Special needs trikes

[HairyMaclary]

Has anyone ever got a SN trike for their DC? If so are they worth it and which one did you get? My DS1 has mild / moderate CP but is not walking and finds normal trikes almost impossible to use. He really needs some independence though, not to mention some exercise and his 3rd birthday is in march so i'm looking at SN trikes. The one I like, Tom Cat,has no prices on it's website which makes me think it's very expensive! Does anyone have any tips?

My DS with cp had a WRK Supa Style trike when he was about 4. It was very good and has all the accessories, foot straps, extra high back support which also gives side support etc etc. It also has some fancy gear system that makes it easier to pedal (or less power needed to make it go?) You do need somewhere accessible to store it so it's easy to get in and out. It's quite heavy but does dismantle easily for transporting. They are very expensive, this one cost about £600 and that was 7 years ago. Have you had a look at the Whizzkids site. Sometimes you can get a grant. Also, the Kings Fund can sometimes help but not sure if they are a nationwide organisation (we're in S London/N Surrey).
DS is now 13(!my god, where did the years go) and has graduated to a chopper trike with no accessories. Although he still veers a little to the left due to his left side more affected by his cp than right.
(Actually, wouldn't want to push it, but I still have the Supa Style in the shed, just went and had a look, it's in very good condition. DS would probably appreciate about £100 towards his mission to equip his bedroom with every existing video game system. Post if you'd like me to email some pictures and if the location is of any use. But if not interested, feel free to come back with questions.)

Also, should have said the size is very adjustable, height of saddle, distance from sitting position to handlebars etc

we've got one of these a Colt one

it is massive - very difficult to take anywhere (we have a HUGE people carrier boot and it just manages it - we couldn't take it on holiday or anything)

it depends on the level of disabililty - dd1 is not strong enough really to make it go any distance on her own, so it is mainly me pulling her, but she does enjoy it and it does give her important muscle exercise. However due to the size/ difficulty of transport/ need to constantly supervise her, I did have to get a Homestart volunteer so that someone could look after dd2 on her little trike at the same time!

we were very lucky as we got it through our CDC, a nice anonymous elderly lady wanted to buy a 'wheeled item' for a couple of children and the CDC thought dd1 would benefit

Not a trike but we have a Bobby quad which has been excellent to give DD some exercise and independence. It's a large ride-on for age 3+, really stable and robust, fine for indoors or out. It has no pedals but the type you propel with feet so good exercise.
Not cheap (£70)but cheaper option than some. Bobby Quad

Another thought occurs.
Have you got a local Cycling for All group? Our local one runs a special needs session at a local athletic track and has quite a few bikes the kids can try out. If you are looking at making a big investment, best to try it out first.

we have a colt and find it brilliant.
have you looked into a pickle. they are sooooo cute look just like a old fashioned trike.

Hi,
I thought I had responded to this but I can't see my reply - I guess it got lost. Nuttynoel - we are in a very similar area S London /N Surrey and I would love to see some photos and would be very keen to see it. My email is [email protected]. I will look into a cycling for all group. I have never heard of them. I would like to be able to take a trike with us so that might count out the Colt, thanks for the link though Cappucino, I will look at it.
Reiver - DS1 finds it very difficult to propel anything with his feet, I thought pedals might be easier, but it seems a lot cheaper than other trikes so I will look at that too.

Your physio should be able to arrange demonstrations from different companies. All trikes differ, and certain ones will not suit certain children. We have got a Kitten trike from Quest 88. Our DS loves it!!
You can apply to charities for the funding. Our trike cost £856!! We got funding from our local radio station who has a charity called 'help a local child'. You could try 'the family fund' or 'whizzkids' as well.
Good luck

Will email some pics to you over weekend. Thought I had some already on comp but it appears not.
For info, Cycling for All run a special needs cycling group (mostly kids) one Saturday a month at the Croydon Arena in South Norwood. Check their website, they're a friendly bunch.
Nat is right, these companies are usually very happy to come out and demonstrate. DS is at St Giles and the physio arranged for the demos to take place in the school hall!