DCR Power-Driven Mobility Devices

Learn about power-driven mobility devices that visitors with mobility impairments can borrow at select DCR properties.

DCR’s power-driven mobility devices can help you explore areas of Massachusetts State Parks in new ways and on new trails. You can use the devices on designated trails for hiking, fishing, picnicking, and other outdoor education and recreational events sponsored by the DCR and/or partnering organizations.

Our current mobility devices are an Action Trackchair AXIS 40, which moves between parks, and a Cheetah Ninja Dual Seat Mobility Scooter, which stays at Maudslay State Park.

Beginning in May 2025, visitors to selected DCR parks will be able to borrow these powered outdoor mobility devices, free of charge.

Eligibility

DCR’s power-driven mobility devices are available to visitors with mobility impairments who meet the following requirements:

• You must review the Trackchair operating and safety instructions or the Mobility Scooter operating and safety instructions before you can make a reservation.
• You must make a reservation at least 3 days prior to your visit.
• You’ll need to bring someone with you, 18 years of age or older, to be your companion. Your companion must also review the safety and operating instructions and must be able to navigate the park terrain on their own. Your companion must carry a charged mobile device in case of equipment failure or emergency. If cellular service isn’t available, your companion will need to go back to the checkout location to get help.
• You must complete a Use and Release Form, available upon arrival at the park/forest on the day of your visit or beforehand by contacting the Universal Access Program.
• Users under age 18 or under guardianship must have the Use Agreement and Release Form signed by their legal guardian.
• Users age 16 or under will need to wear a safety helmet.
• Maximum user weight: 300 pounds for the Trackchair or 500 pounds for the mobility scooter.

Action Trackchair AXIS

The Action Trackchair AXIS.

The Action Trackchair AXIS is a rugged wheelchair designed for the outdoors. The Trackchair is equipped with tank-like tracks that can take you over rocks, roots, puddles and sand and tackle steep hills. Built-in vibration dampening points, the wide track system and a skid plate provide stability. The seat tilts so you have a comfortable ride even on steep terrain, and the armrests, footrest, and headrest adjust for a comfortable ride. You can steer the Trackchair yourself with a control on the right-hand side, or have a companion steer the chair while walking behind you. The Trackchair has an optional 4-point harnessin addition to the seatbelt.

Green Transporter Cheetah Ninja Mobility Scooter

The Cheetah Ninja Mobility Scooter.

The Chetah Ninja Mobility Scooter has four large, wide tires and a suspension system to navigate trails with moderate includes and obstacles. The armrests swing up and the seat swivels for ease of entry. The double-wide seat means your companion can ride with you as you explore the trails.

2025 Locations & Availability

The Mobility Scooter is available at Maudslay State Park from May 12 through October 31, 2025.

The Trackchair will be available at Maudslay State Park in the spring from May 12–June 8, and again in the fall from September 5–October 31.

The Trackchair will be available at Windsor State Forest from June 13 through September 1.

You’ll need to make your reservation at least 3 days before your visit and can book up to 60 days in advance. One reservation is available for each device per day, to give them enough time to charge between uses. Devices will be available to reserve between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a maximum of 3 hours. Devices must be returned to the check-out site by no later than 3:30 p.m., regardless of the reservation start time.

Safety and usage guidelines

Safety of power-driven mobility device users, companions, park visitors, and DCR staff is our highest priority. In order to use a device, you must follow these safe use guidelines:

• Allow only one person on the Trackchair at a time. (Two people are allowed on the Mobility Scooter.)
• Always wear the seatbelt on your device.
• Abide by the listed weight limits for the device.
• Turn off the controls before entering or exiting the device.
• Keep hands, fingers, leashes, and other dangling items away from tracks, wheels, and pinch points.
• Devices and their users must be accompanied by a companion capable of independently navigating DCR property at all times. The companion must be at least 18 years of age.
• If you need assistance with operation of the device, transferring to the device, or other medical or personal issues, the companion must provide this assistance.
• You can only use devices on designated trails.
• You must operate devices in a safe and responsible manner, using care for yourself and others. 
• Be aware that devices can climb angles enough to tip over in any direction. Always ride within your abilities. When approaching inclines or declines use caution and switch to a slower speed.
• Do not climb stairs or navigate inclines greater than the maximums allowed by the device. The maximum incline for the Trackchair is 25 degrees (46%). The maximum incline for the mobility scooter is 8 degrees (14%).
• Follow all written and designated DCR rules and regulations.
• Follow all device safety and operating guidelines provided in this document, in the safety and operating instructions, communicated by DCR staff, or displayed on the device.
• Immediately notify DCR staff of any malfunctions, collisions, or other issues with the device.
• Come prepared for the weather and conditions of the day.
• Users aged 16 or younger must wear a safety helmet meeting the standards established by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission while riding on a DCR power-driven mobility device, such as a bike helmet. Users must provide their own helmet and are responsible for wearing it.
• In the event of severe weather or act of nature, DCR staff have the right to refuse the reservation of a device for safety reasons.
• DCR staff have the right to cancel reservations and refuse the use of a device at any time.
• Use of DCR power-driven mobility devices is purely recreational. Use of these devices for commercial purposes is prohibited.

How to make a reservation

1. Review the safety and operating instructions for the Trackchair or the Mobility Scooter. Pay attention to learn the registration code.
2. Visit the registration form for the location you want to visit and the device you would like to use:
   1. Mobility Scooter at Maudslay State Park Registration Form (available May 12–Oct 31, 2025)
   2. Trackchair at Maudslay State Park Registration Form (available May 12–June 8 & Sept 5–Oct 31, 2025)
   3. Trackchair at Windsor State Forest Registration Form (available June 13–Sept 1, 2025)
3. Enter the registration code into the form.
4. If you have entered the code correctly, you'll get a link to the booking page.
5. Pick a date and time for your reservation and enter your contact information.
6. You’re all set! If you need to cancel your reservation, please use the link in the email you received, or contact Maudslay State Park or Windsor State Forest to let them know.

If you are having trouble making a reservation, please contact the Universal Access Program at [e-mail] or call us at [phone].

Thank you to our partners

DCR’s power driven mobility devices were made possible by generous support from Friends of Maudslay State Park and Ford Motor Company through Bronco Wild Fund.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

I forgot to make a reservation. Are walk-ins allowed?

Reservations are currently required. Reservations help park staff to be prepared by having the equipment charged and ready for your visit, and making sure that a staff member is available.

The park/forest I want to visit is not listed. Can I request a new location?

We are hoping to expand the Trackchair program in the future to more locations. Please share your suggestions for new locations for the Trackchair with us at [e-mail] or [phone].

Please keep in mind that not all DCR locations are suitable for a Trackchair or other power-driven mobility device for independent use. We selected Maudslay State Park and Windsor State Forest for a variety of reasons, including staffing level, facilities, trail conditions and more. It takes time to conduct trail and facility assessments, make improvements, develop maps, mark the approved trails, train park staff, and set up the reservation system.

We are also working to develop Universal Access (UAP) adaptive programs with the Trackchair, where UAP staff will bring the Trackchair to a property for a day and provide support. To stay informed about upcoming adaptive programs, contact us to get on our mailing list.

How long do I have to use the device during my reservation? During what times can I make a reservation?

For our initial rollout of the program, park staff are available for a maximum of three hours for each reservation. The reservation window is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and devices need to be returned no later than 3:30 p.m., regardless of when you started your reservation. This gives park staff enough time to clean, check, and charge equipment properly so that it is ready for the next reservation.

If you are looking for a visit lasting longer than three hours, or a later return time, please check with park staff. Please remember that both locations close at sunset.

I'm running late! Will you hold my reservation for me?

Park staff will wait for 30 minutes from your reservation time. If you get to the park more than 30 minutes late, we won't be able to honor your reservation. Staff won't be available at the HQ to check out the device, and you'll need to make another reservation. 

Is there a maximum weight allowed?

Yes, there is. The Trackchair allows a maximum user weight of 300 pounds, and the Mobility Scooter allows a maximum user weight of 500 pounds.

I don't have a companion. Can I still use one of DCR’s devices?

For safety reasons in case of equipment failure, you must have a companion with you at all times when using DCR mobility devices. We’re exploring ways to have volunteers available to act as companions. DCR's Universal Access Program staff may also be available to be a companion on certain dates with enough notice. If you need a companion or are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact us at [e-mail] or [phone].

What if the user’s parent or guardian is not the companion?

A guardian or parent must sign the use and release form for any users who are under 18 or under guardianship. The parent or guardian doesn’t need to accompany the user as the companion. If you are a parent or guardian who wants your child or ward to use a device while you’re not with them, please review the safety and operating instructions for the Trackchair or Mobility Scooter and contact us to get a copy of the use and release form. You will need to sign the form and have your child or ward bring it with them the day of their visit. Their companion will need to fill out their own form at the park.

Are park staff available/trained to transfer users or assist with transfers?

No, for safety reasons, users and their companions are solely responsible for transferring to and from DCR power-driven mobility devices. Park staff cannot assist with transfers, maneuvering or driving, or adjustments. We do have a transfer board you can borrow to help with transfers if needed.

Can park staff hold my bags or secure my belongings during my reservation?

You will need to store your personal belongings and medical equipment (including transfer chairs) in your own vehicle while you are out on the trails. Park staff are not able to store or take responsibility for personal belongings.

Can my pet or service animal ride with me?

No animals are ever allowed to ride in or on any DCR mobility device for safety reasons. Your service animal is welcome to accompany you on the ground. If you are bringing a pet, you must follow DCR guidelines for dogs in the parks and any local park rules regarding pets.

Be advised that leashes are at risk of becoming entangled in the tracks or tires of these mobility devices. Please use caution when traveling with animals. We recommend that your companion hold the leash whenever possible.

Are motorized vehicles allowed at Maudslay State Park or Windsor State Forest?

No, motorized vehicles are not allowed at Maudslay State Park or Windsor State Forest. DCR power-driven mobility devices are allowed because the properties have been evaluated for their ability to support the size, weight, speed, and noise levels of these specific devices. The devices produce zero emissions and are only used on approved trails by people with mobility disabilities who have been trained in their use.

Any other questions, or having trouble making a reservation? Contact the Universal Access Program for assistance.

Please email us at [e-mail] or call us at [phone]. We will respond as soon as we can.