Terrain Guide

Thanks to the hybrid capabilities of the Series 5 powered wheelchair, it can go further and handle a wide range of everyday outdoor terrains as well as tight indoor spaces.

What is possible with a Series 5?

We’ve put together a practical guide that show what the Series 5 is capable of when it comes to tackling different terrains. Below you’ll find practical, easy to follow advice on where and how you can use the Series 5, using tips from our team and more importantly, our customers!

The hybrid design means you can do a lot with just one chair, whether that’s getting about your home, going to town, or heading further afield on holiday. Of course, if you’re planning to tackle mountains or extreme off-road conditions, a dedicated all-terrain wheelchair would be better suited, but those aren’t built to fit through standard doors or handle indoor spaces like the Series 5 does.

For a full breakdown of when a hybrid chair works best and when an all-terrain chair might be needed, check out our Hybrid vs All-Terrain Wheelchair guide.

Grass

Grass is the most common terrain that you’ll encounter, whether that’s your garden, local park or outdoor events.

Series 5 Owner's tips

Mud

Muddy ground, particularly if it is wet and soft, can add extra challenges due to reduced grip and increased resistance.

It’s a common problem for powerchairs, and most people tend to avoid it, but with the Series 5, you don’t need to worry.

Series 5 Owner's tips

Gravel and stones

Gravel paths and cobbles are common in car parks, driveways and rural paths.

Although these are no problem with the Series 5, you might get some mild vibrations as you travel over small stones, some instability on loose gravel and a slower turning response.

Series 5 Owner's tips

Uneven pavements and cobbles

Town centres and older streets throughout the UK and Europe often have cobbles or very old, uneven pavements.

These surfaces may cause vibration, and may require some extra power if there are hills or slopes, so a steady approach is key.

Series 5 Owner's tips

Kerbs

Taking kerbs at an angle or with too much speed can reduce stability.

A slow, controlled approach allows the Series 5 to climb small obstacles safely using its torque rather than momentum. As always, if a kerb looks too high or uneven, it’s better to find a safer route.

Series 5 Owner's tips

Snow

Cold weather can bring on a new set of challenges, as well as tackling the ice or snow. Driving in snow or icy conditions is possible with a Series 5, it just requires additional caution and awareness.

Cold temperatures can affect battery performance, meaning range may be slightly reduced. Planning ahead, allowing extra travel time, and keeping your powerchair stored somewhere dry and sheltered when not in use can make a massive difference. A little preparation goes a long way in helping you stay safe, steady, and confident throughout winter.

Series 5 Owner's tips

Reduce your speed as much as possible
Avoid sudden acceleration, braking or sharp turns
Take corners slowly and allow extra distance for braking
Keep batteries well charged before heading out
If conditions are severe, it may be better to wait until the ground has been cleared and gritted.

Sand

Beaches and sand are usually off limits unless you have an all-terrain or beach wheelchair.

While the Series 5 can’t drive over every type of sand, it’s been designed to handle firmer, compacted surfaces on coastal paths and beaches with confidence, giving you more freedom to explore without overpromising the impossible.

Soft, fine sand can cause the wheels to sink or get stuck, so you should avoid this in a Series 5. However medium and firm sand are achievable, as well as pebble beaches.

Series 5 Owner's tips

Check your tyre pressure - this should be 0.3 bar for the rear tyres and no more than 2 bar for the front tyres
For more stability tilt your seat back slightly so you have more weight over the rear wheels
Keep moving at a constant speed
Try not to over steer and don’t make sharp turns, take corners and turns wider
Programme a beach mode - choose one driving mode and turn all the settings down

Indoor and Tight Spaces

Manoeuvring indoors in tight spaces requires careful control and practice.

The Series 5 is compact and responsive, designed to fit through standard door frames, which makes it easier to move around homes, offices, shops and public buildings.