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Building a bike for my special needs son


Wally39

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Posted

Hi Guys

 

My son is 11 and has cerebral palsy. He is wheelchair bound and cannot support his upper body. He loves the sensation of movement and speed. I love trail/ enduro riding and spending time with him.

 

The solution is pretty obvious: I need to build a bike (more than likely a trike or quad) that enables me to strap him in and then sit next to or infront of him and steer. I have seen several designs for people who can move arms etc and can operate by themselves but this is not an option for us. I need a design that allows for myself and him on the same bike.

 

Also preferably something that I could pedal up and then do some basic single track down. Does not need huge travel. 

 

Do any of you know of such a beast or who I could speak to to find out more about designing etc?

 

Cheers

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Posted

Hi Guys

 

My son is 11 and has cerebral palsy. He is wheelchair bound and cannot support his upper body. He loves the sensation of movement and speed. I love trail/ enduro riding and spending time with him.

 

The solution is pretty obvious: I need to build a bike (more than likely a trike or quad) that enables me to strap him in and then sit next to or infront of him and steer. I have seen several designs for people who can move arms etc and can operate by themselves but this is not an option for us. I need a design that allows for myself and him on the same bike.

 

Also preferably something that I could pedal up and then do some basic single track down. Does not need huge travel. 

 

Do any of you know of such a beast or who I could speak to to find out more about designing etc?

 

Cheers

 

What about a MTB for you pulling a trailor - something like this - but modified for you son.

post-3699-0-62127100-1505043754_thumb.jpg

Posted

Anyway what ever solution you find - hope you find one I applaud you for your efforts with your son.

 

The two of you go enjoy some trails :thumbup:  :thumbup: :thumbup:  :thumbup:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  

Posted

Maybe try incorporating some sort of E-bike tech into it
pushing such a beast will be a huge effort for one rider on a trail
Good luck hope to see it up and going soon

Post a pic of the huge smile when he hits the trails 

Posted

What about a MTB for you pulling a trailor - something like this - but modified for you son.

Ja, we had one of those but he out-grew it. I am also a bit weary of towing a trailer on a trail. I think you could end up jack-knifing quite easily.

 

I think for now I will look at getting 2 x 26ers and making a trike. Drive train and rear suspension could be interesting.

 

I will need lots of parts. maybe some 650B parts for my bike will find their way into the basket....

Posted

The quad bike thing  sounds cool , but then he's on his own and will have to know very well where the jumps are to avoid them ( for obvious reasons)

 

Hope you find something soon :)

Posted

Would you be able to balance both your weights if an upscaled child seat + reinforced pannier modification could be made? A 2-wheeler will be much more manoeuverable.

Posted

@Wally, I applaud you for your desire and plan to take your son riding. I hope you find what you need. Please share here if you find a bike that's suitable, as it can also help others in a similar situation. Also a dad of a special needs son

Posted

Why not a tandem sized design, with just the two wheels, and a seat type holder for your boy?

 

If you've seen that Martyn Ashton video where he's done some riding with his lower half paralyzed, surely you could come up with something similar and just be able to extend the back rest to strap him in?

 

A bit long for trails but it will fit on almost anything and you won't be worrying about trailers, etc?

 

Good luck man. Such and awesome effort!

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