Today, we ask some of our new riders about their early experiences with the GRIT Freedom Chair. Why did they choose GRIT over other kinds of equipment? How’s it been going so far? What’s next? See their answers—and a bit of all-terrain motivation—below!
Jenna W.
- Rider or Relative?: Parent of rider (Alexa)
- Received Freedom Chair: February 2021
- Location: California, USA
- Kinds of Rides: Hiking, dog walking, trails
Why did you choose the Freedom Chair over another piece of adaptive equipment?
“We chose the Freedom chair because hiking has always been our favorite family activity and after Alexa’s health declined we weren’t able to get out like we wanted. She has been too ill to leave the house very much and hiking or long walks have been the hardest thing for her to give up. The Freedom Chair is the only one we’ve seen that enables her to get outside how and where she wants.”
Can you tell us about a memorable moment from your first couple of rides in your Freedom Chair?
“Alexa is loving the ability to take her dog on the bike paths and trails. We are going out rain or shine!”
What are you looking forward to doing in your Freedom Chair?
“Alexa is most excited to increase her endurance enough to go to the beach and do some more challenging trails . . . I’ve really appreciated the great customer service, as well as giving Alexa some newfound freedom and independence.”
Pradeep V.
- Rider or Relative?: Rider
- Received Freedom Chair: November 2020
- Location: Melbourne, Australia
- Kinds of Rides: Camping, bush walking, fishing
Why did you choose the Freedom Chair over another piece of adaptive equipment?
“There are a few reasons I chose the Freedom Chair. Firstly, it requires a different technique to a normal wheelchair to operate, and I wanted to try something new. Secondly, there is a lot of opportunity in Australia for outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, and bush walking. Previously, I have not been able to participate in these activities comfortably, or to the extent I would have liked. As this wheelchair is designed for use outdoors, I was eager to give it a go. Finally, I was advised by my brother (who is a doctor), that this wheelchair would provide a good cardio exercise. As I am keen on staying fit and healthy as I age, this was another important function of the wheelchair that motivated me to purchase it.”
Can you tell us about a memorable moment from your first couple of rides in your Freedom Chair?
“In my first experience going to the park, it was very easy for me to be mobile across all terrains with this wheelchair. Usually, the normal wheelchair tires become stuck on the grass or gravel. In contrast, these tyres give me a good, comfortable ride—almost like a 4-wheel-drive experience. It allows me to move independently without anyone’s assistance across a wide range of landscapes.”
What are you looking forward to doing in your Freedom Chair?
“I’m looking forward to going on walking tracks to keep my fitness levels up. I’m also planning to do a lot of bushwalking and camping, as I love these outdoor activities. I’d like to use the wheelchair to gain access to remote areas that give nice views of nature and other sights Australia has to offer.”
Adele C.
- Rider or Relative?: Parent of rider (Marisa)
- Received Freedom Chair: February 2021
- Location: California, USA
- Kinds of Rides: Outdoor adventures, hikes, dirt roads
Why did you choose the Freedom Chair over another piece of adaptive equipment?
“Marisa is able to walk. She can walk short distances with breaks. She has extreme foot pain and bad knees. We are an outdoor family. Myself and my hubby LOVE to backpack. I love to day hike also. Marisa always wants to go. It is just not possible in a typical wheelchair. I have tried many times. I found this chair and though it would be perfect to allow her to join us on all of our outdoor adventures again. I like how it can go over rough terrain and it has handles to help push when needed.”
Can you tell us about a memorable moment from your first couple of rides in your Freedom Chair?
“We have not gone very far yet. We live in a rural area so she has been practicing on our dirt roads to and from the main road. She loves when she pumps the bars fast that I have to run to keep up with her. She laughs and laughs. It brings me so much joy.”
What are you looking forward to doing in your Freedom Chair?
“We are planning a 2-week trip to national parks—the Grand Canyon and the TCT (Trans Catalina Trail)—and as many day hikes as we can get in once she is more confident!”
John L.
- Rider or Relative?: Rider
- Received Freedom Chair: December 2020
- Location: Tennessee, USA
- Kinds of Rides: Countrysides, outings with his daughter, local parks
Why did you choose the Freedom Chair over another piece of adaptive equipment?
“Features, ease of operation . . . and price! I had looked at several off-road chair options, but none compared when it came to ease of operation, ability to travel with it, and they were all at least twice the price!”
Can you tell us about a memorable moment from your first couple of rides in your Freedom Chair?
“There are a few actually: Going up and down our country road (it has a slight incline) with my daughter while she rides her Razor scooter; going on ‘walks’ with the entire family and being able to keep up with them better in my Freedom Chair without wearing out my old, tired shoulders; getting to parts of our country property on my own for the first time (could navigate some of the bumpy terrain in my regular chair and again—it was too much work for my shoulders). Hard to pick just one: All very memorable moments that continue regularly—and the list is growing!”
What are you looking forward to doing in your Freedom Chair?
“Going on some of the trails in the local parks here in Northern California, and going to the beach at the beautiful Pacific Ocean, which is only about a half-hour away! Freedom Chair is a life changer. Getting to places I couldn’t go before on my own, and my cardio, chest, and shoulders are in better shape than they’ve been in a long time!”
Elaine L.
- Rider or Relative?: Parent of rider (Beth)
- Received Freedom Chair: October 2020
- Location: Oregon, USA
- Kinds of Rides: Beaches, trails
Why did you choose the Freedom Chair over another piece of adaptive equipment?
“Beth researched for an adaptive chair and felt GRIT had a quality, easy-to-use chair that looked fun! She saw what others had to say after initial contact and the support was amazing in finding a way to make the purchase.”
Can you tell us about a memorable moment from your first couple of rides in your Freedom Chair?
“From the beginning the GRIT was fun! It provided freedom and independence! Each ride Beth became stronger!”
What are you looking forward to doing in your Freedom Chair?
“Now we look forward to a beach ride at Crissey Field, south of Brookings, OR. Long-range, we want to try some trails up the Rogue River.”