"IRV", incidentally, is an acronym for "Individual Recreational Vehicle". And its makers certainly promise that you can recreate with the IRV 2000, claiming it can traverse mud and snow and tackle inclines with up to 30% grades. The key to this mobility, of course, is that it rides on a pair of tracks just like a snowmobile or bulldozer.

IRV 2000 has two outdoor operation modes. In the first outdoor mode, the entire track makes ground contact, providing the ability to negotiate rough terrain. In this mode, the IRV 2000 can travel over gravel, grass, weeds, snow, and mud. The second outdoor mode raises the front of the tracks to allow the IRV 2000 to plow through sand.

The chair is also capable of being used indoors. The indoor mode raises the front of the tracks off the ground and lowers a rear caster to bring the back of the tracks off the ground as well. This means that the IRV 2000 rides just on the center section of the tracks and the rear caster. In this mode, the chair is as capable indoors as most power chairs. The tracks are smooth and should not mar indoor surfaces.

The joystick control offers smooth steering and variable speed control. Maximum speed, however, is just 6 km/h. Maximum range is about 11 kilometres before you'll need a charge.

At 28 inches wide and 38 inches long, the IRV 2000 may not be as maneuverable as other power chairs. However, for the right users, its offroad abilities will no doubt more than compensate for this.

To find out more about the IRV 2000, call Trac About Inc. at 1-800-458-8616 or sed e-mail inquiries to: info@tracabout.com