Exploring Trails as a Wheelchair User: My Experience Driving a Spider Car
Note: Social distancing was practiced the whole time, and masks were worn when in close-contact with people outside our household (which was only 15-20 minutes of our entire excursion). We didn’t wear masks out on the trail, but we weren’t in close contact with anyone out there. Also, all these thoughts are my own, I’m not partnered with Adventure Sports Innovation, just a happy customer!
A few weeks ago, my parents and I went to Chattanooga, TN and went off-roading and on trails using a spider car!
What is a spider car, you may be wondering? That’s the same question I had when we got there. (My parents didn’t tell me where we were going or what we were doing, I was just told to get in the car!)
A spider car, technically called a Swincar E-Spider Off-Road Vehicle, is a 4 wheel electric off-road vehicle! What makes the spider car unique is that the wheels move independently from each other and move up and down to keep themselves on the ground even when going up or down inclines or over obstacles. Here’s a picture and a link to a video to explain better than I can! (neither of these are my own content).
Most importantly (for me): they are all hand-controlled!! If you have full use of your hands, I think you’d be able to drive one! My fingers did tire occasionally, but I just switched to using my pointer finger to control the trigger for a little while and it was no problem. If you don’t have full use of your hands, they do have at least one 2-person car at Adventure Sports Innovation, so you should be able to be a passenger and still enjoy the trails!
We started off going on flat paths to learn how to control the cars and go over small obstacles and inclines, then went to more advanced terrain. To be honest, historically I am not a fan of going off-road. It makes me incredibly nervous. When we got there and I discovered the surprise was going off-road and then realized I would be driving (rather than being a passenger where I could close my eyes and wait to be done with the anxiety-inducing steep hill), I looked at my mom like she was crazy. BUT IT WAS ACTUALLY VERY FUN AND NOT NERVE-WRACKING! Our guide Chris was spectacular and assured me we weren’t going to do anything crazy. Once I started driving, I felt very comfortable and had an excellent time! I think being in control actually calmed my nerves too.
I honestly enjoyed the whole experience, but my favorite part was going very quickly through the fields at top speeds (around 18 mph). As a wheelchair user, I’ve never been able to run through a field- until this day. And I LOVED it. It was such a joyous and freeing feeling, especially after being mostly in my house or apartment for the past 10 months!!
If you’re in Chattanooga or in driving distance to it, I would highly recommend checking out Adventure Sports Innovation and taking a tour on their Spider Cars for an accessible way to get outside that is COVID-safe!!
After our tour, my family made our way to the Pinkberry downtown, which is the only Pinkberry in Tennessee (our local Nashville location closed in 2013, and I miss it dearly). My parents and I are obsessed with Pinkberry frozen yogurt, which is something you already know if you follow me on Instagram (@rosieroaming). Check out my “airports” highlight for proof, where I post pictures of airports when I travel through them and give my opinion, which usually relies on decor and whether or not they have a Pinkberry. Hopefully in 2021 I’ll be able to get back to an airport at some point- it’s been since August 2019 since I’ve been to one, a personal record for me.
If you have any questions, please reach out to me on Instagram! I have a Facebook page too, but honestly I’m not as active on there. You can also leave a comment on this post!!
Click here for original blog of “Exploring Trails as a Wheelchair User: My Experience Driving a Spider Car, Rosie Roaming, January 24 2021”
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SwincarUSA is a network of dealers, eco-tour operators, service centers, and independent sales agents created by Adventure Sports Innovation, the first U.S. Swincar fleet operator since 2018, and now the exclusive Swincar distributor in North America, enabling purchasing of Swincars in the USA and Canada.
Adventure Sports Innovation (ASI) brings to market the latest inventions and innovations for outdoor experiences, sourced from inventors and manufacturers around the world to Chattanooga, TN. ASI is proud to be the North America distributor for the Swincar, offering tours, Swincar sales for individuals and fleet owners, parts and service, and even Dealer startups within North America.
Tel: (423) 225-4300 & Address: 191 River Street, Chattanooga, TN 37405
Website: SwincarUSA.com Mail: [email protected]
About Adventure Sports Innovation
Adventure Sports Innovation (ASI) is proud to be the distributor for the Swincar throughout North America and are working to expand Swincar’s presence throughout the USA and Canada.
ASI offers a variety of Tours and test drive rides for all abilities. ASI’s primary riding destination is at Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center, close to downtown Chattanooga, with over 300 acres of forest and trails climbing the side of the iconic Lookout Mountain. Other off-road venues are available for private tours. ASI has Swincars equipped for drivers with adaptive needs, and can organize group events featuring the Swincar, or even arrange for private tours on your own property.
ASI is a full-service dealer, distributor, and authorized service center for Swincar in the USA.
- For individuals looking to purchase a Swincar in the USA, vehicles can be picked up at our Chattanooga, TN facility, or we can provide delivery service of a crated Swincar to your location, along with remote training on safe operations and vehicle care and maintenance.
- Fleets: ASI is excited to help create fleets of Swincar touring vehicles around the country. We can sell Swincar fleets, and support fleet operators anywhere in the USA, and will provide specialized training to fleet owners. Turnkey support programs are available to help entrepreneurs launch new eco-touring operations!
- ASI generally keeps several new vehicles in stock in our Tennessee warehouse for quick fulfillment of customer orders, or can custom order vehicles from Swincar France as needed, generally with 4 to 8 week production time, plus shipping and transit time. ASI will arrange all shipping and import details and can arrange delivery to a customer’s location.
- For options, pricing, availability shipping or other details, please contact us at [email protected], or check our website at com
- For individuals looking to purchase a Swincar in Canada, we have created our first dealer in the country, located in Calgary, Alberta. Their primary territory is western Canada, but they are willing to consider helping to import vehicles for customers around the country. Feel free to consult directly with ElecDrive. Phone is 587-434-6701, and their website is Elecdrive.CA
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