hey Leslie,

there are companies that make a kit that bolts onto most normal two wheelers. it's been years since i looked, but if i recall correctly, they run about $200 per kit. they're essentially big sturdy outrigger training wheels with inflatable tires that turn the bike into a trike/four wheeler.

we had such a student who didn't have the reflexes needed to ride on two wheels, but WANTED a bike. we reached out to a local artist/welder/freakbike maker, and showed him some designs. once the student picked out his bike, we dropped it off at the welder's shop and had him fabricate some stability wheels for it.

here's a picture: http://www.burnworks.org/2009/07/stability-bike-project.html

a local news station picked up the story and did a piece on the whole thing (the class, Community Cycles, the student. the bike, and the welder) but i'm having trouble finding the video. it looks like the news station is no longer hosting it.

On Mon, Nov 26, 2012 at 2:04 PM, Leslie Peteya lesliepeteya@gmail.comwrote:

Hi all, I remember a while ago someone posted an email about adaptive bikes for children and adults with disabilities. Do any organizations specialize in building or acquiring bikes for these kids, and if so, how can I get in contact with them?

I recently had a request for an adaptive bike at our co-op, and we're not really set up to custom-make one.

Best, Leslie Durham Bike Co-op

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Holy Moses, if any co-op can get into making these adaptive bikes / trikes, there could be a solid revenue stream there. (The prices seem absurd, is this something that one can get covered by insurance / disability funding?)

http://www.adaptivemall.com/specneedtric.html

Depending on the size of the kid, finding a tricycle / adult tricycle on craigslist might be an option.

Good luck!

On Mon, Nov 26, 2012 at 11:04 AM, Leslie Peteya lesliepeteya@gmail.comwrote:

Hi all, I remember a while ago someone posted an email about adaptive bikes for children and adults with disabilities. Do any organizations specialize in building or acquiring bikes for these kids, and if so, how can I get in contact with them?

I recently had a request for an adaptive bike at our co-op, and we're not really set up to custom-make one.

Best, Leslie Durham Bike Co-op

---

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