Cycling with autism on double rider cycle

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Cycling with autism

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Cycling with autism on double rider cycle

People with autism have a different way of processing information in the brain. Cycling can therefore be a challenge. Van Raam's adapted bicycles can help with this. Read more about cycling with autism and the use of an adapted bicycle.

What is autism?

Autism is a disorder that is not easy to describe. Although the exact cause is not known, we do know autism is a highly variable, neurodevelopmental disorder. In short, this means that information processing in the brain is different than with other people. There are big differences between people with autism. Some have a mental handicap, most have a normal or high intelligence. People with autism often feel comfortable with routine, rituals, structure and clarity. Unexpected events and changes can be difficult for them. More than 1% of the Dutch have autism. One in 160 children worldwide has autism (Source: Mentaal Beter, Gezondheidsnet and WHO).

Autism and cycling

In traffic you need to be able to observe, evaluate, decide and act quickly. And it is precisely this process that is not automatically implemented for someone with autism. Cycling becomes quite a challenge and can be very stressful. Also, people with autism can sometimes have (psycho)motor problems and have difficulty moving. Nevertheless, it is important that people with autism exercise regularly, such as cycling. Besides the fact that cycling is healthy, it also has a positive influence on social skills and communication. (Source: bewegen voor je brein).

Cycling with a brain disorder

With autism on an adapted bicycle

Van Raam is manufacturer of adapted bicycles. At Van Raam we have several adapted bicycles in our assortment that are suitable for a person with autism. The bicycles fall under the following categories:

  • tricycles to cycle with autism Van Raam

    Tricycles

    As the name suggests, these are bicycles with three wheels instead of two. A tricycle is very suitable if you have problems with your balance. At Van Raam we have traditional tricycles, tricycles with a seat and tricycles with two wheels at the front and one wheel at the back.

    Tricycles
  • Wheelchair bike Cycling with autism Van Raam

    Wheelchair bikes

    Van Raam's wheelchair bikes are suitable to transport someone who is in a wheelchair. The VeloPlus is a wheelchair transport bike and the OPair is a wheelchair bike with a built-in seat.

    Wheelchair bikes
  • Tandems Cycling with autism Van Raam

    Tandems

    At Van Raam we have tandems with two wheels or three-wheel tandems. Because of the low entry level or lack of entry and the different options the tandems are often used with people who can no longer cycle independently.

    Tandems
  • Duo Bike Cycling with autism Van Raam

    Double rider cycles

    At Van Raam we have tandems with two wheels or three-wheel tandems. Because of the low entry level or lack of entry and the different options the tandems are often used with people who can no longer cycle independently.

    Double rider cycles
  • Low entry bicycle Cycling with autism Van Raam

    Low step through bikes

    A low step through bike is a comfortable bike. Van Raam's low step through bikes have a unique frame, which makes it possible to always get on the ground with both feet, without getting off the bike.

    Low step through bikes
  • Walking aid Cycling with autism Van Raam

    Walking aid

    The walking aid is suitable for people who have difficulty walking or have problems standing for long periods of time. Your body weight is carried by the saddle of the walking aid, this relieves your leg joints.

    Walking aid
  • Scooter bike Cycling with autism Van Raam

    Scooter bike

    The scooter bike Easy Go is a mobility scooter and an (electric) bike in one. With this bike you can choose whether you cycle or use the mobility scooter setting.

    Scooter bike
  • Transport bikes Cycling with autism Van Raam

    Transport bikes

    The Van Raam transport bikes are used to transport people who cannot or do not want to participate in traffic independently.

    Transport bikes

Not every kind of bike is a match for someone with autism. That's why we always advise everyone to take a test ride on an adapted bike.

Would you like to see all Van Raam's adapted bikes again? You can do this via the 'Our bikes'-page.

All bikes

Cycling experiences of people with autism
User experience Fun2Go double rider cycle - Collin Capozzi
10 / 10
User experience Fun2Go double rider cycle - Collin Capozzi
Collin Capozzi (22) from Puurs, Belgium, has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but this doesn't stop him from cycling. In fact: Collin enjoys his bike rides enormously, it's his exhaust valve. Mother Paola tells more about Collin's experiences.
Read this customer experience
User experience tricycle for adults Maxi - Dominique van Steijn
9 / 10
User experience tricycle for adults Maxi - Dominique van Steijn
I am now 18 years old and I am still very happy with my tricycle! Without my tricycle I would never have been able to cycle!
Read this customer experience

Boy with autism gets custom bike donated

In northern Germany, the 16-year-old Max with autism received a Fun2Go custom bike through a fundraising campaign. Through the fundraising campaign of the sports club a nice amount was raised, after which the bicycle shop in Waren could order the Fun2Go from Van Raam.

Want to read more? Read here the full article: 'Van Raam Fun2Go custom bike makes autistic boy more mobile'.

Read the article here

Van Raam Fun2Go custom bike makes autistic boy more mobile
At the delivery of the custom bike (Source: Nordkurier Photo: Karberg)

Test adapted bike

At Van Raam it is possible to try the above bikes. During an appointment at Van Raam you will get a consultation from a technical advisor and it is possible to test one or more bicycles outside. It is possible to make use of the bicycle test track and you will receive a free offer. Read more about this process: How do I order a Van Raam custom bike?

Are you unfortunately not able to visit our showroom in Varsseveld? Then take a look at our dealer page to see which bicycle dealers are near you.

Find Dealer

Dealer overview Van Raam special needs bikes worldwide
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Nearly 1 in 6 of world’s population suffer from neurological disorders, according to a UN report. Neurological disorders are, for example, Alzheimer and Parkinson disease, strokes, multiple sclerosis and brain injuries, depression, autism and neuroinfections. All these disorders have a major impact on the patient's life. Where people used to be mobile and independent, it is sometimes difficult to accept that walking around with the dog is sometimes no longer possible. At Van Raam, we work every day on the mobility of our fellow human beings, and we ensure that people with a disability can stay mobile and independently for as long as possible. We also do this for people with a brain disorder. It is therefore good to hear that people with a brain disorder can still remain mobile, because of our special needs bicycles. In this article you can find more information about what we can do for people with a brain disorder.

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Cycling with Down syndrome on a special needs bike

For people with Down's syndrome, movement is not always easy. They often have less coordination and the muscles are not that strong. Nevertheless, movement is very important, and so is cycling. As a manufacturer of unique special needs bikes, Van Raam offers various possibilities and solutions for cycling with Down's syndrome, both for people who can cycle independently and for people who can't (or no longer) do so.

Do you have any questions?

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