Is the Rivian R1S Wheelchair-Friendly? Zack and Cambry Put It to the Test

Our friend Zack Nelson (aka JerryRigEverything) and his wife Cambry recently tried out a Gen 2 Rivian R1S to see if it could replace her Tesla Model X. Cambry’s been a wheelchair user for about 20 years, so accessibility is a big deal — especially when it comes to transferring into the driver’s seat, storing her wheelchair, and hauling kids in the back.

The R1S ticks a lot of boxes. It’s spacious, has a flat interior floor, and way more cargo room than the Model X. But because it rides higher — even in its lowest setting — it’s a tougher transfer than Cambry is used to. She manages it, but it takes more effort than with the lower-slung Tesla.

That said, the R1S offers a big win in one important area: towing. Cambry tows horses, and the R1S’s higher tow rating (up to 7,700 lbs) makes it a better fit for that job compared to her Model X.

The video they posted gives a great look at the real-world pros and cons of driving a Rivian from a wheelchair. It shows what works, what doesn’t, and why small design details matter when it comes to accessibility. Definitely worth a watch.