2026 E-Z-GO RXV 2 Freedom ELiTE Lithium Bright White- 5961987

Local Veteran Regains Independence Through Custom Golf Cart Mobility Solution

FORT PIERCE, Fla. — What began as a search for a golf cart became something much more meaningful for local Vietnam-era Marine veteran Gilbert “Gib” Trent.

After suffering a stroke three years ago, Trent was left with limited use of his right arm and leg, making everyday mobility difficult and often requiring assistance. One of the biggest challenges was transporting his walker independently while navigating life in his community at Savanna Club in Port St. Lucie.

Wanting to regain some independence, Gib and Judy visited WilDar Golf Carts & Trailers in Fort Pierce hoping to find a solution.

Initially, he believed a 4-forward golf cart might solve the problem. But after spending time with them and observing the physical challenges he faced, WilDar owner Bill Huston realized the real obstacle was not the cart itself — it was finding a safe and practical way for Trent to load and unload his walker on his own.

“We listened to what Gib was trying to accomplish in his daily life,” Huston said. “Once we understood the actual challenge, we walked out and started looking at the popular 4-forward designs and quickly realized that for Gib to truly have the freedom to travel around on his own, he needed some type of lift system that could be loaded and secured safely using just one hand.

“We realized the golf bag straps already built into a basic golf cart could secure the walker if we designed something that could do the lifting for him.”

The final solution combined a 2-passenger E-Z-GO RXV ELiTE “Freedom” model with a custom-built lift system fabricated by WilDar. The system allows Trent to guide the rolling walker directly into a docking area, attach a cable hook to a support strap, and lift it into place with the push of a button.

Several additional custom adaptations were also designed around Mr. Trent’s mobility limitations, including a balance-assist grab bar, seat and steering modifications, and a standalone battery system that powers the lift without requiring him to bend down and reach for the ignition switch.

For Gib and Judy, the system has restored some of the freedom and independence he lost three years ago. Gib has now driven himself to doctor appointments, picked up takeout from the McDonald’s drive-thru, and — most importantly to him— attended the Friday morning Men’s Prayer Breakfast at the local café down the road.

As final delivery was being prepared, Gib noted  with a smile “From my original idea to this…  It works very good, better than expected.”

“At WilDar, helping customers goes beyond matching them with the right vehicle,” Huston said. “Sometimes it’s about listening carefully, and this time we were able to help somebody get a part of their life back.”