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.

SoloRider Golf Cart

In 2005 we were lucky enough to begin using a SoloRider regularly, after the City of Steamboat purchased one for the Haymaker Golf Course, a Scottish Links course in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Needless to say, it’s great to be back on the links!

Overall Rating: ***** 5 Stars

Pros:
Front mounted rack for your clubs
Soft swivel captain’s chair for easy transfers and play
Hand controls
Reasonable price

Cons:
Play time is lengthened with any adaptive cart
Chest strap can be uncomfortable after time
Potential extra charge for adaptive cart usage


Review:
I have actually tried out several different brands of accessible golf carts over the years and of the ones that I have tried so far, the SoloRider has proven to be the most dependable. The front mounted rack for your clubs is very convenient and the swivel captain’s chair makes transfers very manageable. With the addition of hand controls and easy to use waist and chest straps, this cart is really quite amazing. Its lightweight design and special weight distribution and soft tires allow you to go anywhere on the course, including the greens and sand traps. The price is also surprisingly reasonable when purchased through a golf course at just a couple thousand more than standard carts.

The initial problems I ran into included whether or not there was an extra cost to rent the cart, even though we really don’t have a choice of whether to walk or ride and whether or not the cart was charged and ready to go when I arrived. Again, not problems with the cart, but the course getting used to having one that someone used on a regular basis.

Another issue you will run into is that you cannot golf with a friend who is disabled that would use the same cart unless the course has two carts. Golfing is also heavy exercise despite what you might think about riding around in this cart. I usually only have the stamina for 9 holes. And if you are hitting balls on the driving range, make sure to take a break every ten or so swings. As I mentioned, the chest strap is great for holding you up, but it really digs into your chest if you hang on it too long. Last, play time is definitely lengthened by the time it takes to set up with this cart, although this decreases with practice and is inevitable with any adaptive cart.

Overall, I would recommend this cart to anyone or any course who is interested in buying one. Golf courses can get financial aid from the USGA with a well-written grant application. The pros definitely outweigh the cons here. As I always say, anytime you can get out of your wheelchair and leave it behind gives you an incredible sense of freedom and independence. Now got our there and hit some balls!


LOOKING FOR A SOLORIDER NEAR YOU?
Check out their database of equipment on courses at:
http://www.mobilitygolf.com/