscreen or umbrella to avoid sunburn and dress appropriately for winter weather
• Wheelchair frames can become hot when left outdoors during hot weather

7. What is a beach wheelchair vs an All terrain chair?

A beach wheelchair is a specially designed mobility aid that allows individuals with physical limitations or disabilities to navigate sandy beaches with ease.
Unlike regular wheelchairs, beach wheelchairs are equipped with large, balloon-like tires that prevent sinking into the sand, making it easier to move across uneven surfaces.
We have a selection of Beach wheelchairs different designs for children and adults.
Although designed for the sand they can also manage other soft surfaces such as grass but they are not right for tarmac and harsher environments.

Our All terrain chairs are designed for more challenging routes. for example the Motus (Push) were designed for competing in mud runners so are light flexible and with experience can tackle a range of obstacles. The Mountain trike range is based on being able to offer a similar experience to a mountain bike so needs a level of skill from the person steering. However you can also use these on a more leisurely walk.

8. Can I use a regular wheelchair on the beach?

Standard wheelchairs are not typically suitable for beach terrain, as their smaller, narrower wheels tend to sink into the sand. Beach wheelchairs are designed specifically for this purpose, featuring wider, low-pressure tires that make movement across sand and other rough surfaces more manageable.

9. Are beach wheelchairs motorised?

We currently do not have self-drive / motorised beach wheelchairs and continuously searching the market. We are hoping to invest here in the future as we recognise how importance independence is.

We do have a selection of motorised and self-powered all terrain wheelchairs that can be used on more challenging outdoor spaces and occasionally on firmer harder sand.

10. Are the wheelchairs adjustable for comfort?

Most accessible wheelchairs are designed with comfort in mind, offering features like padded seats and adjustable footrests. The level of comfort and adjustability can vary between models and individual taste.
We aim to provide a selection of equipment in order to try and make sure that everyone has a outdoor space in Pembrokeshire they can access. If we do not yet meet your needs please get in contact so we can look at future purchases.

11. Is there an age restrictions for using equipment?

Beach wheelchairs are typically available in various sizes to accommodate children, adults, and seniors.
There is no specific age limit for using a equipment however some of the self drive motorised will need experience and some training.
It’s essential to select a chair that suits the user’s size and weight for maximum comfort and safety.
We ask that the person booking the equipment is over 18 for insurance purposes.

12. Are all terrain wheelchairs safe?

Yes, all terrain/ beach wheelchairs are generally safe for use when operated correctly. They are designed to handle the uneven and soft surface of the sand.
The motorised equipment can be harder to use and may take additional support and practice, before feeling confident.
It’s important to follow any guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
Always be aware of your surroundings and other risks such as open water, slopes and adverse weather. Physical strength to use the equipment it can be heavier and different to navigate from standard mobility equipment.

13. Cleaning

We recommend that you bring something to give equipment a wipe down before and after use a lot of equipment is left outside.

Please report and issues immediately as we try to respond and address and faults as they arise in addition to an annual service.

14. Can I use a beach wheelchair in the water?

Yes, many beach wheelchairs are designed to be water-resistant and can be used in shallow water. It’s essential to check the manufacturer’s specifications.
We advise –
• That you never go deeper than a third of the way up the tyres
• Someone is holding onto the chair
• The tide is safe to approach as the chair wheels are buoyant and will become unstable
• Never in of rough tides/ weather.

The all terrain equipment will be able to go through puddles and low streams but are not designed to get wet.

15. Are there any weight limits for the wheelchairs?

Most beach wheelchairs have weight limits that vary by model. Be sure to check the specifications of the chair you plan to rent or purchase, as exceeding the weight limit can affect the safety and durability of the chair. Some chairs are built to accommodate higher weight capacities.

16. The Inflatable wheels

The wheels will look slightly deflated as this works as the suspension to get across bumpy ground
If the wheels need inflating and deflating the host should have been supplied with a tyre pump that can be borrowed or email us to address any issues.
• Check that all pins are in place
• Wheels are pumped to look slightly deflated. 2psi for small tires 4psi for the larger, to act as suspension hosts have been provided with tyre pumps.

17. Beach wheelchair wheel locks

• Engage the locks on both large wheel tyres before entering or leaving the chair
• Wheel locks should be engaged whenever the wheelchair stops and the helper is not present
• The wheel locks are not brakes
• The wheel locks should not be used to slow or stop the chair while it is moving.

18. Belts, Straps Accessories

If a belt is provided that it is untangled and clipping in securely. Only a minimal amount of equipment has 5 point harnesses.

You can easily use your own accessories to equipment.

19. moving in and out of wheelchairs

Ensure the wheelchair user can transfer into and out of the chair safely without a stand-aid or hoist.
When moving into and out of the chair:
• ALWAYS engage the wheel locks (for beach wheelchairs) or brakes (for other wheelchairs) or the chair will move
• Point the small front wheels (where relevant) forward or the chair may move as you get in/out
• Raise arm rests of beach wheelchairs and get in and out of the chair from the sides only
• The arm rests are not capable of bearing weight and should not be used to help with the move into or out of the chair.
• DO NOT step on the footrest to get into the chair as this could cause the chair to tip. The footrest is designed for exiting the chair with support and to rest your feet whilst in the chair.

Specialist Equipment Hire

We offer a range of specialist equipment that can improve access and experience

• Portable Hoist – To hire and use this you will need to evidence that you have current and correct manual handling training.
• Portable ramps
• Hearing loops and portable loops