Who can use one of the Beach Wheelchairs?
Anyone who, for what ever reason, has difficulty walking on the beach. This could be a permanent or temporary disability or reduced mobility. The manual beach wheelchairs need someone to push them.
Where are Beach Wheelchairs located?
Please use the location tabs above to see where Beach Wheelchairs are located in North Berwick, Portobello and Seton Sands.
Where can I use Beach Wheelchairs?
In North Berwick, our wheelchairs may be used on the East and West beaches in North Berwick which can be accessed from the Beach Hut via slipways.
In Portobello, beach wheelchairs may be used on Portobello beach which can be accessed by ramps from the promenade
At Seton Sands, the beach wheelchairs may be used at the beach acessed from the boardwalk near Haven Holiday Village.
We are also insured to allow beach wheelchairs to be used on other beaches. This must be done by prior arrangement. Unfortunately we are unable to provide transport for our beach wheelchairs or to check out access and suitability on other beaches. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
How must does it cost?
Our hires are always FREE! The schemes are run by volunteers who give freely of their time and skills. We are funded through a variety of funders, donors and fundraising activities.
When can I use the chair?
The scheme operates all the year round. Please book in advance to avoid disappointment.
It’s also a good idea to check out the tide times prior to your booking to ensure there is enough beach for you to access during your planned trip.
Will help be available?
The Beach Wheelchairs Volunteer is not insured to assist in transfers or pushing you on the beach.
Your helper must be fit enough to push the wheelchair across the sand and up and down the slip ways. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Where can I leave my own wheelchair/ Walking aid?
Your own wheelchair or walking aids can be left in The Beach Hut or the container at Portobello.
What if the weather turns bad or I need to cancel?
If you wish to cancel your booking please ring as soon as possible on the number that you used to make the booking. We are reliant on volunteers to provide our service and they often juggle other responsibilities to help out.
When you hire the beach wheelchair you will be given a contact number for the volunteer on duty. Please call them if you need to return to the Beach wheelchair early for any reason.
Even when sunny the wind can be very cold so please make sure you have plenty of warm clothing or blankets.
Are you insured?
We have full insurance covering our wheelchairs and volunteers and covreing our customers and other beach users. Please contact us if you would like to see a copy of our up to date insurance. We also have risk assessments and service information available on request.
What do I need to bring?
Please bring photographic ID with you; this will be checked by our volunteers.
You will also want to bring suntan lotion, blankets, towels, buckets and spades and anything else appropriate for a trip to a Scottish beach! We recommend that the carer pushing the wheelchair wears sensible shoes with good grip. You may also want to bring a backpack for your things. Bags should not be hung from the back of the beach wheelchairs as they make them unstable.
