RoughRider America makes two all-terrain wheelchairs built for the surfaces standard wheelchairs cannot handle: trails, gravel, packed sand, grass, cobblestones, and uneven ground. The Aurora and RoughRider share the same field-tested geometry used by more than 100,000 wheelchair users in over 60 countries since 2008.
The Aurora is the recommended choice for most buyers. Lightweight aluminum frame, 34 lbs, rust-resistant, anti-tippers included. The RoughRider is the steel-frame option priced under $1,000, field-tested across more than 60 countries since 2008.
Both chairs are available for individual purchase and at volume pricing for organizations. Not sure which is right for you? The comparison chart below breaks down the differences, or contact us directly.
Have questions about which chair is right for you? We are a small company and happy to help personally. Contact us before you order.
⇆ Swipe to compare all three chairs
| Recommended Aurora Lightweight aluminum | RoughRider Steel frame | Typical Outdoor Market average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | |||
| Terrain | Trails, gravel, grass, packed sand, wet conditions | Trails, gravel, grass, packed sand | Trails, gravel, grass |
| Rear tires | Mountain bike pneumatic | Mountain bike pneumatic | Mountain bike pneumatic |
| Rust resistant | ✓ | No | Varies |
| Price | |||
| Price | $1,695 | $895 | From $2,995 |
| Build | |||
| Frame | Aluminum | Steel | Steel or aluminum |
| Weight | 34 lbs | 44 lbs | 46 to 54 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 250 lbs | 220 lbs | 250 to 300 lbs |
| Foldable | ✓ | ✓ | Varies |
| Fit and comfort | |||
| Seat widths | 4 sizes | 5 sizes | 3 sizes |
| Seat depths | 3 options | 2 options | Limited |
| Backrest heights | 4 settings | 4 settings | Limited |
| Cushion | ✓ | ✓ | Varies |
| Anti-tippers | Included | Contact us | Extra cost |
| Ownership | |||
| Repairability | Bicycle shop parts | Bicycle shop parts | May need specialist |
| Warranty | 6yr frame / 1yr parts | 6yr frame / 1yr parts | Typically 2 years |
Typical outdoor wheelchair data based on publicly available market information as of 2026.
To find the distance between your hips, first position yourself seated with pelvis upright on a firm surface. Then, measure the distance between the widest points of the hips and thighs without compressing any tissue. Finally, record your measurements. It is important not to have a chair that is wider than necessary as it will be harder to push and may prevent you from passing through narrow doorways.
Position yourself seated upright on a firm surface. Measure the length of your upper leg, the distance from behind the knee to the back of the pelvis (back of your lower leg). Subtract 1/2” to find the maximum seat depth, to allow for space between the back of the knee/upper leg and seat fabric. Record the final measurement.
Your preferred backrest height is determined by your personal comfort level and physical ability. Whirlwind recommends, generally, that the top of the back support should fall just beneath the bottom of the shoulder blade. For less active riders who require more torso support, the back support should be higher, falling just beneath the armpit. Position yourself seated upright on a firm surface. Hold your hands flat against the surface you are sitting on. Measure the distance from the seated surface to the desired, most comfortable point for support on your back. To this number add the height of your cushion when you are sitting on it. Record the measurement.
Backrest angles are determined by the torso control of the rider. Whirlwind recommends that those with less torso control, such as quadriplegics, sit with a backrest angled further backwards to avoid falling forward in a wheelchair. Those with more torso control, such as amputees, can sit with the backrest more upright. Proper backrest angle is best determined by an occupational therapist or healthcare professional. Although there is only one option – 8 degrees – in the drop-down list below, you can adjust the backrest angle by adjusting the backrest straps (i.e. looser at the bottom and tighter at the top for a more erect position).
Now please enter your measurements into the fields on the product page before ordering. For more information about measuring, please refer to the RoughRider Fitting Sheet. You are responsible for choosing the right chair for yourself. If you are uncomfortable with determining your wheelchair size, please consult a professional.
