Bicycle trailer for disabled DS

[Thatsnotmycar]

Teen DS1 has additional needs. At the moment DH uses the bicycle attachment to attach DS1’s SN buggy to his bike. However, when used as a cycle trailer the SN buggy has a lower weight limit that DS1 is approaching so we are looking at our options to plan for when he reaches it in the next year or two.


Are there any options for teens/adults other than the X rover (expensive) or the Wike XL trailer (that has a maximum height of 5’10” which I think DS will reach around the same time/not long after reaching the weight limit of his current SN buggy)?


I have posted in cycling and SN chat but not had any replies so I thought I would post here too.

Have you considered modifying an e-cargo bike to have a ramp?

The cargo box can usually take up to 100kg. And the motor means it'll be easier to cycle overall.

Unfortunate naming but I'm thinking of something like this www.babboe.co.uk/babboe-dog-e

Still £££ though

I doubt you'd be able to fit a wheelchair in width wise, especially if you opt for a two-wheeled model. I'd also worry about the centre of gravity being too high with someone sitting in a wheelchair.

I was also going to say an e-cargo bike. Sadly they can be up to 7-8k. Would it be possible for you to go to the Netherlands to look at more models? Even my local bike shop here as adapted cycles.

This! I'm from there originally and do all my bike research there, they're miles ahead in terms of cycling options!

Special ones for wheel chairs exist. If you are looking at Dutch websites you can look for 'rolstoel bakfiets'.

Would something like this fit the bill OP? www.tweewielercentrumzwolle.com/bakfiets-3-wieler-elektrisch/nihola-flex-elektrische-rolstoel-bakfiets

Thank you for all your replies.

A cargo e-bike isn’t something we have considered, but it’s an interesting idea. Rather than fit a wheelchair in I wonder whether it would be possible to fit some form of seating. Although, something like CuteOrangeElephant linked to might work. It’s definitely a possibility to investigate further. We might have to plan a trip to the Netherlands.

The expense isn’t so much of a problem if it’s for the right product that will last. It might be possible to get charity funding, but if not we can manage it.

@Thatsnotmycar I'm posting hastily so I don't lose this thread. But, earlier this year I lost my darling sister, severely disabled, always been in a wheelchair. My parents had an electric assist bike where the wheelchair went on the front, as far as I know it is still in their garage. I know they ultimately want a lot of her equipment to go to people who would need, use and love it. I can check tomorrow if they still have it and post a picture here if you like. Of they've already managed to pass it on an old pic may still help you with ideas and I can ask them where they got it, it was def uk based.

I don't know where you are in the country, but when I lived in London I encountered Companion Cycling in Bushy Park, who appeared to have an impressived range of bicycles. Even if you are nowhere near them, they might be able to advise you. If you can get to them or a similar organisation you might be able to book a ride and try out different equipment.

Another possibly useful website is ABLEize who are a directory of all sorts of resources for the disabled. You may be able to find somewhere you can hire such a bike from, or even try various types. A charity might be able to help with costs. And there may be groups who know of someone wanting to get rid of/sell a no-longer-used bike/trailer.

ElvenDreamer I am sorry to hear of your sister’s death. That is a very kind offer. Any information is much appreciated, thank you.

DS1 has complex needs and hates being in his wheelchair so we mostly use 2 SN buggies that he prefers. I’m wondering if one of the SN buggies would fit on a wheelchair e-bike or whether it would be too long.

Now you have all pointed me in the right direction I have found this which might work too.

A few different options to think about.

amicissimma thank you for your links, I will look into them. Yes charity funding might be possible which is why we have started looking now as we know from previously it can take time. The SN buggy (delichon delta if anyone is interested, I can wholeheartedly recommend it) that we currently attach to DH’s bike was partially funded by a charity.

Have a look at an organisation called Wheels for Wellbeing - if you're in/near London go and visit them, they run sessions with every adapted bike imaginable so you could try something before you invest.

Have you seen the Hase Pino tandem? I know quite a few people use them with their disabled children.

I was going to suggest Wheels for Wellbeing but I see someone has already suggested them. This is the page of their website with cycle types on wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk/types-of-cycles/

Thank you for the wheels for wellbeing recommendations. I will add them to my list to look at.

SusanPerbCallMeSue I have but DS’s needs mean a tandem isn’t suitable he needs something where he isn’t actively cycling.

There are a few options here.
www.getcycling.org.uk/wheelchair/

We're lucky enough to gave a local accessible cycling group who have a few different bikes/tandems who come into DSs school and take the children on rides. Not sure how common that it, but they were super helpful when I spoke to them about different options for our family.

It's a freewheel on the front, so they don't have to pedal, I think they do special attachments.

charlottestandems.weebly.com might be able to help you

LunchWithAGruffalo thanks for the link. It would be helpful to try various types before committing. Our nearest accessible cycling club didn’t get back to me when I enquired previously.

SusanPerbCallMeSue I didn’t realise that I will have another look.

So this was the bike my family had, this is a screen grab from the website. It's a Dutch company but they have retailers in the UK. My mum still has her one and, I don't know if you're likely to be based anywhere near but said if you wanted to come and see it you'd be very welcome. It was new when they bought it a few years ago. Dm me if you want any more info.

Thank you very much @ElvenDreamer. Having spoken to a couple of services this morning we are going to try a few options. After hearing of DS’s needs one said an e-bike where the wheelchair goes on the front may not be suitable for him and we may need one with a seat on front. If it’s OK with you once we have tried a couple of different ones I will PM you?

@Thatsnotmycar of course, no problem. I believe that company were super helpful to my parents, the branch nearest actually brought a bike out for them to try. They had to be very specific as my sister's wheelchair was so custom as she couldn't support herself sitting up and has a hair slightly reclined etc. All the very best with finding something that suit 🙂

www.vanraam.com/en-gb/our-bikes/wheelchair-bike

still pricey, but less pricy than an adaped car...

I've seen a few of these in NL op. There are some versions where both can pedal and others where only one does. It's a duo tandem so you sit side by side.

www.care4more.nl/duofiets-fun2go

Some useful search terms for Dutch bikes for this are "fiets" + "beperking". I would do more searches now but in a rush. The side-by side option is also used by some nursing homes to enable people to get outside. They're electric too so if only one person pedalling, it's fine. Im not sure if wheelchairs can be carried on the back - which would aid doing more than a round tour, but worth asking.