Special Needs Tricycles
Children and adults with disabilities have difficulty in finding proper exercise equipment to help with increasing their strength and endurance. Poor balance, decreased strength and increased tone may make it difficult for these individuals to use standard bicycles. Therefore, there are several types of special needs tricycles on the market, making bicycle riding accessible to the disabled population. Several such options are currently on the market. Rifton Tricycles
The Rifton tricycle is probably the most common option for special needs tricycles. They come in standard sizes and tend to be less costly than special needs tricycles that are custom built.
The Rifton special needs tricycles are divided into three different sizes. The smallest is the Rustler tricycle. This particular tricycle is for elementary school-aged children. The tricycle fits children whose inside leg length is between 17 and 22 inches in length. The second tricycle is called the Ranger tricycle. This tricycle is most appropriate for children in late elementary school and middle school age. The inner leg length should be about 17 to 28 inches. This size offers a lot of growth due to the significant growth done within this age span. The third tricycle is called the Wrangler, which fits adult sized individuals. This model is most appropriate for individuals with inner leg length measure of 25 to 35 inches. The Rifton special needs tricycles come in three different color options. It comes in red, blue and lime. The seat, back and handle bar are black in color. The Rifton tricycle comes standard with solid tires, back support pad, seat belt, heel and toe straps and storage box.
There are several options available, which are all up charges on the Rifton tricycle. Those options are: seat type, handlebar type, handbrake, tray, abductor, trunk support, guide bar and front pulley system.
You can expect to pay about $1,200 to $1,500 for these special needs tricycles. However, they will grow with the child/individual and can really help increase strength and endurance, while having fun. Overall, Rifton special needs tricycles are well liked by both therapists and families. Freedom Concepts Tricycles
Freedom Concepts special needs tricycles are custom made for each individual. Careful, accurate measurements are needed to assure proper fit. Many choices must be made when choosing this tricycle such as, handle bar type, wheel option, seat and back type are some of the options available. However, it can be quite sophisticated if you want minute detail. Choices such as, pedal power strength, crank arm length, propulsion type and chain type can help the efficiency of the wheelchair biking enthusiast. The nature of such detail comes with a high price tag, but for a child or adult who cannot ride a basic model tricycle, this independence is priceless.
I have enjoyed using the Freedom Concepts special needs tricycles because of the comfort and adjustability they have. One of the functions that I like the most is how the handle bar can be moved completely out of the way to allow for Hoyer transfers or two person transfers. Other special needs tricycles, on the market, do not offer that. Hence, that makes it a great selling point. Also, the seat offered, gives more seat depth and offers some lateral support, which makes the rider feel more comfortable and safe.
The Freedom Concepts staff attends many of the disability expositions with their collection of special needs tricycles. Therefore, if you seriously are considering purchasing one, make sure you or your child is assessed, so you will not be disappointed. You can expect to pay anywhere from $3500 to $6000 for one of these tricycles.
Invacare Handcycles
The Invacare handcycles come in a variety of different models. Some are much sporty than others, depending on what you are looking for. The hand cycle usually appeals most to individuals who are lacking lower extremity control and sensation. Individuals with spinal cord injury or with Spina Bifida tend to be the main users of these tricycles. The users should have good upper extremity range of motion and strength to be efficient in using these. These special needs tricycles usually have a bucketed seat design to help decrease gravity’s pull on the user trunk. This allows the user to focus on using just their arm strength for the movement. Also, the tires are cambered. This means they are tilted in, which helps with increasing speed and maneuverability. The users’ hands operate the pedals, either in a reciprocal or symmetrical style. Steering is usually much easier in a tricycle, in which, both arms move together at the same time. These special needs tricycles carry a price tag of about $2,000 to $8,000, depending on model and accessories chosen. Funding of Special Needs Tricycles Most health insurances do not offer coverage for special needs tricycles. This is unfortunate because of the health benefits it provides. However, there are alternative funding sources available to help fund special needs tricycles. If you work with a case manager or social worker, they may have specific knowledge of funding sources pertaining to your diagnosis. Other sources include, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association or your local Elk’s or church organizations. There is funding if you spend the time and energy looking for it.
Last Update: 2/19/08 This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor or any other health care provider. Global Rehab Technologies, LLC disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. To contact us, please e-mail globalrehabtech@roadrunner.com
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