Terrain Type

Terrain Guide

Thanks to the hybrid capabilities of the Series 5 powered wheelchair, it can go further and handle a wide range of everyday outdoor terrains as well as tight indoor spaces.

What is possible with a Series 5?

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1. Get in touch

If you would like a test drive of the Series 5, simply get in touch by filling out our test drive form below to get things started. While you wait you can explore our website to find out more.

Book a Test Drive

Grass

Grass is the most common terrain that you’ll encounter, whether that’s your garden, local park or outdoor events.

Grass is the most common terrain that you’ll encounter, whether that’s your garden, local park or outdoor events.

Series 5 Owner's tips

  • Tilt your seating backwards slightly so that there is more weight and pressure on the tyres to give you more stability.
  • Avoid sharp turns on soft ground.
  • Be cautious if the ground is wet as grass can become slippery
Our Grass Test Video
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terrain-guide-mud

Mud

Muddy ground, particularly if it is wet and soft, can add extra challenges due to reduced grip and increased resistance.

It’s a common problem for powerchairs, and most people tend to avoid it, but with the Series 5, you don’t need to worry.

Series 5 Owner's tips

  • If the ground is wet and slippery, try to drive at a slower, constant speed and don’t brake too much.
  • Avoid deep or heavily churned mud as you could get stuck.
  • Clean your wheels with a soft brush or a hose with light pressure to rinse. Do not use a jet wash.
Our Mud Test Video

Gravel and stones

Gravel paths and cobbles are common in car parks, driveways and rural paths.

Although these are no problem with the Series 5, you might get some mild vibrations as you travel over small stones, some instability on loose gravel and a slower turning response.

Series 5 Owner's tips

  • Don’t make any sharp turns
  • Reduce your speed, particularly if there is lots of loose gravel
  • Approach any hills or slopes straight on
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Uneven pavements and cobbles

Town centres and older streets throughout the UK and Europe often have cobbles or very old, uneven pavements.

These surfaces may cause vibration, and may require some extra power if there are hills or slopes, so a steady approach is key.

Series 5 Owner's tips

  • For bumps and slopes, keep the wheels straight and go slow – the Series 5 has enough torque to not manage bumps safely without speed
  • Approach uneven ground head-on rather than at an angle
  • Avoid sharp turns while travelling over loose, rough surfaces

Kerbs

Taking kerbs at an angle or with too much speed can reduce stability.

A slow, controlled approach allows the Series 5 to climb small obstacles safely using its torque rather than momentum. As always, if a kerb looks too high or uneven, it’s better to find a safer route.

Series 5 Owner's tips

  • Keep the front wheels straight and face the kerb head on
  • Start slowly and let the front wheels make contact with the kerb before gently applying some power
  • Never attempt kerbs that exceed the recommended maximum height. If unsure, try to find a dropped kerb
Our Kerb Test Video
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terrain-guide-snow

Snow

Cold weather can bring on a new set of challenges, as well as tackling the ice or snow. Driving in snow or icy conditions is possible with a Series 5, it just requires additional caution and awareness.
Cold temperatures can affect battery performance, meaning range may be slightly reduced. Planning ahead, allowing extra travel time, and keeping your powerchair stored somewhere dry and sheltered when not in use can make a massive difference. A little preparation goes a long way in helping you stay safe, steady, and confident throughout winter.

Series 5 Owner's tips

  • Reduce your speed as much as possible
  • Avoid sudden acceleration, braking or sharp turns
  • Take corners slowly and allow extra distance for braking
  • Keep batteries well charged before heading out
  • If conditions are severe, it may be better to wait until the ground has been cleared and gritted.
Our Snow Test Video

Sand

Beaches and sand are usually off limits unless you have an all-terrain or beach wheelchair.

While the Series 5 can’t drive over every type of sand, it’s been designed to handle firmer, compacted surfaces on coastal paths and beaches with confidence, giving you more freedom to explore without overpromising the impossible.

Soft, fine sand can cause the wheels to sink or get stuck, so you should avoid this in a Series 5. However medium and firm sand are achievable, as well as pebble beaches.

Series 5 Owner's tips

  • Check your tyre pressure - this should be 0.3 bar for the rear tyres and no more than 2 bar for the front tyres
  • For more stability tilt your seat back slightly so you have more weight over the rear wheels
  • Keep moving at a constant speed
  • Try not to over steer and don’t make sharp turns, take corners and turns wider
  • Programme a beach mode - choose one driving mode and turn all the settings down
Our Sand Test Video
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terrain-guide-tight-spaces

Indoor and Tight Spaces

Manoeuvring indoors in tight spaces requires careful control and practice.

The Series 5 is compact and responsive, designed to fit through standard door frames, which makes it easier to move around homes, offices, shops and public buildings.

Series 5 Owner's tips

  • Use small, precise movements with the joystick for tight turns
  • If possible, approach doorways and tight turns head-on rather than at an angle
  • Use the Series 5’s compact dimensions to your advantage, but always try to give yourself extra clearance for safety

What our community says

Richard’s Case Study

Richard’s Case Study

After a serious childhood accident, Richard and his family wanted to find a powerchair that would suit his environment, daily routines and, of course, his personality.

Read More »
Adam’s Case Study

Adam’s Case Study

Adam is a photographer and musician, whose life changed dramatically after a helicopter crash while working as an aerial photographer in Montana. The accident caused a serious brain injury and complete paralysis on the left side of his body.

Read More »
Katharina’s Case Study

Katharina’s Case Study

Katharina has been a powerchair user for over 20 years. Energetic, determined and fiercely independent, she’s always looked for equipment that supports her lifestyle rather than limits it.

Read More »
See More Stories

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