By Derek Schlennstedt
It’s now easier than ever before to explore and discover the many walking trails that Warburton has to offer.
A new all-terrain wheelchair, aptly called the TrailRider lets residents and visitors of all abilities view and traverse the iconic region.
The trail rider is built to handle more rugged terrain, giving visitors and residents the ability to go on rougher tracks and experience steeper and longer trails, which on a regular wheelchair would not be possible.
As part of an initiative to give better access to visitors with physical disabilities, the Yarra Ranges Council and Parks Victoria purchased the all-terrain wheelchair.
Cliff Wise member of the Disability Advisory Committee has ridden in the TrailRider twice, and says Warburton is the perfect location for it.
“Warburton is a great location as it has a large variety of walks and a lot of walking trails, which are brilliant for this wheelchair, some of the trails you can’t access with a regular wheelchair,” Cliff said.
The TrailRider acts as a motorised wheelchair that requires a minimum of two operators or as they are called “sherpas.”
The “sherpas” assist the rider by pushing and pulling the wheelchair over rough terrain.
The innovative Wheelchair weighs 23kg and most importantly gives those with mobility difficulties the chance to access the great outdoors in a way that wasn’t possible beforehand.
With a cushioned seat and a relaxed seating position, the TrailRider gives riders a particularly comfortable ride.
“It’s very comfortable going down or up in rough terrain, I could quite comfortably go a long distance in it without becoming uncomfortable,” Cliff said.
The TrailRider gives people with mobility difficulties an equal opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors.
Geoff Vickers, executive officer of Warburton and Yarra Junction Bendigo Community Bank was involved in the project, and said it was a great chance to give everyone, irrespective of their physical ability the chance to explore the area.
“Warburton’s got an extensive network of trails, which makes it a very attractive destination, and TrailRider means anybody is able to do that regardless of their physical capabilities,” he said.
Completely free, the TrailRider can be hired at the Warburton Water Wheel in Warburton and picked up from the Warburton Holidays Park down the road.
Easy to use it can be folded up and placed easily in the back of the car for a day trip or overnight trip.
Access and inclusion co-ordinator for Parks Victoria John Kenwright said that people who suffered from mobility difficulties deserved the same experiences as anybody else.
“People with physical disabilities want the same experiences in nature as everybody else, they want to get out to wild places and the TrailRider allows that, “said John.
Member of the Disability Advisory Committee Cliff Wise who rode in the TrailRider said he can’t wait to have another go in the all-terrain wheelchair over summer.
“I think it’s absolutely fantastic and I’m certainly keen to get back to Warburton and give it another go this summer,” Cliff said.
The TrailRider can be booked at the Warburton Waterwheel on 5966 9600
