Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) announced its partnership with GRIT Freedom Chair. This new collaboration will place GRIT’s all-terrain wheelchairs at select properties, including KOA’s headquarters in Billings, Montana.
KOA’s Outdoor Accessibility Report recently revealed that 38% of today’s campers report having a physical disability, elevating the need for enhanced accessibility in outdoor environments. The GRIT Freedom Chair, designed by engineers from MIT, is a mix between a traditional wheelchair and a mountain bike, allowing users unpaved access to the outdoors, whether on trails, boardwalks or sandy beaches.
Spurred by a shared belief that the outdoors is for everyone, KOA partnered with GRIT last summer to assess the Freedom Chair at Terramor Outdoor Resort in Bar Harbor, Maine. Randy Howell, KOA’s assistant vice president of risk management, used the Freedom Chair on paved, gravel and dirt trails.
“The GRIT Freedom Chair surpassed my expectations in durability and versatility. I was able to effortlessly navigate terrains that often challenge conventional, light-duty motorized wheelchairs,” said Howell. “The chair enhanced my outdoor experience while allowing me to maintain an active lifestyle despite my mobility challenges.”
KOA is launching a beta test of the Freedom Chair at the Terramor property for the 2024 season. The chair will be a part of the resort’s complimentary gear lending program, allowing guests with mobility restraints free use.
In addition to Terramor, KOA’s new headquarters will include a GRIT Freedom Chair as part of its employee benefits, allowing employees and their family members to explore the outdoors more freely. This move enhances accessibility for guests and fosters an inclusive culture among KOA staff.
“Our partnership with GRIT Freedom Chair is a crucial step forward in our mission to ensure the outdoors is accessible to all,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of KOA.