Click here to donate to the Crowdfunder community fundraising effort for the Beach Wheelchair Scheme.
The West Bay Beach Wheelchair scheme was established in March 2023, a partnership between the Town Council, local volunteers, and Dorset Council, Encompass Care and Parkdean Resorts.
West Dorset Mencap, Magna Housing Ltd, Bridport Round Table, the Rotary Club of Bridport and local charities, organisations and the community have helped to fund the purchase of the equipment and the building.
Along with the beach matting at West Beach, West Bay, the wheelchairs extend beach access to people of all ages and abilities, and are free to hire. Find out how to book, and more, more using the FAQs below.
What beach wheelchairs are available?
There are three beach wheelchairs available. They are quite different in design. You need to decide which one will best suit your mobility needs. The Mobi Chair floats and can enter the sea.
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Hippocampe Beach Wheelchair (funded by Bridport Round Table) |
Sandcruiser Beach Wheelchair |
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Mobi Chair Floating Beach Wheelchair* (funded by Magna Housing) |
Trail Glider wheelchair buggy |
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* The Mobi Chair requires support from a trained instructor and an additional volunteer who will accompany the user in the sea. This support is provided free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I hire one?
Please call 07342 236 443 to make a booking. They will tell you whether a wheelchair can be made available on the day you want. If it can, they will take your details and email you a copy of the booking form (or you can download it here), which you must bring with you when you collect the chair. Twenty four hours notice is required/preferred.
Is there a charge?
This facility is free of charge, but donations are gratefully received.
The hirer accepts liability for any damage beyond routine wear and tear.
What are the hire conditions?
These can be found online here, and are appended to the application form. You will be asked to sign that you have read and understood them when you collect the wheelchair.
Where can I take them?
The wheelchairs must be taken only on the sand/pebble area of West Beach where the beach matting is installed, and The Esplanade (the pedestrian area behind the beach) as necessary to access the beach. Additionally, the Mobi Chair wheelchair can enter the sea.
Where do I collect the wheelchair from/return it to?
The collection and return point is the Beach Wheelchair Scheme building, which is on the slipway below the Mound car park.
Can I hire without pre-booking?
If there are no bookings for that particular day, it may be possible to arrange a hire but this cannot be guaranteed.
Download the Beach Wheelchair Scheme poster here.