Adaptive Bike/Wheelchair Provision
Whilst we want to promote use of bikes for people to get about, as well as for leisure, we appreciate that there are some barriers to entry here. One such barrier is where someone has a disability that requires a bespoke bike or wheelchair device to meet their needs. It is an aspiration of this charity to provide a number of bikes that cater for some such disabilities, and make them available for hire to the community. The need for such adaptive bikes is highlighted in a survey that Cycling UK performed in 2021.
We categorise the provision need as follows
- Category 1 – almost able to cycle a standard bike, moderate learning difficulties. A trike (such as the Van Raam Midi Trike) would be the initial start point here (see the above Cycling UK survey). This category would also be met with recumbent bikes and hand cycles and perhaps also using specialist bike accessories.
- Category 2 – those with moderate learning difficulties, and some physical impairments and gross motor control issues. Management of safety needed by an accomplice. The VanRaam Fun2Go achieves this category.
- Category 3 – profound and multiple needs, both physical and in some cases learning based. With additional kit, such as a 4 point harness, crank shortener and similar the VanRaam Fun2Go can help here, but it is not the ultimate solution. This mainly aims at those in a wheelchair. Whilst there are Trampers (as employed elsewhere in the NYMNP), Mountain e-trikes, and assorted mobility scooter like provision, something like the TerrainHopper Overlander would be a complete off-road solution and has been tried and tested in the Yorkshire Dales on similar topology as the NYMNP.
Below are a series of potential adaptive bicycles that would cater for an amount of disabilities (in approximate category order, colour coded, yellow for Category 1, green for Category 2, and orange for Category 3) and that would open up cycling to more people who wouldn’t otherwise get the chance. We aim to gradually provide some of these bikes (or an equivalent) over time. Note that this list is not complete, and we do need to consider a hand cycle.
The adaptive bikes that we currently have available for hire are on THIS PAGE.
The Midi is a trendy tricycle designed for younger users or shorter people. It is a smooth-running three-wheeler with a solid finish and beautiful design. The Midi is available with various options, such as a stationary crank, foot fixation and an electric engine for power assist.
A low-step bicycle makes life easier for people who are unable or unwilling to throw their leg over a saddle.
Other difficulties affecting only one limb may be solved by fitting a special component to any normal bike. Loss of flexibility in a knee is helped by a swing crank, which maximises the contribution from the affected limb by allowing it to straighten to its full extent, while only flexing as much as it comfortably can.
Recumbent cycles solve many of the problems most people may sooner or later experience – in the neck, back, posterior or arms and hands – with the conventional upright, but forward-leaning cycling position.
These cycles are also useful for riders who prefer to have a lower centre of gravity.
A low-step bicycle makes life easier for people who are unable or unwilling to throw their leg over a saddle. Tricycles have three wheels, which means that the rider doesn’t need to be able to balance. This is particularly useful for people with learning disabilities, such as dyspraxia, and those recovering from illnesses (strokes, for example).
In addition this one folds up, and is an e-bike.
The Fun2Go is a double rider cycle/ three-wheel tandem where the users sit beside each other. One steers, both can pedal. The riders can communicate well as they are side by side. It is easy to get on also. The seats can also optionally rotate, making it even easier to get on. The bike is incredibly manoeuverable.
We have this bike available (from late 2025).
Although there may not be a cycle to suit every need, there are some that offer the same feeling of propulsion, without involving riding. For example, a wheelchair user can transfer into a seat on the front of a bike that’s being ridden by someone else.
The Mission Piggyback has been designed to give more stability than the traditional single wheel trailer bikes. It:
- will tow with no side-to-side movement
- is ideal for children with a balance problem and special needs
- has a rear axle drive shaft and rear axle hubs have sealed bearings, which give a quiet smooth ride
- has centre ridge tyres to complete the comfort
- is ideal for long rides and family days out
Designed for people with mobility challenges using a wheelchair normally but refusing to be held back. The Overlander has 4WD performance, with ample comfort. It can tackle every type of surface that it encounters, be they coastal paths, woodland tracks, farmland, or mountainous terrain. It’s also a Class 3 medical device so can be used on pavements and roads