bicycle for a disabled child

[david p.]

hey guys - i work with c.i.c.l.e. and we got an email over the weekend with this request:

Hi,
I have a son that is very disabled and cannot operate a bike on his own. Do you
know of any company that makes either a side car or back of bike hook up that I
would attach to my bike? He is 10 years old and weighs 60 pounds.

I'm trying to think of something that would work for this man and his son.  Without knowing more information, it might be difficult.  If he can balance on his own, he might be able to use something like that purple extension thing we have at the brw.  do you guys know of anything else that might work?

[steveby3]

Really depends on what the child is capable of.  Those extensions are good, the kid really doesn't need to have much balance at all because the bars don't even turn and there's no brakes--so there's really nothing for the kid to do but hold on and pedal if they want to. Pretty much any bike shop sells them and they fit on almost any bike.

another option is trailers, burley trailers can hold up to 100lbs depending on the model. they're a bit pricey though and the kid just kinda sits there and can't see or do anything... http://www.burley.com/products/child/solo.cfm

I also see people putting kids on the back of xtracycles, but i'm not sure how safe that is (or comfortable--it's just a big plank of wood)

[Alex Thompson]

David,

Why don't you guys ask Harv about this?  He seems like the sort that could weld up something, or if that's not feasible because of the writer's locale, he might know who to contact.  I swore I just read an article about custom builds for the handicapped on CICLE?

[david p.]

thanks for the suggestions guys... that is very helpful.
i'll let you know what i find out.

[faultymonk]

I'm trying to think of something that would work for this man and his son.  Without knowing more information, it might be difficult.  If he can balance on his own, he might be able to use something like that purple extension thing we have at the brw.  do you guys know of anything else that might work?

What about something like http://www.extraenergy.org/main.php?language=en&id=1327 ?  The thing comes with a seatbelt.



http://www.cyclelicio.us/2007/06/swiss-bicycle-sidecar.html

"The side-car can easily be attached with just a few turns to take a second person along or carry loads. An optional electric motor makes the trip even easier for the cyclist, and an optional child seat for the sidecar allows the cyclist to carry an infant on the bike. The 165 pound weight limit for the sidecar limits passengers to children and smaller adults."

[oregondan]

My mom works with disabled adults, the thing I would worry bout is with the kid behind you can't tell if he is doing something he shouldn't. But overall, seems the trail-a-bike would be the best option. Find out what kinda disability etc...

Good luck turning at speed with that sidecar! But it looks rad.