All-terrain wheelchairs from Utah-based manufacturer Extreme Motus are now available for visitors at all five of Utah's national parks, according to an October 14 statement. The National Park Service announced that these wheelchairs are available at Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef national parks to provide visitors with mobility limitations new opportunities to experience iconic landscapes.
The wheelchairs are designed to overcome barriers such as unpaved trails, rocks, and uneven surfaces that can prevent traditional wheelchair users from joining others outdoors. The nonmotorized design features lightweight aluminum frames and oversized low-pressure tires, allowing a caregiver or companion to assist passengers across sand, dirt, and rocky terrain.
Each park has at least one all-terrain wheelchair available for use free of charge. Because quantities are limited, the National Park Service advises visitors to contact individual parks regarding availability, checkout procedures, and approved routes.
Michael Painter, CEO of Extreme Motus, stated that mobility challenges have made experiencing nature difficult or impossible for many families. He noted that having these wheelchairs at all five Utah national parks is a meaningful step toward providing everyone the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
Jordan Hoaglund, deputy regional director for the National Park Service, said the agency is committed to offering experiences that improve visitor access and create opportunities to connect with the natural wonder and history of Utah's parks.
The initiative was made possible through collaborations involving the National Park Service, private donors, individual national parks, and several organizations including the Zion Forever Project, Friends of Arches and Canyonlands Parks, and the Outdoor Access Project.
Extreme Motus, headquartered in Payson, Utah, manufactures wheelchairs engineered for rugged environments such as beaches, snow, and hiking trails. Kenny Jardine, chief business development officer at Extreme Motus, said the milestone demonstrates how manufacturers, nonprofits, public agencies, and private partners can work together to expand access to outdoor recreation.
For information regarding visitor requirements, approved trails, or park wheelchair availability, individuals should contact the specific park or visit nps.gov.
