TEAM Resource Library Topic: Adaptive Bikes
Bike riding often does not come easy for children with special needs. Coordinating balance, steering and pedaling is an extremely difficult task. And, for children with spina bifida, CP and other similar conditions, riding a traditional two wheel bicycle may never be anappropriate option. However, with use of an adaptive bike, many children with motor impairments can learn to experience the joy associated with riding bikes.
One of the most important aspects of developing opportunities for successful cycling is selecting a bike, bike trailer or bike leader that is a good match for your child and family. Recommendations from your child’s physical and occupational therapists will be extremely beneficial during the process of selecting a bicycle. To get an idea about some of the options available visit www.freedomconcepts.com.
Cost of Modified Bicycles
As with other bicycles, there is a huge range in cost for modified bicycles. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Waiver funds can be used to purchase adaptive bikes. Additionally, there are various scholarship and fundraising options available. A letter of medical necessity written by your therapist will likely play an important role in securing funding. Inquire with your physical therapist and/or occupational therapist to learn more about the processes involved with seeking funding.
Local Bike Scholarship Program
Heroes for Kids is an organization which was started by one of Children’s Therapy TEAM’s own youths, Dima Clark. The organization raises money for TeamWorks and local bike scholarships. Through the use of a recumbent style bicycle, Dima overcomes the mobility challenges he has related to having CP and is able to ride up to twenty miles in one outing with his family! When funds are available, the Heroes for Kids scholarship program uses therapist recommendations to match kids with the following types of modified bikes:
Recumbent Trike for youth, (est. cost $1000)
Recumbent Trike for smaller children (est. cost $800)
Tandem Bike for smaller, lower mobility kids, (est. cost $400)
Tandem Bike for larger, higher mobility kids, (est. cost $350)
Ongoing Maintenance Costs
Beyond the initial purchase of the bicycle, there are also costs associated with continued upkeep and maintenance to ensure ongoing safety. Annual tune-ups and inspections can run between $15-$100 depending on the particular bike shop and what is included in the maintenance package. Some local bike shops even offer free life-time tune-ups if the bike is purchased at their shop. The need for maintenance, like cars, however depends greatly on how many miles per year of use the bike accumulates. Some skilled parents may be able to avoid bike shop maintenance costs all together, if they have the tools, time and skill to do the maintenance on their own.
Local Bike Shops
If you have a particularly good experience buying a modified bike at a local bike shop we would like to hear about it. email: share@childrenstherapyteam.com