ATV Modifications For People With Disabilities
All-terrain vehicles, otherwise known as ATVs or quads, are used by thousands of people for work and play riding purposes. Their superior off-roading capabilities and compact size also make ATVs ideal for people with disabilities who want to participate in outdoor recreational activities. Typical mobility aids like wheelchairs and walkers may not be useful on muddy nature trails, uneven grassy fields and rocky hiking paths, but an ATV can grant riders with disabilities access to all sorts of places, increasing their independence and helping them to fully enjoy the wonders of nature with their friends and family.
Crossroad Powersports in Upper Darby is your Pennsylvania ATV dealer. We care about all of our customers and believe in the importance of outdoor recreation. That’s why we’ve provided you with more information about how people with disabilities can use ATVs.
How Do ATVs Help People With Disabilities?
Mud, grass, puddles and rocks all present challenges to those who use mobility aids like canes, wheelchairs, scooters and walkers. Typically, these items are designed for use on flat pavement or indoor flooring, not for natural environments. This unfortunately puts their users at a disadvantage when it comes to outdoor recreational pursuits, as it limits where they can go.
But people with disabilities can use an ATV to access all sorts of areas outdoors with ease, so they can join friends on hikes, go hunting and enjoy the thrills of off-roading. ATVs are often used by those who can no longer ride a standard motorcycle, too. The freedom and enjoyment provided by ATVs is wonderful for riders with disabilities.
How Can ATVs Be Modified For Users?
A lot of ATVs on the market can be readily used as they are by people with disabilities, which is great news! However, there may be some disabilities and conditions that benefit from certain modifications to assist the rider in freedom of movement. For those who can’t use typical throttles, a trigger, joystick or button that is pushed with a finger, elbow or chin can make the ATV easy to operate. Harnesses can help to secure a rider in place while they ride. You can find a great many accessories that can help to outfit an ATV for a particular user’s needs.
ATVs for Hunting
The uneven leafy forest floor is no place for a wheelchair or for someone who has mobility issues. Using an ATV can make it much easier for a hunter with disabilities to access their blind. With the right permits, a hunter with disabilities can even hunt from the seat of their ATV in certain jurisdictions; make sure you look up the laws where you are to see what permits you may need to be able to do this.
ATVs for Beach Access
The shifting sands of a beach are a challenge to traverse with a walker or wheelchair. But if you outfit an ATV with sand or “paddle” tires, it can be the perfect form of transportation for a beach-goer with disabilities, allowing them to spend quality time with family and friends by the ocean or the lake. You can ride right up to the ocean with one of these models, since ATVs are no stranger to wet ground!
For people with disabilities, ATVs offer freedom of movement in nature that they just can’t get from other types of vehicles or mobility aids. Modified ATVs are able to improve the quality of life of their users and ensure that they can participate in the activities they love and never miss out on another adventure!
Seeking ATVs for sale in Pennsylvania? Browse our website to take a look at our wide selection of new and used ATVs for sale at our dealership located in Upper Darby, PA. Crossroad Powersports proudly serves the metro areas of Philadelphia, PA, and Wilmington, DE.