11 frequently asked questions about the Van Raam OPair wheelchair bike

The OPair is a Van Raam wheelchair bike for 2 people whereby 1 person sits in the seat at the front of the bike and the other controls the bike. Read the answers to the 11 most frequently asked questions about the OPair in this article.


Frequently asked questions about the OPair wheelchair bike

Read below the answers to the 11 most frequently asked questions about Van Raam's OPair wheelchair bike:

frequently asked questions about the Van Raam OPair wheelchair bike

1. What is the OPair wheelchair bike?

The OPair wheelchair bike is a bike with a seat mounted at the front for the passenger. The rider sits behind this and has a good view of the passenger and the road.

2. Who is the OPair wheelchair bike suitable for? 

The OPair wheelchair bike is suitable for cycling together with a wheelchair user. This can be either a child or an adult who can no longer cycle independently. A wheelchair user can be transported in the seat at the front of the wheelchair bike. For this, a transfer of the wheelchair user between wheelchair and bicycle must be possible.

What is the difference between the OPair and VeloPlus wheelchair bike
Left: OPair, right: VeloPlus

3. What is the difference between the OPair and VeloPlus wheelchair bikes?

Both are wheelchair bicycles from Van Raam. With the VeloPlus wheelchair bike, a wheelchair user can be transported in his or her own wheelchair. There is no need for a transfer between the wheelchair and the bike. With the OPair wheelchair bike, the passenger cannot remain seated in his or her own wheelchair and a transfer is required. Read the article 'Which type of wheelchair bike is most suitable for you?' for more information.

4. Will the OPair wheelchair bike fit through a standard doorway?

Yes, the OPair wheelchair bike will fit through a standard doorway and can therefore be easily stored in the barn or other storage area.

hip belt of the OPair wheelchair bike
Hip belt of the OPair wheelchair bike

5. Can the wheelchair user be secured in the seat with a belt?

The OPair comes standard with a hip belt. This ensures that the passenger sits safely in the seat at the front of the bicycle. Optionally, the OPair can also be equipped with a 4-point belt and a 5-point belt for children and adults (also in xl version).

6. Can the seat and backrest of the wheelchair bike be adjusted?

The seat of the OPair can be adjusted to the body dimensions of the passenger. In addition, the backrest and the extendable side supports can also be adjusted to the passenger. This ensures optimal seating comfort.

The seat width is adjustable on the Van Raam OPair wheelchair bike

7. Is it possible to adjust the seat width on the bike?

The regular seat width of the OPair is 50 cm. With the option 'adjustable seat width', the seat width can be adjusted between 23,5 and 33,5 cm with two side supports. This option is often purchased for children transported on the OPair wheelchair bike.

8. Is it possible to have an Opair with back-pedal brake and pedal support?

A back-pedal brake combined with pedal support is not possible on the OPair wheelchair bike. This is because the electric motor of the OPair is placed on the rear wheel when pedal support is provided, which means that a back-pedal brake is not possible. Read more about pedal assistance on the Pedal support-page.

Pedal support
Van Raam OPair wheelchair bike with detachable frame

9. Is the wheelchair detachable from the bicycle?

The OPair wheelchair bike can be equipped with a detachable frame as an option. The front section is easily detached from the rear of the bicycle. The front can then be used as a wheelchair on location. The passenger can remain seated in the chair while disconnecting. 

Detachable frame at Van Raam bikes

10. What are the most popular options for the OPair wheelchair bike?

You can customize the OPair wheelchair bike with various options and accessories. The following options are often purchased with the OPair wheelchair bike:

  • Pedal support (Smart E-bike)
  • Detacheble frame
  • Adjustable seat width
  • SmartGuard tyres
  • Adjustable headrest for passenger

Van Raam Opair wheelchair bike

11. How much does the OPair wheelchair bike cost?

The price of the OPair wheelchair bike depends on the different options and accessories you need/want on your bike. See the price list on the product page for the prices of the bike and all the options.

More about the OPair

Do you have any questions?

Do you have any questions about the OPair wheelchair bike, or anything else? Let us know. We will be happy to help you! You can reach us by phone: +31 (0)315 - 25 73 70, e-mail: info@vanraam.com, or by filling out the contact form.