Special Bikes for People with DisabilityDisabilities & Special Needs Equipment & Supplies RetailUpdated on May 5, 2019 View more like this | Visit VANCOUVER, WA | Contact Boris Dzhingarov |
Adults and kids with any type of disability can now experience life in the outdoors. If riding has for the past years been an unachievable goal for you, then it’s time for some fun. Special needs bikes and tricycles are adaptive bicycles that are specially designed for people with developmental or physical disabilities. They are specifically designed to offer those with mobility issues a sense of freedom. This includes those with autism, cerebral palsy, and down syndrome. In addition to this, these bikes have been designed to cater to the needs of both the young and the old.
It can really be challenging to engage in fun activities when you have a disability, especially if you recently got one from a workplace injury, you’ve filed a claim and if it has been denied (which a disability attorney can help you with). But thanks to innovations of today, biking is an activity that you can continue to enjoy despite your current scenario. Now, for those with difficulties in pedaling, there's an option of a synchronized foot/hand pedaling. For toddlers, the bikes come with training wheels just to add stability and support to the bicycle.
In this article, we’ll be looking at various special bikes, assistive products, helmets, and head support for people with disability.
Handcycles
This type of bicycle has been designed to suit the needs of children with Spina Bifida or where the use of the lower limbs is restricted. Handcycles provide a comfortable solution that may also help health providers in administering fun therapy. The framing has been made to accommodate a comfortable sitting position and with an allowance for growth. Handcycles come in three options. These are;
● Mini tri-lo – this is designed specifically as a first cycle for children aged 21/2 years old. This cycle has an easy to pedal gear and it also comes with a comfortable seat for support
● Standard tri-lo – this is a great option to kids of around 5 years of age. It has a larger rear wheel that is comfortable especially on bumpy grounds.
● Large tri-lo – this is the third option ideal for kids of 8 years or adults of shorter stature. The wheels are around 14”-16” for greater speeds and increased comfort.
Four-Wheel Bikes
As the name suggests, quad cycles are fitted with four wheels for the extra stability needed. Both pedaling and cycling have been made easier and in addition to this, they have a low step that enables easy transferring on to the saddle. Quad cycles come into options, these are;
● Quad small – these are ideally suitable for children aged 8 years needing enhanced support and stability.
● Quad large – this is an excellent option for teenagers. It has a low step framing that allows for easier access.
Companion Cycles
These are cycles designed to allow two people to cycle either side by side or one in the back and the other in front. This is an ideal option for caregivers when providing therapy.
Special Needs Trikes
Those with any form of abilities will love the special needs trikes. As the name suggests, they are mostly three-wheeled. They are combined with safety components and a uniquely designed frame that is strong and durable. In addition to this, special features and positioning are available to allow interchangeable positioning. Tricycles are among the best options not only for disabilities - but also for young adults who are beginners in biking.
Helmets and Head Supports
A helmet is one of the most important pieces of gear that every biker needs. In case of a collision or accident, it protects one of the most important organs (the brain) and minimizes the severity of injuries. You, of course, need to provide support and protection to those riding these special bikes. They may be safe, but, additional helmets are required for the extra protection. These helmets come with a hard shell and a comfy lining that will help to protect against a traumatic brain injury.
It is true, that having a disability can affect someone’s quality of life in more than just a few ways. For each and every one of the above options, you are sure that you or your loved one will enjoy life no matter their form of disability. All in all, disability is not inability and these will for sure enable the user to have biking fun like everybody else. With one of the options above, a disabled person can be able to achieve their fitness goals through bicycle riding, even without the need of having another person accompanying them.
It can really be challenging to engage in fun activities when you have a disability, especially if you recently got one from a workplace injury, you’ve filed a claim and if it has been denied (which a disability attorney can help you with). But thanks to innovations of today, biking is an activity that you can continue to enjoy despite your current scenario. Now, for those with difficulties in pedaling, there's an option of a synchronized foot/hand pedaling. For toddlers, the bikes come with training wheels just to add stability and support to the bicycle.
In this article, we’ll be looking at various special bikes, assistive products, helmets, and head support for people with disability.
Handcycles
This type of bicycle has been designed to suit the needs of children with Spina Bifida or where the use of the lower limbs is restricted. Handcycles provide a comfortable solution that may also help health providers in administering fun therapy. The framing has been made to accommodate a comfortable sitting position and with an allowance for growth. Handcycles come in three options. These are;
● Mini tri-lo – this is designed specifically as a first cycle for children aged 21/2 years old. This cycle has an easy to pedal gear and it also comes with a comfortable seat for support
● Standard tri-lo – this is a great option to kids of around 5 years of age. It has a larger rear wheel that is comfortable especially on bumpy grounds.
● Large tri-lo – this is the third option ideal for kids of 8 years or adults of shorter stature. The wheels are around 14”-16” for greater speeds and increased comfort.
Four-Wheel Bikes
As the name suggests, quad cycles are fitted with four wheels for the extra stability needed. Both pedaling and cycling have been made easier and in addition to this, they have a low step that enables easy transferring on to the saddle. Quad cycles come into options, these are;
● Quad small – these are ideally suitable for children aged 8 years needing enhanced support and stability.
● Quad large – this is an excellent option for teenagers. It has a low step framing that allows for easier access.
Companion Cycles
These are cycles designed to allow two people to cycle either side by side or one in the back and the other in front. This is an ideal option for caregivers when providing therapy.
Special Needs Trikes
Those with any form of abilities will love the special needs trikes. As the name suggests, they are mostly three-wheeled. They are combined with safety components and a uniquely designed frame that is strong and durable. In addition to this, special features and positioning are available to allow interchangeable positioning. Tricycles are among the best options not only for disabilities - but also for young adults who are beginners in biking.
Helmets and Head Supports
A helmet is one of the most important pieces of gear that every biker needs. In case of a collision or accident, it protects one of the most important organs (the brain) and minimizes the severity of injuries. You, of course, need to provide support and protection to those riding these special bikes. They may be safe, but, additional helmets are required for the extra protection. These helmets come with a hard shell and a comfy lining that will help to protect against a traumatic brain injury.
It is true, that having a disability can affect someone’s quality of life in more than just a few ways. For each and every one of the above options, you are sure that you or your loved one will enjoy life no matter their form of disability. All in all, disability is not inability and these will for sure enable the user to have biking fun like everybody else. With one of the options above, a disabled person can be able to achieve their fitness goals through bicycle riding, even without the need of having another person accompanying them.
