Free amenity ‘built tough to carry an individual through various terrain, including sand’
“A beach-friendly accessibility chair that promotes independence for individuals with disabilities” is available for public use at Lido Beach at no cost, the City of Sarasota announced this week..
“The EcoRover is an electric hand-controlled wheelchair with all-terrain tread that can easily traverse sand,” allowing for “independent enjoyment of beautiful Lido Beach,” a news release notes.
“It’s an amazing mobility aid,” said Jake Brown, the City of Sarasota’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator, in the release. “The EcoRover is like a little tank,” Brown added. “It’s built tough to carry an individual through various terrain, including sand. So, people with disabilities who haven’t been able to get on the sand at Lido Beach can do so now with the EcoRover.”
The release further notes, “The EcoRover chair includes holders for an oxygen tank, umbrella and tools. An attendant remote control also is available, allowing a companion to walk alongside and control the EcoRover for someone who may not have use of their hands.”
“This is so exciting,” said Rosemary Krimbel, chair of the city’s Citizens with Disabilities Advisory Board, in the release. “The wheelchair works like a sand tractor. You can take it out onto the beach from Lido Beach Pavilion and enjoy the beautiful view just like someone without disabilities. It’s gratifying we’re able to offer this.”
The members of the Citizens with Disabilities Advisory Board, appointed by the City Commission, “researched the EcoRover and approved its purchase to enhance Lido Beach access,” the release explains. “The $14,000 vehicle was funded through handicap parking violation fines,” the release points out.
“It’s a more heightened, immersive experience than a Mobi-Mat,” Brown said in the release. “A Mobi-Mat is limited to the length of the mat extended onto the beach. The EcoRover takes you over the sand and close to the wading birds, waves and saltwater air,” he added.
“Based in Sarasota County, EcoRover Chairs was founded by Cordell Jeter, a college football player who became a T-12 paraplegic after a car crash,” the release says. Four years later, he won a Bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Paralympics, the release notes.
The EcoRover can be reserved at no cost for up to four hours, the release points out.
The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance,” the release says.
“Those interested in reserving the EcoRover should email Jake.Brown@sarasotafl.gov or call 941-263-6476,” it adds.
“Prior to using the EcoRover, an individual will be required to watch a brief safety tutorial video and sign a usage waiver,” the release does note.