For many seniors with limited mobility, a beach vacation once meant staying behind on the boardwalk while others ventured into the sand. But that’s changing fast thanks to a growing trend: beach and all-terrain wheelchairs.
Unlike standard wheelchairs, these models feature extra-wide balloon tires that float over soft sand rather than sinking. Lightweight aluminum or stainless steel frames provide both strength and durability, while adjustable footrests, reclining backs, and waterproof fabrics add comfort. Both manual and electric versions are available, giving seniors the freedom to choose the best fit. Most importantly, these chairs restore independence, letting seniors enjoy the beach without relying on others.
“For the first time in years, I was able to sit by the ocean with my grandchildren, not watching from afar, but right there with them in the sand.” ~ Stan, 81 from Mount Peasant, SC.
The Emotional Impact
The emotional benefits are undeniable. As one disability activist in Chennai, India shared, “Every time I crawl on the sand, it feels too heavy to move. These chairs… it’s always been a dream to move across the sand and experience the beach fully.” What was once an obstacle has now become a source of joy and confidence.
The Rising Demand for Accessibility
Globally, demand for accessible travel is surging. In Myrtle Beach, beach wheelchair usage jumped 38% from 2019 to 2022. The worldwide wheelchair market is booming, expected to grow from $5.4 billion in 2023 to $10.3 billion by 2032, with North America leading the way (Precedence Research, 2023). More cities, resorts, and public beaches are investing in programs to meet this growing need.
Spotlight: Isle of Palms, Charleston, SC
The Isle of Palms offers one of the country’s standout programs. Visitors simply stop by the Public Safety Building with a photo ID to borrow a beach wheelchair free of charge, available daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Having an [off-road] chair gives seniors the full beach experience again. Beth R. shares her experience, “I never thought I’d be able to get down to the water again. I just loved the Isle of Palms beach wheelchair, I was sitting with my toes in the surf, watching the waves roll in, it was pure happiness.”
A New Kind of Freedom
These chairs make the beach physically accessible to all. Seniors once hesitant about traveling can now join their families at the shoreline, feel the waves, and experience the sand under their feet again. This small innovation is opening big doors for senior travel.
About the Author
Written by the ZestYears Editorial Team
Sources:
Precedence Research, 2023. Global Wheelchair Market Size Forecast
The Sun News (Myrtle Beach), 2023
The Hindu, 2025
WCIV Charleston News, 2023
