Tandem for diabled teen

[Craig Ryan]

I've been approached by a family with a teen-age daughter in a wheel chair. They would like to have a tandem bicycle which would allow her to ride along in the back seat. She wouldn't pedal, and would be able to support herself if her seat were solid and had total pelvic support. Not sure what it would take to do something for her, but it would be interesting since only one set of pedals would be needed. She's a tiny thing, maybe 90lbs. I'm not sure if the family is serious about cycling, or they would just be interested in getting out about town and on the local trails. I mentioned a custom frame might get into some money and she said there might be grant money available.

This is outside the realm of my building desires. If you are interested in hooking up and investigating this, shoot me an email at cforestr@gmail.com

Craig

[Chauncey Matthews]

Seems like Dick and Rick Hoyt have a better idea for this kind of arrangement:
Team Hoyt

[dbohemian]

I have a tandem recumbent frame I built that I may be interested in selling cheap. There is still a lot to do though and you would have to complete the project.

[steve garro]

I'm outta here until Mon. & i'll talk about it then, Craig. do some reserch while i'm gone - what is her core stability like? does she want to pedal? she should - it will greatly help her health. given that, pedal with feet or arms? She could have a freewheel to coast at will. is she an SCI or a non-spinal issue? Do they know this is likely a $7,000+ project? there are stock units out there with a recumbent rider in the front & a standard AB rider in the back - glad to help, Garro.

[Craig Ryan]

I'll talk to her and try to get answers to these questions. Thanks!

[pruckelshaus]

I believe Bilenky has adapted his Viewpoint tandem to enable a disabled "stoker". The "Cargo" model with a seat instead of the front platform might be an even better option. The cargo is $2700 as a complete bike http://www.bilenky.com/Cargo_Main_Page.html

Pete

[Craig Ryan]

Thanks Pete, I'll get the info back to them. I think big money may be a problem for them, but 2700 might be in their market. FYI the girl was born with severe problem. She has a very twisted up back and poor ab strength. A tough kid. Thanks again for the help.
Craig

[steve garro]

the girl was born with severe problem. She has a very twisted up back and poor ab strength. A tough kid. Thanks again for the help.
Craig

this means that stabilising the core & having back support will be the #1 design element. think belt straps at the least, and back pack style straps at the extreme. how about her legs? any leg strength? does she WANT to exercise? what is her age? where does she live? it is very likely that she lives near a vocational rehab center which may be wiling to fund some of the cost - worth looking. also, she may be very inspired to visit an adaptive sports center - google it, they are all around the country. fixing a handcycle for a gal tomorrow, two wheelchairs in the shop, bumpercar city! - Glad to help, - Garro.

[Craig Ryan]

She's pretty hip to the whole idea and wants to do this if they can afford it. Her mother said there may be money available, but I haven't hooked up with her again to really find out. The girl would love it if her feet went around with the pedals, and I don't think it would too hard to account for staying on the saddle. It's almost as if a regular tandem could be retrofitted with a special seat. She's about 4' 10" and 15 years old... and tough as nails form what I've seen. I'll keep after it.
Craig

this means that stabilising the core & having back support will be the #1 design element. think belt straps at the least, and back pack style straps at the extreme. how about her legs? any leg strength? does she WANT to exercise? what is her age? where does she live? it is very likely that she lives near a vocational rehab center which may be wiling to fund some of the cost - worth looking. also, she may be very inspired to visit an adaptive sports center - google it, they are all around the country. fixing a handcycle for a gal tomorrow, two wheelchairs in the shop, bumpercar city! - Glad to help, - Garro.