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San Diego Power Beach Wheelchairs & More!

San Diego Power Beach Wheelchairs & More!

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Power beach wheelchairs at Coronado Beach in San Diego, California

Although a number of San Diego beaches have beach wheelchairs and beach mats, a few locations go one step further. Along with the standard beach wheelchairs — that require a strong helper to push — some San Diego beaches now have power beach wheelchairs to loan.

These San Diego power beach wheelchairs are somewhat of a cross between a standard beach wheelchair with large balloon tires, and a power wheelchair with a joystick. They are easy to operate, and after a brief orientation from the lifeguard you can easily cruise along the sandy beach. And the best part about the power beach wheelchairs is that they allow wheelchair-users independent access to the beach. You don’t need a helper to push you and you can go wherever you want and take things at your own pace. They are also a great option for slow walkers who may tire easily trudging over the sand.

These power beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come basis; however it’s best to call in advance as some locations have limited hours.

Imperial Beach
(619) 685-7972
imperialbeachca.gov/322/Power-Beach-Chairs

Coronado Beach
(619) 222-7346 ext. 3
ca-coronado.civicplus.com/246/Beach-Wheelchair-Program

Mission Beach
(619) 980-1876

Cardiff State Beach
(760) 753-5091

Floating Beach Wheelchairs

The San Diego power beach wheelchairs must stay at least five feet away from the water; however if you’d like to go for a swim, then check out the floating beach wheelchairs at Moonlight Beach in nearby Encinitas. You will need some assistance to wheel these chairs down to the water, but once you hit the surf they float. You can choose to enjoy the ocean by yourself, or have a companion there to assist you. Either way, it’s a great way to enjoy the water.

And if you’d prefer to stay dry, they also have power beach wheelchairs available at Moonlight Beach. For more information about the floating beach wheelchairs or the power beach wheelchairs at Moonlight Beach, call (760) 633-2740.

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Charging A Power Wheelchair in Europe

Charging A Power Wheelchair in Europe

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I use a power wheelchair and I will be taking a European vacation with my husband next year to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. I’m wondering if I need any special equipment or plugs for charging a power wheelchair in Europe? Can I just plug it into the outlet in my hotel room? Any tips will be greatly appreciated.

Well congratulations on your upcoming anniversary.

There is a lot of confusion about charging a power wheelchair in a foreign country. Electricity is not universal around the world, as different countries use different voltages and plug configurations. Of those two items, the most important thing is the voltage.

The US operates on 120V, while most European countries operate on 230V. If you try and charge a 120V appliance in a 230V outlet, sparks will fly — literally — and you will severely damage your charger. If on the other hand you try to charge a 230V appliance in a 120V outlet it won’t receive the full power needed, and as a result it won’t perform well. In other words, you may only get a partial charge. Additionally, long term use of a lower voltage outlet on a higher voltage charger can damage the unit.

So suffice it to say that plugging into the right voltage is essential.

Here is a good guide to voltage and plug configurations throughout the world.
skyscanner.net/news/international-travel-plug-adapter-guide

So first off, check your wheelchair to see if it has a dual voltage charger. If it is marked 120V-240V you are good to go voltage-wise, but you will need some adapters. If you don’t have a dual voltage charger, check with your wheelchair manufacturer to see if they offer one. And if that’s out of the budget, you can purchase a simple voltage converter that you can carry in your suitcase and will work on all of your appliances.

You should also travel with a good selection of adapters, as the standard two or three prong US plugs won’t work in European sockets. Adapters basically change the shape of the plug, You just attach one end of the adapter to the charger cord and plug the other end into the wall. Again, this is a good guide for the type of plugs you will need in countries around the world. skyscanner.net/news/international-travel-plug-adapter-guide

You can get adapters and converters online and at most travel stores. And then you will be all set for charging a power wheelchair in Europe.

Remember, if you don’t use a converter, you will fry your battery. The adapter only changes the shape of the plug, so just because the plug fits the socket, doesn’t mean it’s safe to plug in.

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