Wirral Council has seven beach wheelchairs that are available to hire.
One of the Sand Cruiser wheelchairs available has been funded and donated to the scheme by the community, after an appeal was launched by Wirral Support During Coronavirus (WSDC).
The wheelchairs are to help people with mobility difficulties and physical disabilities access the beach and coastal areas at West Kirby and New Brighton.
Users of the chairs will require assistance from a friend, family member, or support worker.
Where can the wheelchairs be hired from?
Wheelchairs can be hired from either:
- Wirral Water Sport Centre, West Kirby
- The Floral Pavilion, New Brighton
When can the wheelchairs be hired?
The hire of the chairs will be available at different days and times depending on the time of year:
- during spring and summer, wheelchairs will be available Monday to Sunday
- during autumn and winter, wheelchairs will be available during day light hours
What types of wheelchairs are available?
There are three different types of chairs available. These are:
- Sand Cruiser (push assisted)
- Hippocampe (push assisted)
- Extreme X8 All Terrain (electric powered)
Only Sand Cruisers are available from Wirral Water Sports Centre.
All types of chairs (Sand Cruisers, Hippocampe and Extreme X8 All Terrain) are available from The Floral Pavilion.
For all chairs, users will need assistance from a friend, family member or support worker.
All chairs that are available to hire are equipped with support straps, cushions and harnesses. Any additional support or accessories required to use the chairs will need to be brought by the user.
How can I book a wheelchair?
For wheelchairs at The Floral Pavilion in New Brighton, book by:
- visiting the Box Office (Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm)
- calling 0151 666 0000 (Floral Pavilion Box Office) (Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm)
- visiting the Floral Pavilion website (you may need to create an account)
For wheelchairs at the Water Sports Centre in West Kirby, book by:
- Water Sports Centre in West Kirby, book online (you may need to create an account)
On the day of booking, please check in with a member of staff on site. They will verify you are the person who booked by checking your identity, so please bring with you, either:
- passport
- driver's licence
Will my existing wheelchair be stored securely?
Yes. At Wirral Water Sport Centre, your chair will be stored securely in the entrance of the building. At The Floral Pavilion, your chair will be stored in a separate room.
Is there an emergency number I should call if something goes wrong?
Yes, when you make a booking, you will be provided with these details.
Is there any training I need to have before I can hire and use a wheelchair?
No, but when you check in for your booking, a member of staff will briefly run through some instructions on how to use the chair as part of your booking.