Charlie Croteau’s DIY Electric Beach Chair Conversion for under $200

Charlie Croteau’s DIY Electric Beach Chair Conversion for under $200. A 45 year+ quadriplegic and former mobility trainer details a simple project to build a beach friendly wheelchair. Increase your mobility and save thousands of dollars. Part 1.

[@ricardojano3716]

Great Idea - Our use would be in the yard and gardens

[@dimefan01]

This is awesome. My mom has been in a chair for the last 29 years and has never seen the ocean. Ive been wanting to plan a surprise trip for her but didnt want to fool with rentals that you have to push around and this is exactly what i had in mind. Me being a machinist doesnt hurt either. Thank you for the inspiration

[@evanoneill619]

Would be a piece of cake for a solid machinist. You could probably take it to another level.

[@robkoons2100]

This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Dad is loosing use of his legs slowly and needs to be able to effectively get around his property . This would give him the mobility he needs without spending an insane amount of money!Thank you so much!

[@leonardzolfo1632]

You're doing a good job putting my tires on god bless you too people

[@tommyboy2260]

Fantastic thinking. A new Era of mobility us starting from your out of the box thinking and creativity.. Lots of Respect to you and team Thanks Tom Northern Calif.

[@JerryRigEverything]

This is amazing.

[@jerrygsvt]

Wow we have a celebrity and top notch KZbinr in the house. JerryRigEverything...great videos.

[@jackjhonson5757]

@@jerrygsvt Jerry always reminds me of shoenice

[@jerrygsvt]

@@jackjhonson5757 his name is actually Zack, but Zack doesn’t eat rocks and styrofoam like shoenice. 😁

[@DennisHicks78749]

Very cool project. I am on the lookout for a bari chair that is not super wide for an off- road (not beach) chair, so this is very interesting to me. I think that the notion of possibly using a smaller battery to save weight is flawed. Just the larger, heavier tire alone adds a lot of rotational weight which takes more power to turn. Having a larger diameter tire changes the gearing so you lose some torque and may take a lot of power to run. Then there is the resistance of running through sand. Then there is the risk of being stranded someplace like the beach. So I think loads of battery power is important in this application. Don’t mean to be critical, just ruminations from a former rabid mountain-bike racer. Thanks for posting this! I love the project and the video!

[@eG7kLPU38Tz8cL]

I've watched a lot of "how to" videos, this is easily one of the best ones I've seen. The camera is steady, there is actual speaking instead of whacky music (except for the guide on building the adapter plate), the instructions for building the adapter plate are outstanding. I was a bit apprehensive when the drilling started, but it was suitably abbreviated. I'm starting to look for an old electric wheelchair for my wife.

[@CharlesCroteau]

Check out your states "requipment" program. Here in MA you can get one free.

[@frankiewright2627]

I would like to know if you can put those wheels on a bounder chair

[@samuelclemons6821]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge instead of just zipping through the how-to. I am always looking to learn as I peruse You Tube but rarely have I felt my time to be as well-spent as the time it took to watch your video. Bravo, sir, and keep up the good work. You are an inspiration and you have another subscriber.

[@4WheelzMan]

wow genius this is the idea i've been thinking of since years you brought it plain and simple as i thought, I'm soooo glad to see it. thank you . i'm a quadriplegic from Riyadh. Saudi Arabia and use Karma power wheelchair

[@ralfhotchkiss5769]

Thanks Charlie! A great lesson in precise fabrication with limited tools, all in your shop with everything at just the right height for working well while riding your wheelchair. Knowing the power of that power chair the loss due to the larger wheels of ⅓ in wheel torque should be okay, and the 50% increase in top end must blow your hat off! Keep on stretching our limits...

[@martymorse2]

Pay attention to Charlie. He has mentored and assisted people with their mobility for over 50 years. There is not another human on earth who has positively impacted the lives of those with a physical disability, as Charlie. I was fortunate to have had Charlie roll into my hospital room during my Spinal Cord Injury rehab at Boston University Hospital in 1976. We have remained friends since. It is because of Charlie that I was able to start the University of Illinois(u-c) Wheelchair Racing Team in 1982. Charlie drove me out to Champaign in 1980 and he helped me get oriented to academics and athletics at the oldest Collegiate Wheelchair Sports Program in the world. Charlie helped me overcome my fear of teaching and now, 40 years later, Wheelchair Athletes at Illinois have accrued over 70 Paralympic or Olympic medals. Our Road Racers have also accrued 18 wins at the Granddaddy of Wheelchair Road Racing, the Boston Marathon. Thanks Charlie, Be well my brother.

[@CharlesCroteau]

Thanks Marty, you are too kind. "Keep your javelin straight my friend."

[@martymorse2]

@@CharlesCroteau It has been bent since 1980 when I entrusted you to its safe keeping. We have a lot of people confused now. Hope you are well. Take care and keep up the great work. Remember our visits to the morgue at BUMC? Wonder if the security is still as lax? We were just looking for some used parts.

[@CharlesCroteau]

@@martymorse2 HA Ha! Keep it up, you'll wake up with more than a sneaker on your head. !!

[@apiculturafacil8928]

sou do Brasil e ao assistir seu vídeo, mesmo sem ter necessidade de usar , me senti surpreendido em ver sua atitude para resolver o problema! Parabéns pelo trabalho caprichoso realizado!

[@trentwaites54]

Appreciate you taking time to answer me back.

[@jeffewens8450]

Charlie - this is an excellent idea and a great video. We have that exact same chair (same color, too) that my 12 year old son uses. He has cerebral palsy, and someone saw him at a grocery store in his regular wheelchair and asked if we'd like to have the Jazzy (he wasn't using it anymore). It needed new batteries, but once I got a set ordered and installed, Carter was off and running (well, rolling). It didn't take long to realize he could use taller tires to help get over curbs and rough terrain. I googled 'bigger tires on a Jazzy'....or something like that...and got a hit on your video. That was all I needed to move forward with the project. I had a set of old golf cart wheels and tires (the same as yours), so I was all set. A friend of mine has a machine shop, so he machined me a beautiful set of hubs out of 3/4" aluminum last weekend. All I need now is the trailing wheels. I saw your response to one of the posted questions about where you got yours. Any chance you can remember what mower they came off of? I'd love to duplicate that, as well. If not, I'm going to make 4 extensions out of bar stock, bolt them onto the original yokes, and drill holes down lower to extend the wheels down 4" from the original height. Your mower wheels seemed to bolt right in without modification. If I could go that route, it would be preferred. Please let me know if you can recall the mower yours came from. If so, ill order a pair for myself. Thanks, again, for the video inspiration!! - Jeff (in Kansas City)

[@CharlesCroteau]

Hey Jeff, Thanks for the comment. The smaller back wheels came off an old beach chair the state of Mass had. If you can't find something similar kicking around, I would just go to Harbor Freight and buy 4 of the cheap wheels about $5.00 each. You can double them up on a single fork and be all set. I have made double forks, but they are hard to get perfect. I would also use a 5/8" stem bolt. I just cut mine off old power chair forks and use them for the top end of the fork build. Hope this helps. charlie

[@jeffewens8450]

@@CharlesCroteau Thanks for the reply, Charles. As an FYI, I ended up buying a 36" long piece of 3/16" steel, cut (4) 9" lengths of it, drilled holes in it and bolted it to my existing trailing caster yokes to create extensions to move the wheels farther down. Worked perfectly! My new problem is that the chair is top heavy now and tends to tip forward when you're going full speed and then release the joystick. I need to make lowering brackets and extensions for the little front stabilizer wheels to help keep it from tipping. Did you have that problem with yours?

[@paulshannon4576]

Great idea. I have a chair that was left in the garage. I’m waiting to convert it to use in moving my pontoon. Great idea for tires and wheels. A neighbor uses a chair so all the leftover parts I’m going to see if he can use them.

[@jimquick1249]

Hey Charlie it's Jim quick from Connecticut, I like that shop of yours, I have to get up there one of these days to see it. I like the job you guys did on that chair definitely very simple and definitely would work great to get out of the beach. I'll keep in touch I really want to get that Bounder wheelchair going this summer for sure I've got some jobs for it to get around a job site for an accessible Trail at the nature center near my house. I'm spoiled with the tractors that's usually what I get out on the property with but a wheelchair would definitely be very comfortable and easy to jump into just to run out and have some fun. Keep up the great work you can continue to be an inspiration in my life.

[@CharlesCroteau]

Hey Jim great to hear from you. Yes, you need a little machine to get you back in the woods. Please come up anytime. Best, charlir

[@korishan]

To loose even more weight of the chair, you could replace the Lead Acid batteries with LiFePO4 ones. Longer run time with lighter material. A 4s configuration would be a direct replacement for a 12V LA battery. The charger required for these is pretty easy/simple too. Though you wouldn't be able to just rely on the standard charger, there would need to be an interface and a simple bms attached as well. But you could essentially cut the weight of the batteries in half.

[@CharlesCroteau]

Yes, all these things can be done, but at what cost? I have much better machines that only cost about $90 and blast along at 12 mph and can go 8 miles with no problem. This is just a quick fix to get someone out there. Hopefully I'll do phase 2 and lose 100#s.

[@fenderstratguy]

@@CharlesCroteau First of all that's a really cool project - I'd love to see the smile on the person riding the cool chair you made them! Someday when it's time to replace those big heavy lead batteries again, you might at least consider lithium batteries. Since I'm all about being cheap, that's what I used on my recent electric bike build. Turns out lithium power tool batteries are everywhere these days. They are being manufactured by the hundreds of thousands, so they end up quite economical compared to heavy lead scooter batteries. Good 24V packs are made by Kobalt, Bosch, DeWalt, and others.

[@dennishein2812]

I wish I could fit those size batteries in my chair to get some descent range. I would love to get 25-40 miles on it. I prefer using my chair to driving. Driving my vehicle with hand controls is painful. Good idea. Neat job.

[@CharlesCroteau]

Yea, you need to add a little Honda generator and have the first hybrid wheelchair.

[@kentuckyblue4936]

Inspired me to build my wife an offroad electric chair. Thanks, i used snowblower wheels and tires.

[@brucebrown5185]

Let’s see it on the beach! Please

[@CharlesCroteau]

Bruce, great question. It did OK on the beach except going uphill and very soft sand, wet sand or sand. It flew over. If I were to do it again, I would make the front wheels even bigger. The inexpensive lawnmower wheels are too hard and round, even when fully deflated to work super unreal sugar, sand.

[@BloominOnion1]

That hub adapter was cool. Kudos

[@JeremiahAtkinson]

Outstanding job on this video.

[@Katir.0]

What a quad... Respect sir

[@korishan]

If the seat is so so comfortable, just replace the steel tubing with aluminum tubing. That should gain you about a 10lb reduction I would think. Maybe more. And keep the nice seat. Especially considering it's already designed to handle the elements (water, sun, sand, etc)

[@derricklamb8863]

Should sell conversion kits

[@ghayes2135]

Great job! I would love to be able to have an electric beach wheel chair! I don’t have the tools you have to convert an old chair!

[@1967GALAXIE500]

Outstanding we are going to try the same idea to make a fishing wagon

[@CharlesCroteau]

SUPER! best of luck. Hope to see a picture.

[@MrDaveBeatty]

Great video. Thx

[@rodscrivner7132]

Awesome info and great video..Would love to have one..

[@CharlesCroteau]

Thanks, I should make more videos of so many other adaptions.

[@trentwaites54]

Going to build one for my wife who is disabled.

[@burgermaster4u2]

Charlie....a very very big thank you from the uk.....you have changed the live of my wheelchair bound father who lives but a stones throw from The beach but has never ever been able to get to the waters edge in his chair....guess what...he can now and that’s all down to you and showing us all our to convert the standard wheel chair.....thank you so very very much for taking the time to show how it’s done....one question what size wheels ( you call the tractor wheels) are you useing?i need to get them here in the uk but I’m thinking they might be called something other then that? If you can give wheel size I can look them up...many thanks Charle....👍

[@CharlesCroteau]

Glad to be of help. The tires are for a lawn tractor or riding lawnmower. They are about 20" x 12"" or 18 x 10". Hope that helps. Charlie

[@burgermaster4u2]

@@CharlesCroteau many thanks Charles…..wasn’t sure of sizes given ..but I know now thanks for your help and advise 👍

[@JimRobb44]

I'm very impressed with the project. How did the threaded rod hold up? I would have thought you would have used grade 8 bolts?

[@CharlesCroteau]

The treaded rod is fine. Remember, the rods have spacers over them. I gave it to a guy 300+lbs. and it has been fine. The chair did not do great on soft sand. The big tires are to hard. Even with no air they scrub out a lot.

[@JimRobb44]

@@CharlesCroteau Thanks!

[@jasongooden917]

cool.. I need one that can fit through a door though.

[@dgb5820]

Great job

[@adaptdefy]

Great job man!

[@wendystorch]

Awesome recycling!

[@pinkladybikermamma3603]

THANK YOU. I LIVE IN MTS AND THIS WOULD GET ME THROUGH THE MUD AND SNOW. PLUS, WHEN WE GO TO THE BEACH I CAN USE IT THERE. YOU DID NOT SAY HOW LONG THE LUG BOLTS MEASURE. WHAT IS THE LENGTH? AND WHAT SIZE WHERE THE SPACERS? WAS THAT PVC PIPE ON SPACERS? I AM GOING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO ATTACH THE BIG CASTER WHEEL TO THE FRONT LIKE YOU DID ON ANOTHER VIDEO. I'M THINKING OF USING A METAL FENCE POST WITH THE HOLES. IT'S STEEL. SLIDE IT ON WITH A CLAMP BOLT. I HAVE TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO ATTACH IT TO THE CHAIR SUPPORTS. I WANT TO BE ABLE TO TAKE IT OFF WHEN NOT AT THE BEACH. THANK YOU AGAIN. COMPANIES FORGET WE ARE ON DISABILITY AND CANNOT AFFORD TO PUT DOWN THE PRICE OF A NEW CAR JUST TO GET AROUND TOWN.

[@Mdydaf55]

I need to be able to convert on/off. Street use /Beach use. Clamp on wheels

[@CharlesCroteau]

Yes, would be good to have both. Get an extra set of hubs and make the adaptation, then just take out the center bolt each time you switch.

[@Mdydaf55]

Awesome

[@michellekennedy774]

Mr. Charles is there a way to convert my jazzy power chair into a scooter? I'm wanting a basket on the front of my chair.

[@jaysonwallker1648]

Why not use harbor freight tires?

[@ruthdoyle9085]

I think you can buy a hub that will fit and match

[@user-ig6gw5bt3h]

Peace be upon you great man I also had a spinal cord amputation accident and I am very interested in cutting and metalworking. I wish you good health and success You are very zealous I am Iranian and I do not have these tools for you. I only work with a drill and a mini milling machine

[@CharlesCroteau]

Peace be with you also my brother. I would love to see your shop or working space. I used to work in my office with a drill press and bench with vise. Now 50 years latter I have a wonderful shop. I've stated a new KZbin channel for SCI solutions, so anything you might like to see, please let me know. Peace, charlie

[@bluerxstandard]

You should produce those hubs

[@CharlesCroteau]

Ya, I'll leave that for you to do. Hope you make a million.

[@morgancalvi6675]

I don't get it...how does this not rust or give off chlorine gas? Do you swap the regular lead batteries with salt water batteries?

[@rockandmeatroll]

Amazing, what weight can this pull? Estimate?

[@stevemosher1916]

Hi Charles, i saw your video and loved it. built one for my wife but ,works great on the grass but as soon as it hits the beach sand it stops dead in its tracks. any idea why. thanks for you help.

[@CharlesCroteau]

Hi Steve, sorry to hear your machine is not performing as expected. Your problem is most likely a programing one. There is a hand held programer that sets the parmators

[@CharlesCroteau]

opps, for the controller. Many are set so the person doesn't have much power - so they don't bash holes in the wall etc. These programers can turn up the speed, torque , braking etc. You'll need to find a dealer or wheelchair seller that has one, then have them reset the operating parameters. (These programers can be bought, but they are hard to come by and they are different for each co. machines.) check ebay. Keep me in the loop, i have two Invacare, and Bounder.

[@stevemosher1916]

Thanks for the info, I’ll look into it and let you know.

[@elkscout1]

great job. What would have made it a better video would be to actually show it being tested at a beach, instead of someone's front turf- totally different terrains.

[@CharlesCroteau]

Yes, I took it to a beach and it wasn't that great. The tires are too round and hard. Even with no air they were too stiff. Plus the back trailing wheels dragged a lot instead of rolled. It did great on harder sand, but not 'sugar' sand up hill. It did better going backwards also.

[@ronald5629]

My hoveround needs bigger tires

[@gesi1965]

How do it Run in Sand?

[@phoeniximperator]

sweet

[@trentwaites54]

What about where to get rear wheels?

[@marinalvadasilvapaz8517]

Muito linda

[@johngaasland5823]

How thick is the aluminum that you made the adapter plates from? Thanks, John.

[@CharlesCroteau]

1/4"

[@scottphillips4124]

Did you get it on the beach? If so, how did it work?

[@CharlesCroteau]

Not yet, was away. I should make it a priority.

[@Todd_G_FPV]

How did it do on the sand? Trying to make something for myself to get across the sand easier

[@CharlesCroteau]

Todd, I haven't tried it yet on lose sand. Each time we were going it rained. I'll get a video, good or bad so we can see.

[@Todd_G_FPV]

Thank you! I would really like to know since I already have a setup close to this it just needs bigger drive wheels and a seat of some sort but the casters are already the big ones like u have

[@namocrafts1101]

Hello sir From where u bought the swivel tires ?

[@capman911]

What is the size of the rear wheels?

[@cuongtlam]

Can I pay you to make make these wheels for my mom's scooter?

[@CharlesCroteau]

LOL!!

[@breezypoo42]

What size chair is this?

[@sneakyb8731]

SO, tell us everything that burnt out because of the overdraw of eletric power

[@CharlesCroteau]

Nothing has burnt out so far. still running great. This is a bariatric chair, and I only weigh 170.

[@CharlesCroteau]

I've driven it for miles and no problems. The controller is designed to go to limp mode if it gets too hot.

[@miguelsalami]

K👀L 👍👍 ❤

[@ahmadjon7900]

TERJEMAHAN DALAM BAHASA MALAYSIA

[@cliftonperry4528]

What brand and model of wheelchair is that ?

[@CharlesCroteau]

it just says Boss on it. The joy stick and controller are same as Invacare MK 6.

[@trentwaites54]

How long were your new lug bolts?

[@CharlesCroteau]

about 6 inches

[@raulchardon4991]

$cuanto vale

[@rcooliveira752]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🇧🇷👍🏻

[@cat5tracker581]

Where did you get the trailer wheels?

[@CharlesCroteau]

The wheels that trail where on an old beach chair. You can use wheels off an old lawn mower as wheel.

[@cat5tracker581]

@@CharlesCroteau Great idea! Did you swap the power module? Mine is 60amp. Thinking of swapping with a 90amp to push bigger tires. Thoughts?

[@CharlesCroteau]

@@cat5tracker581 I would try it first. The big thing is keeping the power module cool. I have put 24 volt computer chip fans on some of mine, plus keep the module out of direct sunlight.

[@cat5tracker581]

@@CharlesCroteau Thanks for the motivation and quick replies!

[@cat5tracker581]

@@CharlesCroteau Forgot to ask, size of rear tire? Thanks