ParaGolfer

Golf is a sport that has been accessible to people with mobility impairments and other disabilities for many years now and the equipment has gradually improved along the way. I have golfed extensively with the SoloRider and other adapted carts, and until I came across the ParaGolfer from the German based company Parabasetec, I thought I was privy to the best equipment. The ParaGolfer, now sold on US soil exclusively by Legs Don't Work, the newest addition to the accessible golfing world, is far and above any other golf cart I have used!

Overall Rating: ***** 5 Stars

Pros:
Stands golfer fully upright
Ability to produce a full, normal, two handed golf stroke
Versatility – can be used for multiple sports
Great for lengthening hamstrings & quads
Joystick for driving

Cons:
Play time is lengthened with any adaptive cart
Potential extra charge for adaptive cart usage
Price

Review:
The most unique feature about the ParaGolfer is that it is not designed like any other golf cart ever created. Instead of having a front end and steering column like most vehicles, this cart is designed with the seat at the front of the vehicle and the rest of the cart behind you. It also features a joystick control, with several different speeds, that makes driving very easy. Not having to swing your seat to the side for every shot and being able to adjust your position with the joystick while lining up for your shot are huge advantages over other adaptive cart models and should increase pace of play.

What makes the ParaGolfer revolutionary in the world of adaptive golf is the fact that it will stand mobility impaired golfers fully upright allowing for a full golf swing. Until now, adaptive carts have only put golfers in a “somewhat upright” position where often times a one-handed swing was necessary to play. By standing the golfer all the way up, skill and distance of travel are also improved. There are also therapeutic advantages to this system, including better circulation and improved muscle strength and flexibility.

The only potential problems with the ParaGolfer are based around the game of golf itself and the course you may be playing at. There may or may not be an additional cost to use the cart, even though we really don’t have a choice of whether to walk or ride, and you won’t be able to play with other friends with mobility impairments unless the course has two carts.

In addition, the ParaGolfer is quite expensive compared to other adaptive carts currently on the market. But as with any new invention, prices will come down considerably as the demand for them grows.

Overall, I would recommend the ParaGolfer to anyone who has tried, or wants to try adaptive golf. I would especially recommend this product to adaptive golfers who are looking to take their game to the next level.


See our November 2007 blog on the SoloRider adaptive golf cart for comparison.