15+ with parent/guardian! • 4 Hours - 1 Week Rentals • Starting at $25
Take the Hippocampe amphibious wheelchair from UBC’s campus to beach and forest trails—four-hour rentals to week-long trips give people who use wheelchairs real access to Vancouver’s shoreline. Learn what to expect, where to go, and how to prepare.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 hours–1 week
Fitness Level
Moderate: users should have enough mobility or support for transfers and some upper-body strength for paddling or assisted handling
Wildlife
History
The University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus sits on the unceded territory of the Musqueam people; the campus developed through the early twentieth century and opened its present site in the 1920s.
Conservation
Minimize impact by using designated access points, avoiding dune vegetation, and following local wildlife distance guidelines to protect sensitive intertidal zones.
RAD Recreation Adapted Society
15+ with parent/guardian! • 4 Hours - 1 Week Rentals • Starting at $25
RAD Recreation Adapted Society is a Victoria, British Columbia–based organization that provides adaptive recreation equipment and accessible outdoor mobility solutions. The society offers a wide range of adaptive devices including mountain trikes, electric-assist eTrikes, seated handcycles, beach wheelchairs, foldable Access Trax pathways, VanRaam city/walking bikes, Alinker walking-bikes, sit sledges for cross-country snow, WaveSki water-adaptive skis, Roll-A-Ramp portable ramps, and a selection of handcycles such as Top End Force and Varna II models.
Many items are offered for short-term rental or use, with options described for half-day, full-day, and weekend rental periods for select handcycles and sledges. Access Trax is noted as a foldable, portable pathway inspired by adaptive surfers and crafted by occupational therapists, enabling travel over sand, grass, gravel, and snow. Electric-assist eTrikes provide multiple power settings and one-arm steering; Mountain Trikes deliver smooth handling and one-arm operation for rough terrain. Roll-A-Ramp supplies lightweight aluminum ramps rated for substantial loads, and beach wheelchairs like the Hippocampe support mobility on sand and shorelines.
Descriptions emphasize mobility, inclusion, and outdoor access by naming specific adaptive gear and features. RAD Recreation Adapted Society maintains clear equipment offerings and device specifications to help users identify appropriate adaptive solutions. For visitors seeking adaptive cycling, beach access, snow sledge experiences, or portable accessibility equipment in Victoria, RAD Recreation Adapted Society lists available devices and features to support informed choices.
Contact details and specific rental policies are available from RAD Recreation Adapted Society to confirm availability, dimensions, weight limits, and booking options prior to online reservation.
Location
Victoria, BC
Based in Victoria, British Columbia
Adaptive Options
22 items
Handcycles, trikes, wheelchairs and more
Accessibility Focus
All-ability gear
Designed for varied mobility needs
Portable Solutions
Mats & ramps
Access sand, snow, gravel and homes
Browse available devices, confirm specifications and availability, and book adaptive equipment for beach, trail, road, or snow activities in Victoria.
Check tides before you go
Tidal flats at Spanish Banks and Jericho are best at low tide for long, firm rolls; high tide reduces available beach and can complicate launches.
Reserve a fitting and demo
Book a demo so staff can set wheel and flotation configurations to your needs and show safe transfer techniques.
Bring a companion for transfers
A trained companion simplifies beach transfers and equipment setup, especially for entry into shallow water or a kayak cradle.
Layer for coastal weather
Wind and fog can roll in quickly—pack a wind shell and sun protection even on warm mornings.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Required for any water activity and recommended for all paddling and shoreline transfers.
summer
Gloves with good grip
Protect hands during transfers and while handling straps, wheels, or paddles.
Layered, quick-dry clothing
Helps manage variable coastal temperatures and dries quickly after splashes.
spring
Sun protection (hat, SPF, sunglasses)
Long shore days are sunny—protect skin and eyes during paddles and beach time.
summer