Guest post. Sam Hyde is a Beyond Mobility customer and the author of the novel Jackdaw Affliction. He wrote this piece in his own words, unedited.
Hi, I'm Sam, and I wanted to tell you about my TiLite TRA and the Rehasense Track Wheel, both supplied by the fantastic team at Beyond Mobility.
From my first enquiry through to delivery and aftercare, I couldn't have been happier with the service. Home visits, adjustments, servicing and ongoing support have all been excellent, and it's a refreshing experience compared with many mobility suppliers.
Living with cerebellar ataxia
I have a rare progressive neurological condition called Cerebellar Ataxia (I have SCA14). It affects balance and coordination, but it also causes neurological fatigue, double vision, muscle stiffness, speech difficulties and poor fine motor control. Over the years, my mobility has progressed from using a walking stick to walkers, mobility scooters and now a wheelchair almost full time.
Staying active
After being medically retired from my office job last year, I made fitness a major priority. I now play wheelchair rugby with the Westcountry Hawks, swim regularly, cycle on my ICE expedition trike, go to the gym, practise adapted yoga and attend neuro-Pilates classes. Combined with meditation and plenty of rest, staying active has become one of the best ways of managing my condition.
Writing and travelling
I've also had time to pursue two lifelong ambitions: travelling and writing. My debut novel, Jackdaw Affliction, was published in March 2026. Although it's an entertaining story full of twists and turns, it also explores the psychological impact of living with a degenerative condition. If you'd like to know more, please visit www.sghyde.com.
My philosophy is simple. Do as much as I can, while I still can.
Travel has become another major priority. Since taking delivery of the TiLite, it has travelled with me to Alaska, Canada and Seattle. If you can tackle Seattle's hills in a wheelchair, you can manage almost anywhere!
The Rehasense Track Wheel
The Rehasense Track Wheel has made a huge difference. By lifting the castors off the ground, it reduces rolling resistance and makes rough terrain much easier to negotiate. On the steepest slopes, the TiLite's flip-down push handles also made it easier for my wife to lend a helping hand. Although I am pretty belligerent about managing on my own…
Why the TiLite TRA works for me
For me, the TiLite TRA strikes an excellent balance between strength, comfort and practicality. It's light enough to self-propel, robust enough for everyday outdoor use and compact enough to fit through standard doorways and into cars and taxis. I also wanted a chair that could be adapted as my needs change, and the TRA gives me the flexibility to add powered attachments in the future.
The details that make a difference
A few thoughtful features have made a real difference. The D-ring footplate allows me to fit the single-arm Track Wheel, the storage pocket on the back of the seat is surprisingly useful, and I replaced the standard push brakes with scissor brakes, which suit my pushing style much better. Anti-tips are another essential addition, giving me confidence without adding noticeable weight.
The one thing I'd change
No wheelchair is perfect. My only real criticism is that there's no convenient mounting point for storing the Track Wheel when it's not attached. It's a small compromise, though, and certainly not enough to outweigh everything the chair does well.
Would I recommend it?
I can honestly recommend both the TiLite TRA and the Rehasense Track Wheel to anyone who enjoys an active lifestyle and wants equipment that will keep up with them. They've allowed me to stay independent, continue travelling and enjoy the sports and activities that matter most to me.
If you're interested in trying wheelchair rugby, the Westcountry Hawks offer four free taster sessions. And if you'd like to find out more about my novel, I'd love you to take a look. It's trying to be as honest and true as possible about what it's like living with a long-term condition.
Interested in a TiLite TRA or a Rehasense Track Wheel? Beyond Mobility supply TiLite wheelchairs and Rehasense Track Wheels throughout the UK, with home assessments, fitting and aftercare.
