MODIFIED BICYCLE
--- CUSTOM ADAPTATION --- PURPOSE: To enable a child with severe physical disabilities to experience bicycle riding. Designed for a child who is unable to walk or sit upright unaided, this cycle was created by modifying a standard child's two-wheeler. The first adaptation was to add a tow bar to the bike frame at the handle bars.The tow bar is equipped with a hand brake to aid in slowing the bike when going downhill. The existing seat was replaced by a larger one that provides greater stability; the seat was placed at a 15-degree angle to assist the user in sitting up straight and prevent the rider from sliding forward. An additional frame made of steel bar was attached to the bike frame at the back wheels and under the seat. This frame includes outrigger brackets with stabilizer wheels, and a high-riser bar behind and above the seat. Attached to the high-riser bar is a vertically- and horizontally-adjustable padded backrest. The backrest can be tilted up to 10 degrees. Above the back support is a wrap-around headrest that can also be tilted backward. A fin on the left side at the pelvic level prevents left leaning and bending over too far. A chest belt with Velcro closure and a lap belt with a seatbelt-style buckle provide additional stability. The bike was also fitted with Taddy footcups fixed to the existing pedals; Velcro straps secure the feet in place. The back wheel was fixed to permit the pedals to turn when the wheel turns, providing the sensation of pedaling and exercising the legs. The bike is also equipped with wrap-around hand splints to keep the rider's hands on the handlebars; the splints are made of wetsuit material and fasten with Velcro at the underside of the wrists.TITLE: A Bike for Christmas. JOURNAL: TAD Journal. REF: Vol. 21 no. 3, Spring 2001: p. 12-13. PAGES (including cover): 3 2001.
Notes: Velcro is a registered trademark of Velcro USA. ** This journal is available in the collection of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC).
Price: Contact manufacturer.
This product record was updated on September 23, 2003.
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Technical Aid to the Disabled (TAD)
TADNSW is a charity organisation that has the authority to fundraise. TAD uses volunteers dedicated to the design, construction and provision of aids for people with disabilities. Members of TAD provide a resource pool comprising a range of design, engineering, rehabilitation, computer, therapy and other professional and technical skills. Aids custom-designed by TAD volunteers are described in the TAD Journal.Locked Bag 2008
Wentworthville, New South Wales 2145
Australia
Telephone: 011-61-2-9912-3400.
Fax: 011-61-2-9890-1911.
Web: http://www.tadnsw.org.au.
Email: tad@tadnsw.org.au.
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