Wildebeest all terrain wheelchair
Durable, reliable and tested in the toughest terrains, the Wildebeest is built to match your spirit of adventure.
Proven on any terrain, nothing stands in the way of the Wildebeest
Wildebeest is a customizable, all terrain wheelchair built for adventurous lifestyles. Designed in the USA by the Participant team who have over 100 years of wheelchair design experience, it exceeds durability and strength standards following thousands of hours of lab and user testing. The Wildebeest is easily maintainable using parts that are easily sourced and distributed across the globe, keeping you active for longer.
Why choose the Wildebeest?
Fat (2 inch wide) pneumatic tires provide cushioning and a smooth ride on rugged terrain
Long wheelbase provides stability and easier mobility in the outdoors
Transportable with quick release rear wheels and fold down seat
Lightweight: at 13.5 kg (30 lbs) for the 350mm seat width, Wildebeest is light and easy to propel
Excellent energy transfer for more efficient self propelling
Reliability: possibly the world’s toughest wheelchair. Adventure day after day.
Customizable to each user. Exceptionally wide range of adjustability.
Adjustments: back height and angle, seat depth and height, footrest height, center of gravity and many others.
Optional accessories: anti tippers, armrests, activity tray, laterals, headrest, foot rest riser
Repair tool kit and carry bag
All terrain tested with proven durability
Tested by over 50,000 users in the some of the world’s toughest terrain
Empowering you with easy fixes
Wildebeest is compatible with commonly available parts. Every chair comes with adjustment tools and access to Participant’s growing library of technical support videos. This simplifies the supply chain, speeds up service provision and reduces waste and packaging costs, providing users and therapists a new level of self-reliance.
Technical data
Accessories
Armrest for Springbok and Wildebeest
Tubular armrests with quick release attachments to the frame.
Footrest Riser for Springbok and Wildebeest
Bracket and foot plate that lifts the footrest surface by 80 mm.
Tall Back Kit for Springbok and Wildebeest
This kit extends the backrest with two additional heights, 450 and 500mm.
Anti Tipper for Springbok and Wildebeest
Bolt on anti tipper for the Springbok and Wildebeest wheelchairs. Adjustable and flip up.
Documentation
More Participant products
Frequently Asked Questions
Compared to other wheelchairs, what makes Wildebeest perform better off road?
In short, wheelbase length, tire width, and center of gravity customization. The longer wheelbase off-loads some weight from the front casters, making it easier for the casters to go over obstacles. The user’s center of gravity is much more rearward, which decreases the chance of forward tip over. Wider tires function like snowshoes and spread weight over a greater surface area, which improves flotation on soft surfaces like grass, mud, or sand. Decreasing inflation pressure can make the tire contact patch even wider, but does increase the chance of punctures. Center of gravity customization allows the user to optimize wheel access, personal balance ability, and the loading between the front and back wheels. This greatly improves pushing efficiency. To decrease the chance of rear tip over, please make these changes incrementally and with the help of a spotter.
Wheelchairs for the USA market, and most others, are designed for indoor use, as per Medicare requirements. Off road use puts different stresses on the wheelchair frame and this often causes standard wheelchairs to fail within six months. Wildebeest is tested and has been proven to function well and be durable for off road use. In addition to the required ISO tests, Participant uses voluntary laboratory tests such as the ISO 7176:32, developed by the University of Pittsburgh to emulate use in less resource settings, and the LOTUS test track, developed by FWM.
Does the Wildebeest fold?
The back folds down to the seat (like closing a book). And, the rear wheels have quick release axles. This makes the folded size a bit smaller than a similar X-Brace folding chair. The advantage for wheelchair users is that each piece is lighter and easier to lift. And, because the frame has fewer moving parts, it does not flex when pushing so more arm energy goes into forward motion. Also, the frame is stronger and has a much longer lifetime than an X-Brace frame.
Does Springbok come with a pressure relief cushion?
No. Participant offers a comfort cushion and several pressure relief cushions. These are sold separately. If requested, the cushions can be packed inside the shipping box with the Springbok wheelchair.