NJShore Guide

Beach Wheelchair & Accessibility Rentals

Everyone deserves beach access. Find FREE beach wheelchairs and mobility equipment rentals.

6Free Services
2Rental Companies
4Counties
Share
β™Ώ

Many Beaches Offer FREE Beach Wheelchairs

Most Jersey Shore beach patrols provide beach wheelchairs at no cost. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis when lifeguards are on duty. Contact the beach patrol or visit a lifeguard station to request one.

FREE Beach Wheelchair Services

Ocean City Beach Patrol

Ocean City

FREE

Ocean City provides FREE beach wheelchair service through their Beach Patrol. Wheelchairs can be reserved at lifeguard stations. Available on a first-come, first-served basis.

πŸ•9 AM - 5 PM (when lifeguards on duty)

Note: FREE service. Request at any guarded beach. Limited availability - arrive early.

Wildwood Beach Patrol

Wildwood

FREE

Wildwood offers FREE beach wheelchairs at their beach patrol stations. The wide, flat beach is particularly accessible. Wheelchairs available at most guarded beaches.

πŸ•10 AM - 5 PM (when lifeguards on duty)

Note: FREE service. Wildwood's free beach and wide sand makes it very accessible.

Cape May Beach Patrol

Cape May

FREE

Cape May provides beach wheelchairs at several beach locations. Contact Beach Patrol headquarters to arrange. Beach tag not required for wheelchair users.

πŸ•9 AM - 5 PM (summer)

Note: FREE service. Morey chairs available at some locations.

LBI Beach Patrol

Long Beach Island

FREE

Multiple LBI towns offer beach wheelchairs through their beach patrols. Contact the specific town you're visiting. Most are FREE but limited availability.

πŸ•When lifeguards on duty

Note: Contact specific town: Surf City, Beach Haven, Ship Bottom, Barnegat Light.

Belmar Beach Services

Belmar

FREE

Belmar offers accessible beach matting at several locations and beach wheelchairs. Contact the borough for availability and locations.

πŸ•10 AM - 5 PM (summer)

Note: Accessible beach entrances at 5th, 10th, and 16th Avenues.

Atlantic City Special Services

Atlantic City

FREE

Atlantic City provides beach wheelchairs at several locations along the boardwalk. Contact Special Services or beach patrol for availability. The wide boardwalk is fully accessible.

πŸ•9 AM - 6 PM

Note: Beach wheelchair locations at Michigan Ave, New York Ave, and other guarded beaches.

Mobility Equipment Rental Companies

For extended rentals, specific equipment needs, or delivery service, these companies offer a full range of mobility and medical equipment.

Shore Mobility Equipment

Somers Point

Full-service medical equipment rental company serving the Jersey Shore. Offering beach wheelchairs, mobility scooters, standard wheelchairs, and more. Delivery available to any shore town.

Equipment Available:

Beach WheelchairMobility ScooterStandard WheelchairKnee ScooterHospital Bed

Pricing:

Beach Wheelchair$45/day ($175/week)
Mobility Scooter$50/day ($200/week)
Standard Wheelchair$25/day ($100/week)
Knee Scooter$30/day ($125/week)
🚚Delivery Available

Adaptive Adventures NJ

Toms River

Specializing in adaptive beach and water equipment. Beach wheelchairs, floating chairs, and specialized surf equipment for adaptive athletes. Serves all of Ocean County.

Equipment Available:

Beach WheelchairFloating Beach ChairAdaptive SurfboardPool Lift

Pricing:

Beach Wheelchair$40/day ($150/week)
Floating Beach Chair$55/day ($200/week)
Adaptive Surfboard$75/day
🚚Delivery Available

Tips for Beach Access

πŸŒ… Arrive Early

Free beach wheelchairs are first-come, first-served. Arrive when lifeguards start duty.

πŸ“ž Call Ahead

Contact the beach patrol before your visit to confirm availability and locations.

🎫 Beach Badges

Many beaches waive badge fees for those using beach wheelchairs. Ask at the beach.

πŸ›€οΈ Beach Matting

Some beaches have accessible matting paths. Check with local beach patrol for locations.

Equipment Selection Guide

Choosing the right equipment makes all the difference. Here's what each type is best for.

πŸ–οΈ

Beach Wheelchair

Best for: Sand access only. Large balloon tires roll over soft sand.

Limitations: Not self-propellingβ€”requires a companion to push. Too wide for most sidewalks.

When to use: Beach days when you want to get close to the water.

Pro Tip: Free from most beach patrols. Call ahead to reserve on busy weekends.

β™Ώ

Standard Wheelchair

Best for: Boardwalks, restaurants, shops, indoor venues, paved paths.

Limitations: Cannot handle sand or gravel. Gets stuck on soft surfaces.

When to use: Exploring towns, dining out, boardwalk trips.

Pro Tip: Most rental companies include a cushionβ€”ask if not offered.

πŸͺ‘

Transport Chair

Best for: Lightweight, foldable. Easy to put in cars. Short trips and transfers.

Limitations: Not designed for all-day use. Smaller wheels mean bumpier ride.

When to use: Getting from car to beach, short boardwalk strolls, restaurant visits.

Pro Tip: Great secondary chair if you need multiple options during your trip.

πŸ›΅

Mobility Scooter

Best for: Independence on paved surfaces. Boardwalks, parking lots, sidewalks.

Limitations: Heavy, hard to transport. Battery range limits. Not for sand.

When to use: When you want to explore independently and distances are too far to walk.

Pro Tip: Check battery range vs. planned distance. Most boardwalks are 1-3 miles.

🦡

Knee Scooter

Best for: Temporary leg/foot injuries. Faster than crutches on flat surfaces.

Limitations: Requires one working leg. Not for sand or rough surfaces.

When to use: Recovering from foot/ankle surgery but still want a shore trip.

Pro Tip: Practice before your trip. Takes some getting used to steering.

Questions to Ask Before Renting

Ask these questions before booking to avoid surprises.

πŸ”§ About the Equipment

  • β€’What's the weight capacity?
  • β€’Is a cushion included?
  • β€’What's the battery range? (for powered equipment)
  • β€’Do you have a backup available if there's a problem?
  • β€’What condition is the equipment in? (request photos if possible)

🚚 About Logistics

  • β€’Do you deliver to my rental/hotel?
  • β€’What's the delivery fee?
  • β€’Can you deliver on weekends?
  • β€’What time can I expect delivery?
  • β€’Do I need to be there to receive it?

πŸ’° About Costs

  • β€’What's the daily vs. weekly rate?
  • β€’Is there a security deposit?
  • β€’What's your cancellation policy?
  • β€’Are there any hidden fees (cleaning, insurance)?
  • β€’Do you accept insurance or Medicare? (for medical equipment)

πŸ“ž About Support

  • β€’What if something breaks during my rental?
  • β€’Do you offer 24/7 emergency support?
  • β€’Can I call if I have questions about using the equipment?
  • β€’Will you show me how to use it upon delivery?

Booking Timeline

When to book and what to do before your trip.

1

4+ Weeks Before

  • βœ“Research rental companies serving your destination
  • βœ“Compare prices and read reviews
  • βœ“Call to confirm equipment availability for your dates
  • βœ“Book your rental (especially for peak summer weekends)
2

2 Weeks Before

  • βœ“Confirm delivery details and timing
  • βœ“Verify your accommodation is accessible
  • βœ“Research beach wheelchair availability at your beach
  • βœ“Identify accessible restaurants and attractions
3

1 Week Before

  • βœ“Call to reconfirm your rental reservation
  • βœ“Get delivery contact's phone number
  • βœ“Download accessible parking apps
  • βœ“Pack any personal adaptive equipment you need
4

Day Before/Of

  • βœ“Be available for delivery time window
  • βœ“Inspect equipment upon arrival
  • βœ“Test everything before the delivery person leaves
  • βœ“Get the emergency contact number

Beach Accessibility Features to Look For

Look for these features when choosing your beach.

β™Ώ

Beach Wheelchair Available

Essential for sand access

πŸ›€οΈ

Mobi-Mat/Beach Matting

Roll regular wheelchair to water's edge

🚻

Accessible Restrooms

ADA-compliant, near beach access points

πŸ…ΏοΈ

Accessible Parking

Close to beach entrance, level transfer

πŸ“

Ramp Access

No stairs to reach sand level

🚿

Accessible Showers

Roll-in or transfer bench available

Top Accessible Beaches

Ocean City: Beach chairs, matting, full accessible facilities
Wildwood: Free beach, multiple wheelchair locations, wide boardwalk
Cape May: Beach wheelchairs, promenade access, accessible Victorian tours
Long Beach Island: Several towns offer beach chairs and ramp access

First-Timer Guide

New to renting accessibility equipment? Here's what to expect.

β–Ό

Start with free beach patrol chairs

Most beaches offer free beach wheelchairs. Test one before renting privately.

Book more days than you think

Having equipment available for your whole trip prevents scrambling if plans change.

Ask about multi-item discounts

Renting beach wheelchair + standard wheelchair? Many companies offer package deals.

Get everything in writing

Confirm prices, delivery times, and pickup details via email before your trip.

Inspect before they leave

Test wheels, brakes, and any powered features with the delivery person present.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

βœ— Waiting until arrival to arrange equipmentβœ“ Book at least 2 weeks ahead
βœ— Assuming hotels have accessible rooms availableβœ“ Book accessible rooms directly with hotel
βœ— Not checking beach wheelchair locationsβœ“ Call beach patrol for pickup locations
βœ— Forgetting about accessible parking permitsβœ“ Bring your placard from home

Explore Accessible Shore Towns

Find accessible beaches, dining, and attractions across the Jersey Shore.