My All-Terrain Action Track Chair Review
Recently as part of a much bigger road trip to South Dakota, I stopped at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan (it’s near Traverse City) and had the opportunity to try an all-terrain wheelchair called an action track chair. I wanted to write about my experience and give you my honest review.
What is an All-Terrain Action Track Chair?
If you have never seen or heard of an action track chair, it’s an all-terrain power wheelchair. The top of it looks like a regular power wheelchair, but the bottom looks like a tank. There is either a seatbelt or a harness that you can use to secure yourself in the chair.
The chair also can tilt forward or backward depending on your needs and/or the terrain. It is maneuvered by a joystick, so if you can operate a power wheelchair, you’ll have no difficulty operating the tracks chair.
If, however, you cannot operate a joystick, there is a separate attached remote that your travel companion can use to operate the chair for you. The chair also comes in two sizes which vary in width to accommodate people who may need more room.
What is it Like to Use an All-Terrain Action Track Chair?
I had never used one, so when I got the chance, I wanted to put it to the test. I used it to go on a “hike” that no other mobility device would’ve been able to handle. There were steep inclines (both side to side and front to back), large rocks, and tree roots to navigate.
I am happy to report that these obstacles were no match for the action track chair! It went over them with ease. The ride was a bit bumpy at times as there was no suspension system. People who have back pain may want to consider this. Despite the bumps, this thing is solid, and I never felt unsafe or like it would tip over.
In fact, when using the action track chair, I felt incredibly free and confident. I knew that I could conquer any obstacles in that chair, and it was really nice to be able to do a hike that would’ve been impossible before. Just rolling through the woods and becoming closer to nature was incredible.
For once in a very long time, I didn’t feel disabled at all. It truly felt that I was just differently-abled. That feeling of being free again was priceless and one I’ll never forget. The whole rest of my trip, I kept saying, “I miss the track chair!” I truly hope that every person with limited mobility gets to experience this.
The hike that I did was about 2.3 miles and over varied terrain. A small portion was in a meadow, then in the woods, and finally, we summited the hill and had amazing views of Lake Michigan. Throughout the whole time, we had a “guide” that would lead the way and ensure that the tracks chair functioned properly. He gave us great advice on places to see as well as what he loved about the area.
Unfortunately, at this time, there is only one hike that this chair can go on. My hope is that in the future they will be able to expand the program to include other hikes at the national lakeshore.
How Can I Try this Awesome Chair?
I was able to have this experience thanks to a volunteer group called Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes. You can check out their website at www.trackchair.org. The chair is free to use, you just have to reserve a spot ahead of time as they only have two tracks chairs. The only other requirement is that you need to be able to transfer yourself into the tracks chair or bring someone that can assist you in doing this.
If you would like to see my full accessibility review on Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, please click here.
