Did you know that over 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability? Among them, millions participate in adaptive sports, with wheelchair sports being one of the most popular and empowering forms of recreation and competition. Whether it’s rolling onto the basketball court, racing through a marathon, or skiing down a snowy slope, wheelchair sports open up exciting opportunities for athletes of all levels.

Thanks to advances in adaptive technology and growing support for inclusivity, wheelchair sports are booming, from local clubs to international events like the Paralympics. If you’re looking to get involved, explore new options, or just get inspired, here’s a list of 34 wheelchair sports to check out—plus one off-road adventure you won’t want to miss.

🏀 Team Wheelchair Sports

1. Wheelchair Basketball

One of the most popular wheelchair sports worldwide, it follows similar rules to able-bodied basketball with adaptations for wheelchair movement and dribbling.

2. Wheelchair Rugby

Also known as “Murderball,” this high-impact sport is a full-contact mix of rugby, basketball, and handball, played on a basketball court with special chairs.

3. Wheelchair Football (Soccer)

Played on hard courts, this adaptive soccer version allows manual or power wheelchair users to dribble, pass, and score using specialized techniques.

4. Wheelchair Lacrosse

Fast-paced and physical, this version of lacrosse adapts rules and equipment for wheelchairs, allowing for fierce competition and team play.

5. Wheelchair Hockey

Available in both manual and powerchair formats, players use lightweight sticks to maneuver a puck or ball across the court.

6. Wheelchair Softball

Played on a hard surface with a larger ball and some rule modifications, wheelchair softball brings all the action of America’s favorite pastime.

🎾 Racquet Wheelchair Sports

7. Wheelchair Tennis

All the speed and skill of tennis, with just one main rule tweak—players are allowed two bounces of the ball.

8. Wheelchair Badminton

This fast-moving court sport is played indoors and was added to the Paralympics in 2020.

9. Wheelchair Table Tennis

Popular across the globe, it involves quick reflexes, strategic spin, and is highly competitive at all levels.

10. Wheelchair Pickleball

This rapidly growing sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong and is being adapted more and more for wheelchair users.

🏁 Racing & Athletics Wheelchair Sports

11. Wheelchair Racing

Track events from 100m sprints to 5,000m races, using ultra-light racing wheelchairs built for speed.

12. Handcycling

A road-racing sport using three-wheeled, arm-powered cycles, popular among both recreational riders and Paralympic athletes.

13. Wheelchair Marathon

Marathons like Boston, London, and New York all feature elite wheelchair divisions with fierce competition and inspiring performances.

14. Para Athletics (Field Events)

Events like shot put, javelin, and discus adapted for athletes using seated throwing frames.

🏊 Water Wheelchair Sports

15. Para Swimming

One of the most inclusive Paralympic sports with many classification levels, offering events for nearly every kind of physical ability.

16. Adaptive Rowing

Athletes use modified boats and oars to row solo or in teams over 1,000-2,000 meter distances.

17. Wheelchair Water Polo (Emerging)

Still developing, this adapted version allows players to float or use floating chairs in a pool to play team water polo.

18. Adaptive Surfing

Wave-riders use seated boards or prone positions, often with assistance for catching waves. It’s now gaining competitive momentum.

19. Sit-Skiing (Water)

A high-adrenaline sport where athletes sit in a ski seat mounted on a water ski and are pulled by a boat.

❄️ Winter Sports

20. Para Ice Hockey (Sledge Hockey)

A fast, physical sport played on ice with double-bladed sledges and shortened hockey sticks used for both propulsion and puck control.

21. Sit-Skiing (Alpine & Cross-Country)

Athletes sit in a molded seat mounted to skis and use poles for balance and propulsion. Available for both downhill and cross-country skiing.

22. Wheelchair Curling

Played with the same rules as traditional curling, but with no sweeping. Precision and strategy are key.

23. Adaptive Snowboarding

Riders with lower-limb limitations use adapted boards and sometimes outriggers to shred the slopes.

🧗‍♂️ Combat & Adventure Sports

24. Wheelchair Fencing

A Paralympic sport where athletes duel from a fixed position using foils, sabers, or epees.

25. Adaptive Climbing

Using ropes, pulleys, and custom harnesses, climbers with various disabilities ascend indoor and outdoor walls.

26. Adaptive Archery

With modified bows or support stands, athletes shoot from a seated position at targets at standard distances.

27. Wheelchair Martial Arts

Includes disciplines like judo, taekwondo, and karate, adapted for seated sparring, self-defense, and kata forms.

28. Adaptive Shooting (Air Rifle/Pistol)

Precision sport where athletes shoot at targets from a seated or supported position, focusing on breath control and accuracy.

🎯 Other Competitive Sports

29. Boccia

A precision ball sport similar to bocce, designed specifically for athletes with severe physical disabilities.

30. Wheelchair DanceSport

Competitive ballroom and Latin dance performed solo, in pairs, or with standing partners.

31. Powerchair Football (Soccer)

A fast-paced version of football played by powerchair users, with larger balls and modified chairs for ramming and dribbling.

32. Wheelchair Golf

Adaptive golf carts and custom swings allow players to enjoy the full 18-hole experience.

33. Wheelchair Bowling

Using ramps, straps, or adapted grips, players roll strikes and spares from a seated position.

34. Wheelchair Equestrian (Para Dressage)

Athletes with physical impairments perform choreographed riding routines judged on precision, harmony, and control.

🌄 Bonus: Hiking with the Extreme Motus All-Terrain Wheelchair

Wheelchair sports don’t stop at the edge of the trail—thanks to innovations like the Extreme Motus all-terrain wheelchair, hiking is becoming more accessible than ever. Designed with large off-road wheels, a lightweight frame, and shock-absorbing suspension, this rugged chair is perfect for exploring dirt trails, rocky paths, and even sandy beaches. Whether you’re a solo adventurer or out with friends or family, the Extreme Motus opens up a whole new world of natural beauty and challenge.

Ready to Roll?

Whether you’re looking for intense competition or casual recreation, wheelchair sports offer something for everyone. With the right equipment, support, and spirit, there are no limits to where you can go.

Want help finding local clubs, events, or gear? Just let me know—I’d be happy to help you take the next step.