Zion National Park in Utah has begun offering an all-terrain wheelchair for daily rental at its visitor center, aiming to open more of the park's trails to visitors with mobility disabilities. The device, called the Extreme Motus, is manufactured by a Utah-based company and features Wheeleez balloon tires and independent rear brakes designed for uneven terrain.
The wheelchair is not self-propelled, so users must have a companion available to push them. Rentals are offered on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations, and the equipment is available for day use only.
Zion receives nearly 5 million visitors annually, making it the second most-visited national park in the United States after Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The addition of the Extreme Motus addresses a longstanding gap in access to the park's backcountry and more rugged trails for people who use wheelchairs.
The manufacturer describes the chair as a way to reconnect with nature and experience outdoor adventures without limits. Park officials have not released usage data or plans for additional units since the program's launch.
The rental program represents a practical expansion of accessible recreation in a high-traffic national park setting. Its impact will depend on availability, awareness among visitors, and the physical demands placed on companions who must provide propulsion.
All-terrain wheelchair debuts at Zion National Park
This is an independent summary. The complete reporting, supporting context and any primary documents remain with Popular Science.
