A TrailRider vehicle is now available to use through the RDN, after a generous donation from Murray Chantler (middle), who uses one on family hikes through Errington. (submitted photo)

By Alex Rawnsley

riding the trails

New all-terrain vehicle helping those with mobility challenges navigate Oceanside trails

Jul 13, 2025 | 5:14 AM

PARKSVILLE — Something many take for granted, enjoying area hiking trails, is now more accessible than ever.

The Regional District of Nanaimo is preparing to launch a pilot program involving a new TrailRider vehicle, a single-wheeled all-terrain wheelchair driven with the assistance of two ‘sherpas’, and capable of going over rocky and uneven ground with ease.

Rick Daykin, RDN manager of parks, told NanaimoNewsNOW the first rides on the new vehicle are expected to begin in the coming week.

“We feel it’s super important to provide the TrailRider to people that are not physically able to get out into the parks without assistance and enjoy nature. Some of these parks have some incredible sites within them.”

Through the pilot program, people interested in taking the TrailRider out can contact the RDN’s parks department and arrange to pickup the vehicle.

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Staff will provide users with a brief orientation, then allow them to use the vehicle for the day free of charge.

“We’ll talk about some of the trails that are relatively flat, typically have gravel surface that are easy to navigate, such as Moorcroft and Lighthouse Country Regional trail, the south section, those are both relatively flat.”

The vehicle came to the RDN via a donation from Murray Chantler, who has capitalized on the TrailRider’s design to explore much of the mid-Island.

Daykin said Chantler’s donation has “opened up a great opportunity” for all on the mid-Island.

Chantler, who lives with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (a rare variant of ALS), told NanaimoNewsNOW access to a TrailRider has been a game changer for him.

“The TrailRider allows people like me to once again venture into nature, with the help of two sherpas, and to once again enjoy the beauty of nature with my family and friends. I know how wonderfully exhilarating it was for me to be able to get back out on various trails that I had given up on ever transversing again.”

He said his first experience with a TrailRider came in 2012 in Powell River and he’s continued regularly ever since, including down a trail on his family property in Errington.

The trail leads to a 250 year old black cottonwood tree.

“I cut that trail with my brother’s help about fifty years ago so that we could see this tree whenever we wanted to. It brought tears to my eyes when I able to sit beneath this awe inspiring tree with my immediate family once again courtesy of the amazing TrailRider.”

Chantler added he was inspired to donate a TrailRider after not seeing any available for rent on the mid-Island, with Campbell River serving as the closest access.

He fundraised and purchased two used TrailRider from the BC Mobility Opportunities Society in 2023 for around $8,000.

One was eventually donated to the RDN, while another is available for rent through a business in Coombs.

The RDN has budgeted around $1,200 in maintenance costs for the TrailRider to ensure it’s in the best condition possible for users.

A review of the pilot program is due after its completion at the end of August, with potential for a possible expansion.

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