Wheels on the Shore: Making Lake Michigan Accessible at Union Pier

UNION PIER RENTALS FIELD GUIDE

Wheels on the Shore: Making Lake Michigan Accessible at Union Pier

A specially built, non–self-propelled beach wheelchair—available for up to 24 hours—lets companions roll visitors onto the sand at Berrien Street Beach; this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.

Wheels on the Shore: Making Lake Michigan Accessible at Union Pier.

Duration
up to 24 hours (daily rental)
Location
Union Pier
Operator
Red Arrow Ride
Category
Rentals
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Built from durable, healthcare-grade materials and fitted with large, low-pressure balloon tires, the Beach Wheelchair from Red Arrow Ride transforms a Lake Michigan beach day into an accessible outing. Meant for use at Berrien Street Beach in Union Pier, the chair’s sturdy frame, comfortable seat and removable umbrella let guests linger on the sand while a companion manages the pushing and maneuvering.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE EQUIPMENT

Purpose-built beach chair with balloon tires

The chair’s large, low-pressure balloon tires are designed to glide over sand, while the healthcare-grade frame and comfortable seat prioritize durability and guest comfort.

THE EXPERIENCE

Shade, stability and a friend to push

A removable umbrella provides sun protection and the chair is engineered to be pushed by an able companion; it is not self-propelled and performs best where beach access is already made easier.

THE LOCATION

Optimized for Berrien Street Beach

Performance is best at Berrien Street Beach in Union Pier, where a mobility mat and stair-free access make moving across the shoreline significantly easier—Red Arrow Ride offers free delivery to that beach and store pickup for guests transporting the chair themselves.

What the day feels like

What the outing feels like

Reserve the chair for up to a full day, then arrive at the beach where a companion eases the wheels across the mobility mat and down onto the packed sand. Once positioned, the umbrella shades the seat while the companion maneuvers the chair as needed—on soft or dry sand the effort increases, so proximity to stair-free access and mats makes the day smoother.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this rental suits—and who should reconsider.

1
People with mobility limitationsAn excellent option for beach access when a companion is available to push; best at beaches with mobility mats and stair-free entry.
2
Caregivers and companionsA practical solution for companions who can manage the physical effort of pushing on sand—expect significant exertion on soft or dry areas.
3
Independent self-propelling usersNot a good match: the chair is not self-propelled and requires assistance from another person.
4
Groups planning a beach dayUseful when the group can provide assistance and chooses a beach with accessibility mats; note the chair’s 250 lb maximum weight capacity when organizing guests.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Bring an able companion to assist with pushing and maneuvering; personal sun protection and any additional cushions or supports you prefer (the chair includes a removable umbrella).

Logistics

Free delivery is offered only to Berrien Street Beach; otherwise plan for store pickup and self-transport to other nearby beaches if desired.

Duration & Timing

Rentals are available for up to 24 hours—plan your day around beach access points and the physical demands of moving the chair on varying sand conditions.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Is the beach wheelchair self-propelled?

No—the chair is not self-propelled and requires an able companion to push and maneuver it.

How long can I rent the chair?

The chair is available for up to 24 hours as a daily rental.

Where does the chair work best?

Performance is best at beaches with mobility mats and stair-free access, specifically Berrien Street Beach in Union Pier.

Is delivery available?

Free delivery is available exclusively to Berrien Street Beach; store pickup is offered for guests transporting the chair themselves to other nearby locations.

What is the weight limit?

The chair has a maximum weight capacity of 250 lbs.

Will it be hard to push on sand?

Yes—pushing requires significant effort, especially on soft or dry sand, so companion assistance and beach mats improve performance.