The Complete Guide to All-Terrain Wheelchairs

If you're looking for an off-road wheelchair to get you back outside again, there are a number of things to consider: range, comfort, powertrain, accessibility, performance, etc. We decided to take the top 5 performers in the all-terrain wheelchair market and spell it out for you with some nifty graphs. Without further ado, here are the 5 best all terrain wheelchairs on the market right now:

Action Trackchair

A disabled woman in an Action Trackchair fixing a porch fence.

Perhaps the most recognized on this list, the Action Trackchair took disabled off-roading to the next level. Featuring a wild, unique 2-track tread system, the action track chair provides exceptional off-road capability. However, this design comes with some costs.The action track chair weighs in at 400 LBS curb weight, and only runs at a top speed of 3 miles per hour.

A graph ranking the Action Trackchair, Magic Mobility x8, Terrain Hopper 4ZS, Outrider Coyote 4WD, and Not a Wheelchair the Rig according to user accommodation.

What it lacks in speed and adrenaline, it makes up for in utility. Several action track chair models feature full standing capability, empowering disabled individuals to accomplish tasks that would otherwise be impossible, and in some cases even continue their career in the field. They have a number of control options for a variety of impairments, as well as full raise and tilt capability. Of the six vehicles on this list, the Action Trackchair ranks the best in user accommodation. 

Magic Mobility x8

A disabled man riding a Magic Mobility x8 all terrain wheelchair on the beach.

The Magic Mobility x8 is the most extreme off-roading iteration of the x line of wheelchairs. Most Magic Mobility units, including the x8, have full raise and tilt ability, and the x8 is fitted with an exclusive 4WD powertrain. The x8 is also extremely maneuverable, and has a very tight turning radius. A nice feature of the Magic Mobility chassis, is that the chair is essentially the same from model to model; offering something familiar but new to people who have been injured a long time, and are perhaps well-acquainted with the Magic Mobility driving mechanics, or a standard wheelchair orientation.

A graph ranking the Magic Mobility x8, Outrider Coyote 4WD, Terrain Hopper 4ZS, Action Trackchair, and Not a Wheelchair the Rig according to max rider weight.

While the x8 is familiar, it is not particularly affordable. It's difficult to nail down a base price for the x8, as the vast majority of these units are provided to customers through foundations / insurance, but a brand-new x8 will put you back $16,300. That being said, the x8 features 4WD and provides users with ample off-road capability, and opens the door to many more riders thanks to its high user weight capacity. When it comes to max user weight, the Magic Mobility x8 tops this list, accommodating users up to 400 LBS (350 LBS for raise & tilt).

Not a Wheelchair

A paraplegic woman riding the Rig from Not a Wheelchair in the snow.

Not a Wheelchair’s The Rig is a lightweight off-road mobility chair that was designed by influential YouTuber JerryRigEverything, for his girlfriend who was injured in an accident and became disabled. The Rig has exploded in popularity, thanks to its on-the-nose branding, and most of all: the price. The base price for the Rig is just $4,999; a figure literally unheard of in the off-road adaptive sector. This is a huge game-changer for disabled individuals who want to get outdoors again. 

A graph ranking the Not a Wheelchair the Rig, Action Trackchair, Outrider Coyote 4WD, Magic Mobility x8, and Terrain Hopper 4ZS according to base price.

However, with that low price point, there are some serious trade-offs. The Rig is only available with rear wheel drive, and utilizes a single low-power, low-torque motor. Furthermore, the Rig only offers two technical options: two different types of tires (street or off-road), and an additional battery upgrade for $800. Not a Wheelchair doesn't offer any additional hand controls, utilizes a very basic fixed-spring suspension system, and can only accommodate riders up to 225 lbs. But, if you're looking for a short-range experience over mild terrain for a child, or middleweight adult at an affordable price point, the Rig is probably all you really need.

Terrain Hopper 4ZS 

A disabled man riding the Terrain Hopper 4ZS through a swamp.

The Terrain Hopper 4ZS is a rugged off-road wheelchair that mimics the driving experience of a mobility scooter, but on an entirely different level. With full-time 4WD and quality long-travel suspension, the Terrain hopper can master inclines of up to 35 degrees, and travel up to 12 miles per hour. The 4ZS also offers a multitude of heavy duty off-road accessories, such as a cable winch, light bars, tow hitch, rifle mounts, and a roll bar. 

A graph ranking the Terrain Hopper 4ZS, Action Trackchair, Outrider Coyote 4WD, Magic Mobility x8, and Not a Wheelchair the Rig according to off-road amenities.

This is a seriously capable off-road machine, but as such, it's going to come at quite a cost. The base model 4ZS starts at $18,995, making it the most expensive vehicle on this list. It's also the heaviest of the bunch, with a curb weight of 450 LBS. But if these figures don't phase you, the Terrain Hopper is sure to deliver top-of-the-line off-road handling, impeccable climbing ability, and supreme all-around user friendliness. 

Outrider Coyote 4WD

A quadriplegic man riding an Outrider Coyote 4WD with his wife and dog.

Finally, bringing this article to a close is the Outrider Coyote 4WD. If you haven't noticed already, you are in fact on outriderusa.com, so you'll forgive us for painting our flagship product in a positive light. But, we're going to give it to you straight, just the facts, and some of the setbacks. The Coyote 4WD is the lightest 4-wheel-drive vehicle ever produced. Starting at 220 lbs, and fitting in a 5x3x3 block, it is also the first-ever vehicle to truly qualify as a compact ATV. Thanks to our proprietary Tri-Pin controls, and other accessbility options, the Coyote 4WD is also the fastest, longest-range off-road mobility platform that has ever existed. 

A graph ranking the Outrider Coyote 4WD, Not a Wheelchair the Rig, Terrain Hopper 4ZS, Magic Mobility x8, and Action trackchair according to max range and max speed.

With a top speed of 22 mph, and up to 140 miles of range, the Coyote 4WD offers a driving experience that is truly unmatched in the industry, and with full independent air suspension, Roho seat cushions, and custom leg rests, it's as comfortable as it is capable. In order to pack so many quality components in such a compact form factor, the Coyote 4WD starts at $15,986 (though there is a RWD-only option starting at $12,986). But for that price, you are truly getting a one-of-a-kind custom machine that suits your needs, and reliably takes you wherever you want to go. 

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