Source: Exotek / Mattias Nilsson

LEVA-EU member Exotek’s Exoquads have made a significant contribution to inclusive mobility for residents in Östersund, Sweden. The all-terrain electric wheelchairs have been an extremely popular rental there, with the local government playing a role in facilitating their usage.

Exoquads resemble quad bikes in appearance but are purpose-built electric wheelchairs designed to improve access to nature for people with disabilities. To enhance stability, they feature a low center of gravity and can switch between four-wheel and two-wheel drive for greater versatility.

At the start of last year, one of Exotek’s dealers, Northern Tracks, loaned an Exoquad to sports rental company Fritidsbanken Östersund, giving opportunities to disabled people to borrow it, increasing their accessibility to exploring nature. The response was immediate with it quickly becoming the most borrowed item in the center’s history.

Encouraged by this success, Northern Tracks and Fritidsbanken gathered with local politicians including Östersund’s municipal councillor, to expand the initiative. The government then pledged to allocate approximately EUR 40,000 in funding, to add two new Exoquads to Fritidsbanken Östersund, making them available for more members of the public to borrow free of charge.

Since the program launched, Exoquads have become the most popular rental at Fritidsbanken Östersund, promoting inclusivity and allowing more riders to explore local areas such as Jämtland with sustainable mobility. It can be seen in action here.