Recreational & Outdoor Adaptive Devices (RAD)

What is RAD? 

Recreation Adapted (RAD) Society, is an organization who believes a paralyzing injury doesn’t mean the end of an active, outdoor lifestyle. They believe that with the right support and equipment, an independent and adventurous life is still entirely possible.  

From skiing and watersports to hiking, gym workouts, and biking—there are incredible adaptive devices out there that make it all accessible again. The problem? They’re expensive. Outrageously expensive. Tens of thousands of dollars just to get back to the basics of life and sport. 

That’s where RAD Society comes in. 

​RAD exists to eliminate financial barriers to adaptive recreation by providing access to high-cost adaptive equipment at low-cost rental rates. No loans. No interest. Just access. 

What is the service at UBC? 

The UBC GearBox is RAD Society’s newest adaptive gear library, located at the UBC Student Recreation Centre. Whether you’re exploring trails, hitting the water, or cruising around campus, we’ve got the gear to help you.
 
This Vancouver location houses a growing inventory of adaptive outdoor equipment ready to rent, bringing accessible recreation to the heart of the city. 

Current equipment includes: 

Top End Force G – White

Top End Force 3 – Red 

VanRaam Walking Bike – Grey, designed for supported walking and mobility 

Alinker Walking Bike – Yellow, a walking-assist device for active mobility 

Coming Soon – Bowhead Rogue. Electric assist handcycle, black with purple and blue hardware.

How does it work? 

Renting equipment is quick and easy with our online booking system. Just follow these simple steps:

  1. Visit the Booking Page
    Head to the RAD Society booking page to get started.
  2. Choose Your Equipment
    Browse the available items and select the one you need.
  3. Pick Your Rental Date
    Select the date you plan to pick up the equipment.
  4. Set Your Rental Duration
    Choose how long you’d like to rent it—anywhere from a minimum of 4 hours up to one full week.
  5. Confirm and Pay
    Complete your booking and make your payment online.
  6. Pick Up Your Equipment
    Check in at the front desk at the SRC and a staff member will support you with collecting your rental equipment
  7. Enjoy! 
    Take your equipment out and about for your recreational needs!
  8. Easy Return
    When you're done, simply return the equipment to the SRC.

FAQs 

Where can I take my equipment?

 

Equipment can be taken anywhere in Canada, but not outside of the country.

Can I receive help with my rental equipment?

RAD is more than just a gear rental service. It’s a place for events and a community that shows up when it matters most. However, there is a limit to what RAD and UBC Recreation can offer in terms of transitioning to and from pieces of equipment. Neither RAD staff nor UBC Recreation staff are properly trained to help patrons to and from pieces of equipment. We can assist, but we cannot do the transition. 

For more information about RAD Society, check out their website below.