Off-road wheelchairs, made for bumping over hills and dales, typically have full suspension systems to keep them on the ground. Important when traveling at speeds over 25 mph, the systems become essential over 35 mph when vibrations really kick in and can impair riders' vision. These chairs generally have a wider wheelbase than standard wheelchairs, and all four tires are larger. These characteristics enable the chairs to drive down a flight of stairs and maintain frontal stability. A key ingredient to off-road wheelchairs is a tie rod linking the two front wheels.
Standard chairs steer by the front wheels, which caster like shopping carts.
When front wheels are together, riders can hold just one side and steer. This allows maneuverability on extreme cross slopes. Everyday-wheelchair users must push on one side and brake on another to keep their chairs from turning in the downhill direction. Using gravity to get down a hill can be exhilarating. Ski resorts' chair lifts and gondolas or a vehicle can transport daredevils to the top.