10 most asked questions about the Van Raam wheelchair bikes OPair and VeloPlus

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10 most asked questions about the Van Raam wheelchair bikes

Bikes \ Wheelchair bikes
Van Raam
10 most asked questions about the Van Raam wheelchair bikes OPair and VeloPlus

Van Raam has two wheelchair bikes in its product range, both of which have their advantages and unique features. In this article, you will find the 10 most frequently asked questions about Van Raam's wheelchair bikes.

1. What is a wheelchair bike?

A wheelchair bike or wheelchair transport bike is used to transport someone who uses a wheelchair by bicycle. It is often intended for two persons. For people who are no longer able to cycle independently and are wheelchair-dependent, a wheelchair bike is a good and safe alternative to enjoying cycling together.

10 most asked questions about Van Raam wheelchair bikes OPair and VeloPlus

2. What kind of wheelchair bikes does Van Raam have?

Van Raam has two wheelchair bikes in its product range:

  • OPair wheelchair bike

On the OPair wheelchair bike, the passenger takes place in the comfortable seat at the front of the bike. From the rearside, the driver has a good view of both the road and the passenger. The passenger can enjoy the view. The front part with the seat can be easily detached from the bicycle part of the divisible variant, so that it can be used as a wheelchair on location.

Cycling together with OPair wheelchair bike by Van Raam
  • VeloPlus wheelchair transportbike

The VeloPlus is a bicycle that can transport people in their own wheelchair. Without any lifting aid or much effort, the passenger is wheeled onto the tilted ramp of the bike and secured with the wheelchair lock. The low position of the chair on the bicycle makes the ride easier and gives a lower centre of gravity.

If you are not sure which wheelchair bike is best for you or your situation, we would like to give you some tips. Read more in the article 'Which type of wheelchair bike is most suitable for you?'.

Cycling together with the Van Raam wheelchair bike VeloPlus

3. For whom are Van Raam wheelchair bikes suitable?

The Van Raam wheelchair bikes OPair and VeloPlus are suitable for people who use a wheelchair and who are no(t) (longer) able to cycle independently. They take place on the wheelchair bike as a passenger to enjoy bicycle rides together with the driver.

4. How do you cycle with a wheelchair bike?

A wheelchair bike cycles differently from a regular bike with two wheels. A wheelchair bike has a driver and a passenger. On the VeloPlus, the passenger even sits in his/her own wheelchair. Both of Van Raam's wheelchair bike models have three wheels.

In any case, it is important to get to know the bicycle well first. More explanation about this tip and some other useful tips for cycling with a wheelchair bike can be found in the article: 'Tips for cycling with a wheelchair bike'.

View the tips here

How do you cycle with Van Raam wheelchair bikes OPair and VeloPlus

Tip! Make a test ride with a wheelchair bike

We always recommend to try out a special needs bike, such as a wheelchair bike, extensively. During a free appointment at Van Raam (in the Netherlands), you can make a test ride with both of our wheelchair bicycles. On the specially designed Van Raam bicycle test track (designed with various traffic obstacles), you can test the wheelchair bike of your choice. At some Van Raam dealers, it is also possible to make a test ride. Please contact your local dealer for details.

Find a Van Raam dealer

5. What are the unique characteristics of the wheelchair bikes?

Van Raam's OPair and VeloPlus wheelchair bikes have the following unique characteristics:

  • The passenger can be brought close to the final destination
  • There is social contact between the driver and the passenger
  • The passenger can enjoy a bike ride (again) and feel the wind blow through their hair
  • You are not dependent on third parties for transport
  • Stable and safe cycling
  • Wheelchair bikes are environmentally friendly
  • It is possible to extend the wheelchair bikes with many options and accessories (see question 8)

Use the buttons below to view the unique riding characteristics of the OPair and the VeloPlus.

Unique characteristics of the wheelchair bikes Van Raam VeloPlus

6. How can I transport or store a Van Raam wheelchair bike?

A wheelchair bike is larger than a regular bicycle. To make transporting or storing a wheelchair bike easier, you can choose whether you want a divisible frame.

Divisible wheelchair bike OPair

The divisible OPair allows you to use the front part of the wheelchair bike as a wheelchair on location. Watch the video below to find out how to divide the OPair, and read more in the article 'Dividing Van Raam wheelchair bike OPair (video)'.

Divisible wheelchair transport bike VeloPlus

The VeloPlus can also be optionally divided, allowing you to store and transport the bike in a space-saving manner. Watch the video below to find out how to share the VeloPlus, and read more in the article 'How to divide the Van Raam wheelchair bike VeloPlus? - Video'.

7. Are the Van Raam wheelchair bikes electric?

Would you like an electric wheelchair bike? You can optionally choose pedal support for your wheelchair bike. Van Raam has its own electrical pedal support system, the Silent System. This system has been developed by and for Van Raam.

An electric wheelchair bike is characterized by the:

  • Simple operation
  • 3 settings + personal adjustable support
  • Starting aid
  • Cycling forwards and backwards with pedal support
  • The ability to cycle with a free E-Bike App
Electric wheelchair bike by Van Raam

In addition, all Van Raam bicycles are delivered as Smart E-Bikes. A 'smart bike' is connected to the internet and communicates via the smart battery. The advantage is that you can remotely view a lot of information about your bicycle and the battery via the app on your phone.

Read more about pedal support on the pedal support page.

Read more about pedal support

8. What are the most popular wheelchair bike options?

The OPair and VeloPlus wheelchair bikes can be expanded with various options and accessories. By putting together the bicycle yourself, you can make sure that the bicycle meets your wishes and needs. The most popular options for wheelchair bikes are:

Popular options OPair

  • Pedal support

  • Divisible frame

  • Adjustable seat width, whick makes it suitable for children

  • Seatbelts

Options for Van Raam wheelchair bikes divisible frame
Option divisible frame for the OPair wheelchair bike

Popular options VeloPlus

  • Pedal support

  • Anti-puncture tyres

  • Electric winch to load the passenger and wheelchair onto the bike

  • Reinforced front section (Passenger and wheelchair max 200 kg)

All possible options can be found on the bike price lists. The price lists can be found on the product page for the OPair and the VeloPlus.

Tip! Configure your own wheelchair bike online

With Van Raam's online configurator, you can put together your own wheelchair bike in just a few easy steps. For example, choose a wheelchair bike with pedal support or with other options and accessories.

All the options you choose are visible in the overview on the page, and you will immediately see the price of the wheelchair bike with the chosen options.

Configure a wheelchair bike

9. How much do Van Raam wheelchair bikes cost?

The price of an OPair or VeloPlus wheelchair bike depends on the various options and accessories that you need/want on your bike. View the price list on the product page of the wheelchair bike in question for the prices of the bike and all its options, or view the price of your configured bike in the online configurator.

10. Are there any customer experiences with the wheelchair bikes?

Van Raam has several customer experiences for both the OPair wheelchair bike and the VeloPlus wheelchair transport bike from around the world. You can view some of these experiences below, and check out other experiences via the buttons below.

Van Raam wheelchair bikes OPair and VeloPlus
Customer experience OPair wheelchair bike Peter Crain
10 / 10
Customer experience OPair wheelchair bike - Peter Crain
Peter's sister Jenny was an olympic marathon runner but after an accident, she suffered brain damage. Now they spend a lot of time together in the summers with the two of them and the OPair wheelchair bike. Peter tells us more about their experiences (including video).
Read this customer experience
Customer experience OPair wheelchair bicycle - Family Brandt
9 / 10
Customer experience OPair wheelchair bicycle - Family Brandt
Unfortunately Niklas cannot ride a bike on his own, but with the OPair wheelchair bike he can once again go on bike tours with the whole family. Read more about this experience and watch the pictures around videos of the family.
Read this customer experience
customer experience veloplus electric wheelchair bike angelica malinverni
10 / 10
Customer experience VeloPlus electric wheelchair bike - Angelica Malinverni
My name is Angelica Malinverni (49), I come from Italy and I’m the mom of Caterina (24) who has a disability since she was born. We recently purchased the VeloPlus electric wheelchair bike and it has changed our lives! Read more about our experiences here and watch the video of Caterina and the VeloPlus.
Read this customer experience

Do you have any questions?

We are happy to assist you! Please check our contact page or contact us directly using the options below.