WheelEEZ® Beach Wheelchair Conversion Kit makes beach days accessible — original post by Simply Emma —

Going to the beach is something a lot of people take for granted. For wheelchair users, going to the beach is difficult. The simple fact that sand and wheelchairs just don’t go. Well, that used to be the case. Now, beach days are possible thanks to amazing beach wheelchairs. They are popping up more and more at beaches all over. Recently I received a WheelEEZ® beach wheelchair conversion kit and it’s been super exciting. Beach days are possible again and I couldn’t be happier about it. So who fancies joining us for a BBQ on the beach?

The conversion kit was gifted to me in return for an honest review, however, as always, all opinions are my own.

Beach Wheelchairs Make Beach Days Accessible

There are different types of beach wheelchairs available, both manual and powered depending on your preference and budget. Some beaches have the option to hire their own beach wheelchairs which is amazing. There are also beach wheelchairs that go fully into the water like the one I used in Barcelona.

Personally, I’ve always loved the beach. However, ever since I was young and became a full-time wheelchair user, it’s been off-limits to me. Whenever we went to the beach I would only be able to go so far until the sand stopped me going any further. Failing that we would sit in the car and try and enjoy the view from there. It just wasn’t the same.

I wanted to get involved in the fun, drip my toes in the sea, feel the sea breeze and enjoy time with my family. I also wanted that tousled beach hair look too. Ya’know? Haha. I didn’t want to miss out anymore especially the special moments with my nephew.

WheelEEZ® Beach Wheelchair Conversion Kit

Having the WheelEEZ® beach wheelchair conversion kit is going to allow me to enjoy all those things so I don’t have to miss out anymore. Not only sandy beaches, but the conversion kit can also allow easy access over gravel pathways, woodland, tracks and trails.

We tried it out for the first time a few weeks ago at Longniddry Beach, East Lothian in Scotland. It was a beautiful day and we had a great day with my sister and nephew. The following photos were taken on that great day.

The conversion kit arrives in boxes and once the contents are laid out, you may think it looks complicated but it’s easier than you initially think. Allan began by taking the front and back wheels off my old manual wheelchair. The next step was fitting the brackets to the frame of the wheelchair. These brackets are fitted at the back of the chair for the two large beach wheels to slot into the bar to hold them in place.

Next was another bar that goes across underneath the chair and gets fitted to a bar connecting them both together. Nuts and bolts are used to hold it in place and it is relatively straightforward. Lastly, the front wheel gets connected and you’re good to go. There are instructions, but we didn’t have them at the time when building it and managed just fine by having a look at a YouTube tutorial, but the company emailed me instructions too.

We trialled this at home to make sure we knew what to do once we got to the beach. So we kept the brackets on the frame but we removed the bars so we could fit the manual chair in the car with us. Once we got to the beach Allan began setting it up with the help of our nephew which took about 10-12 minutes. You can see Allan setting the conversion kit up in the video below.

From now on we plan on keeping the brackets plus the bars in place so it is easier and quicker to set up at the beach. This is how we will continue to use it as it works best for us. Depending on your own circumstances, type of car etc, you may find that you don’t have to take it apart at all. You may simply be able to transport it fully set up.

Another important factor to consider which will also depend on your ability is that you may require someone else to help build it up/take it apart either with you or like in my case, for you as I am physically unable to do this myself. If you are more physically able with the use of your arms then you may be able to manage this yourself.

“Let the sea, set you free.” – there is no better feeling than being at the beach.

I’ve been a powered wheelchair user for most of my life so I’m used to being in control of where I go. Even though the conversion kit is fitted to my manual chair and having my family push me around, I don’t feel like my freedom is taken away. The freedom of being able to access the beach again is more than enough.

Living in Scotland we are never short of amazing scenery. From mountains, countryside to lochs and more. Scotland also has gorgeous beaches and those views are some of the best views in my opinion.

The way the sun glistens on the sea, the fluffy sand, the waves crashing and the beautiful sunrises and sunsets. I love it all. Scotland has many beautiful beaches and I want to go to them all. We aren’t just limited to Scotland though. The conversion kit is portable so we can take it whenever we travel to England and Wales in the car. I can’t wait.

Making memories with the ones I care about is what matters the most to me. So being able to spend time with my family and play with my nephew at the beach is a big deal. I want him to grow up in a world that doesn’t stop someone from living their live because they have a disability. I want to watch him build sandcastles, run into the water and jump over the waves and help him collect shells. I want to teach him facts about sea life and all that good stuff. My partner and I love the outdoors and nature, but always felt that the beach was off-limits for us. There were many times Allan would pass a stunning beach and wish he could take me there to share it with him. Now we can do that. Going to the beach is something I won’t ever take for granted.

“An ocean breeze puts a mind at ease.” The beach is the perfect place to get away from the daily grind. It’s a great way to switch off from the stress factors and just be in the moment. At least, that’s what it means to me. Being at the beach feels super relaxing especially feeling the warmth of the sun on my body (as someone who always feels cold, it feels amazing on my weak muscles). I love that the conversion kit fits onto my own manual wheelchair that has been set to my specific measurements and using my own custom wheelchair seat cushion adds to the comfort factor. It isn’t a generic one size beach wheelchair that anyone can use. It is using my manual wheelchair. The large beach wheels are puncture proof and provide a nice smooth ride too.

Final Thoughts

The WheelEEZ® beach wheelchair conversion kit is a life-changer for so many disabled people who otherwise would struggle to go to the beach. The conversion kit fits onto a manual wheelchair and enables you to enjoy being on the fluffy sand and even into the sea. Just don’t go in too far or you will float away. Haha. The conversion kit is made of hardened marine-grade anodized aluminium so it won’t corrode. I love using the conversion kit and appreciate the moments I get to spend at the beach with my family and simply taking in the views. It will allow us to go to the beach wherever and whenever we want. If you think this beach wheelchair conversion kit would work for you and your specific needs, then I recommend you check it out here.