Motorized Beach Wheelchairs Improve Access To Clearwater Beach

CLEARWATER, FL — The provide greater accessibility to the city's beaches by all residents and visitors, the city of Clearwater has purchased two motorized beach wheelchairs available at Clearwater Beach for visitors with special needs.

The motorized beach wheelchairs, in addition to two manual beach wheelchairs that the city also provides, can be found at Clearwater Beach Lifeguard Tower at 180 S. Gulfview Blvd.

The beach wheelchairs are available for use by any visitor to Clearwater Beach at no charge. They are powered by an electric motor and maintain user-friendly features, such as adjustable armrests and seat. They also have safety features, such as an anti-tip balance, safety belts and all-terrain tires.

See related story: Foundation Offers To Finance Beach-Access Mats For Local Beaches

"The city of Clearwater is pleased to offer this type of equipment to all visitors of Clearwater Beach," said Sherman Stroman, diversity and equity manager. "Eliminating barriers to encourage greater access and provide enhanced experiences for all ages and abilities to our wonderful beaches remains a key priority for the city."

The motorized chairs support up to 300 pounds and are operated by a mounted joystick in both forward and reverse. The chair can run continuously for approximately six hours.

They can be signed out between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

City staff have also applied for state approval to place accessibility mats at several locations throughout Clearwater Beach and hopes to complete the project by this fall .

To find more information on accessibility to Clearwater Beach, click here.