A wheelchair bike and duo bike for residential care facility

Wheelchair bike for residential care facility

In 2016 the VeloPlus wheelchairbike with electric pedal support was purchased. A wheelchair bicycle was chosen because this bicycle allows wheelchair users to remain seated in their own wheelchair. The residential care facility was able to purchase the wheelchair bicycle thanks to sponsorship, the organisation of activities and with the support of the municipality. You can read more information about this in the article: 'Tips for raising money for a special needs bike'.

Almost half of the 150 residents of the Wissekerke residential care facility are in wheelchairs. The wheelchair bike gives them the opportunity to still get outdoors and feel the wind through their hair. Read more about this in: 'Special needs bikes as a bicycle taxi for the elderly'. Volunteer Garry cycles daily with the residents, so there was a need for a second bicycle.

Second bike: A Fun2Go duo bike

The residents wanted a second bicycle, they decided to go for a duo bike. In March 2020 the duo bike Fun2Go was purchased. City Counsel Member Filip Vercauteren tells HLN about the purchase of the duo bike: "After we saw the success of the first bike, we found this investment more than justified. It is important that the residents come out into the fresh air".

With the duo bike Fun2Go a resident can sit next to a volunteer and the resident can ride along as well. With the new bike extra volunteers are needed as well. Patrick Van Hoyweghen offered himself as a volunteer. He is retired and was looking for a fun pastime with which he can make others happy as well. With the wheelchair bike and duo bike he can now go for a daily bike ride with residents.

The residents are always free to choose where the bike ride goes and often choose for their old residential area. The favorite thing they do is to look at their former neighbourhood again. Sometimes there are some stops along the way, because the resident will have a chat with an old acquaintance. Garry tells HLN that he notices that during a bike ride the residents are completely revived.

Video: The two special needs bikes at the residential care facility

In the video (in Dutch) from HLN you can see the two special needs bikes in use at the residential care facility. Two cycling volunteers talk about cycling with residents on the wheelchair bike and the duo bike.

Watch video

VeloPlus wheelchair transport bike

The VeloPlus is a wheelchair transport bike. On this bike someone can be transported in his or her own wheelchair. At the front of the bicycle there is a tilting platform. Once the wheelchair has been ridden on the platform, the platform clicks itself into place and the wheelchair can be attached to the bicycle with belts. The wheelchair is then safely secured while cycling.

The optional winch system makes it even easier to place the wheelchair on the platform. Instead of the driver using his or her own power to push the wheelchair user including the wheelchair up or down the bicycle, the electric winch takes over. 

The wheelchair bike is easy to use and thanks to the wide and extra steering front wheels you have a small turning circle and stability. The VeloPlus is also available with many options, including an electric motor or a reinforced version.

More about the VeloPlus