After months of short, dark days, the sun is finally making a comeback. Days are getting longer, flowers are blooming and the country is thawing out a little bit. This can make spring the perfect season to get out and about in your wheelchair.
For electric powered wheelchair users, winter often brings a unique set of challenges – battery anxiety in the cold, the fear of being stranded in freezing conditions and the difficulty of navigating snow and ice. As the weather warms up, some of those worries melt away, but new concerns take their place. Overheating batteries can be just as frustrating as frozen ones, sometimes leaving you without mobility for months while waiting for a fix. While warmer weather can mean more outdoor adventures, rough terrain like sandy beaches or uneven trails can still be a major barrier to freedom. That’s exactly why we created the Series 5 – designed by a powerchair user who truly understands these struggles. Rain, snow, sand, or sun, the Series 5 lets you experience the freedom to live the life you choose.
Preparing your Powerchair
Spring is the perfect season to discover new accessible destinations, but before heading out, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Make sure you chair has sufficient charge before going out. Keep in mind that different weather and terrain conditions can drain your battery faster than usual, so it may be different from what you are used to.
- Travel with a charged mobile phone. A portable charger can be a great investment to make sure you can still contact people when you need.
- Research locations before visiting. Many public places will have websites or lots of information online. If you’re unsure about a place’s accessibility, reaching out via email or phone can provide clarity and prevent unnecessary stress. There are lots of sites and apps you can use to
- check the accessibility of different locations, like Accessable.
- Keep an eye on weather reports, but don’t rely on them to be accurate – the UK is unpredictable! Having some layers or waterproofs in case of emergencies is important to keep you prepared for anything.
- Travel with a friend or family member where you can, not only is it fun to enjoy outdoor activities with others, but it can also help you feel a lot more confident and gives you another person to help out in emergencies. If you are unable to travel with someone else, try keep
- someone updated on where you are going, your plans and estimated return times.
- Keep prepared with any essentials you may need in an easy to access bag. This may include any medication you may need, sun cream, portable batteries, water and snacks.
Accessible Places to Visit in the Spring
Many UK parks and trails have wheelchair friendly routes. Make sure to be aware of your own chair’s capabilities in different terrains, and do not take on routes that may be beyond your chair’s limits. In more remote location do not travel alone where you can, as it can be more difficult to get assistance if you need.
While many powerchairs will struggle on the sand, the Series 5 can be used on many beaches throughout the UK. The chair works especially well on pebbled beaches and hard, wet sand. The chair will struggle in soft deep sand, so it is best to avoid this as the chair may get stuck.
Boardwalks or beach mats are available at a lot of UK beaches, and are often a safe bet for enjoying the seaside. It is best to research potential beaches before visiting to scope out the location and see what is available to assist you.
Botanic gardens and public parks across the country often have well-maintained, step-free paths, as well as websites with detailed sections surrounding accessibility.
Theme parks in the UK have also come a long way in terms of accessibility. Many rides will be able to offer accessibility passes and a lot of rides will be adapted to help disabled visitors have the best experience possible. Again, it is best to look on individual park websites for guidance on accessibility. Some may request that you call in advance to give notice to the park of your accessibility requirements where others may be happy for you to show up on the day.
Museums and Zoos are a fantastic accessible day out. With the UK’s unpredictable weather, even in the summer, these are a great options as they can provide all-weather options with shelter from rain, cold or extreme sun.
No matter where you decide to go this spring, the Series 5 is designed to take you there. Say goodbye to seasonal mobility struggles and hello to new adventures!
