Children with physical and learning disabilities may find it difficult to use some trikes and bikes but that shouldn’t be a reason for them not to join in with their peers. There are several companies, which provide a free service to assess your child in order to find the most suitable trike.
Quest 88 and Theraplay both offer free assessments and our paediatric physiotherapist Lindsey has used both of these companies when treating children with neurodisabilities.
All trikes can be modified to offer as little or as much support as your child needs including head and/or trunk control, low gears, a control pole, footplates with or without leg straps, panels to help position hips and adaptations to hold arms in place. Each child is assessed then given a quote which can be self funded or you can approach charities with a supporting letter from you and your child’s physiotherapist.
The therapeutic benefits of cycling are endless and include cardiovascular fitness, muscle strengthening, promoting head and/or trunk control as well as promoting inclusion and benefitting children psychologically. Does your child use an adapted cycle or trike? Let us know how their bike or trike has made a difference to their quality of life in the comments section below!