New all-terrain chair brings waterside accessibility to Lido Beach

A beach-friendly accessibility chair that promotes independence for those with mobility challenges is now available for public use at Lido Beach.

The EcoRover is an electric, hand-controlled track chair with all-terrain treads that can easily traverse sand, allowing for independent enjoyment of the beach. Based in North Port, the EcoRover chair was invented by company President Cordell Jeter, a paraplegic as a result of injuries sustained in an auto accident.

While a college football player, Jeter lost use of his legs at age 20 because of spinal injuries suffered in a car crash. Four years later, he won a gold and a bronze medal in wheelchair racing during the 1992 Paralympics in Barcelona, Spain.

“It’s an amazing mobility aid,” said Sarasota ADA Coordinator Jake Brown in a news release. "The EcoRover is like a little tank. It’s built tough to carry an individual through various terrain, including sand. People with disabilities who haven’t been able to get on the sand at Lido Beach can do so now with the EcoRover.”

The EcoRover chair includes storage for an oxygen tank, umbrella and tools. For those without use of their hands, a remote control is available to allow a companion to walk alongside and control the chair.  

The EcoRover may be reserved for up to four hours at no cost between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Prior to using the vehicle, viewing a brief safety tutorial video and signing a waiver is required. 

Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance by contacting Brown at [email protected] or by calling 941-263-6476.

The Sarasota City Commission-appointed Citizens with Disabilities Advisory Board researched and approved purchasing the EcoRover. At $14,000, it was funded through handicap parking violation fines.