Mobility Devices

Hiker using a Mountain Trike off-road wheelchair on a trail in Zion National Park — Visitor enjoying the Emerald Pools hike using his Mountain Trike in Zion National Park
Courtesy Dave Gillespie

Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids

Many kinds of devices improve mobility for the 1-in-4 Americans with a disability; from walkers, canes, crutches, or braces to traditional manual or power wheelchairs to off-road mobility wheelchairs or electric scooters.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) definition of a wheelchair (Title V Section 508c) is: a manually-operated or power-driven device designed primarily for use by an individual with a mobility disability for the main purpose of indoor or of both indoor and outdoor locomotion.

Mobility device technology has come a long way in recent years, spanning a variety of shapes, sizes, and capability in varied terrain. Those devices that meet the definition of a wheelchair are allowed anywhere foot travel is allowed in our National Parks, this includes the opportunity to participate in Wilderness experiences.

Two ATV's on an empty beach, grass in the foreground. — Two ATVs on a beach.
NPS Photo

Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs)

Any mobility device powered by batteries, fuel, or other engines, that is not primarily designed for individuals with disabilities, that are used by such individuals for the purpose of locomotion are classified as an Other Powered-Driven Mobility Device (OPDMD).

OPDMDs examples include golf cars/carts, electronic personal assistance mobility devices, such as the Segway ® Personal Transporter (PT), or any mobility device that does NOT meet the definition of a wheelchair and is designed to operate in areas without defined pedestrian routes.

Mobility Device Loan Programs

Some parks have mobility devices available for loan for use on beaches and trails. Below is a map and a list of parks with these programs.

Alaska

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve

Type of device: beach wheelchair
lacl_visitor_information@nps.gov
907-644-3626

Arkansas

Arkansas Post National Memorial

Type of device: all-terrain manual wheelchair
arpo_information@nps.gov
870-548-2207

California

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Type of device: beach wheelchair
goga_accessibility@nps.gov
415-561-4700

Channel Islands National Park

Type of device: beach wheelchair
chis_information@nps.gov
805-658-5730

Point Reyes National Seashore

Type of device: beach wheelchair
pore_info@nps.gov
415-464-5100, ext 2

Redwoods National & State Parks

Type of device: track chair
redw_information@nps.gov
707-464-7331

Colorado

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Type of device: beach wheelchair
grsa_interpretation@nps.gov
719-378-6395

Rocky Mountains National Park

Type of device: all-terrain manual chair
romo_information@nps.gov
Estes Park Mountain Shop: 970-586-6548

Florida

Canaveral National Seashore

Type of device: beach wheelchair
cana_interpretation@nps.gov
386-428-3384, ext 0

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Type of device: beach wheelchair
guis_information@nps.gov
850-934-2600

Georgia

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Type of devices: beach wheelchair and track chair
Please notify reservation agent when making ferry reservations to ensure wheelchair will be available. For track chairs, reservations required through All Terrain Georgia at least two weeks prior to island trip.
912 882-4336

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park