Cycling with polyneuropathy

For people with polyneuropathy, it is important to keep exercising as much as possible. For example, by cycling or walking for half an hour a day. This will keep you fit and strong. Read more about this condition and about the use of Van Raam bicycles with polyneuropathy in this article.


Cycling with polyneuropathy on an adapted bicycle

Exercise with polyneuropathy

Exercise is good for everyone, enough exercise keeps you fit longer and you are less likely to get tired. For people with polyneuropathy it is therefore important to keep exercising, as much as possible. What kind of exercise is still possible differs from person to person. Take your condition into account and respect your own limits. It is wise to always consult with your specialist or doctor.

Cycling with polyneuropathy on an adapted bicycle

Staying active with polyneuropathy by cycling has several advantages. For example, it provides relaxation and reduces the risk of other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and obesity. Want to know more benefits why cycling is so healthy? Then read the article '10 reasons why cycling is healthy'.

Adapted bicycles from Van Raam

Van Raam has several types of bicycles in its assortment that may be suitable for people with polyneuropathy. We have bikes for one person including: tricycles, low entry bikes, a walking aid and a mobility scooter bike. In addition, we also have bikes for cycling together, these are: tandems, wheelchair bikes, a side-by-side tandem and a rickshaw bike. See below the different categories. Click on the button underneath the category to go to the overview page of the category concerned.

Van Raam tricycles for people with polyneuropathy

Tricycles

Tricycles are a good and safe alternative for persons who can no longer cycle on a regular two-wheeler. Tricycles offer extra support and stability while cycling.

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Van Raam wheelchair bikes VeloPlus and OPair for polyneuropathy

Wheelchair bikes

Van Raam has two types of wheelchair bikes. The VeloPlus wheelchair transport bike (in which the passenger can remain seated in their own wheelchair) and the OPair wheelchair bike.

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Van Raam tandems for persons with polyneuropathy

Tandems

Van Raam's tandems can be used to cycle together with someone with polyneuropathy. We have two wheel tandems and three wheel tandems in our assortment.

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Van Raam side-by-side tandem for people with polyneuropathy

Side-by-side tandems

The Van Raam Fun2Go side-by-side tandem is a duobike on which you sit next to each other. It is also possible to cycle with four people on a side-by-side tandem, by connecting a FunTrain behind the Fun2Go.

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Van Raam low entry bicycles for people with polyneuropathy

Low entry bikes

Van Raam has 2 low entry bicycles. The Balance two wheel bike and the Maxi Comfort three wheel bike. On these bikes you can reach the ground with both feet without getting off.

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Van Raam City walking aid for persons with polyneuropathy

Walking aid

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

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Van Raam mobility scooter bike for persons with polyneuropathy

Scooter bike

The Easy Go scooter bike is a; bike, electric bike and mobility scooter in one. The mobility scooter bike is suitable for people with different energy levels.

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Van Raam rickshaw bike for persons with polyneuropathy

Rickshaw bike

The Chat is a rickshaw bike by Van Raam that can transport two people. The bicycle is suitable for people who can no longer independently participate in traffic.

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van raam cycling for polyneuropathy

What is polyneuropathy?

Polyneuropathy is a muscle disease. With polyneuropathy, the ends of the nerves in arms and legs are affected. Polyneuropathy means that the nerves in multiple (poly = many) places in the body are affected. Muscles and sensation then no longer function as they should. Complaints arising from polyneuropathy may include: numbness, tingling, changed sensation, pain, balance disorders, cramps, thinning of muscles and weakness. (Source: Muscular diseases Netherlands - Spierziekten Nederland)

adapted bicycles for polyneuropathy

Types of polyneuropathy

  • Demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIPD), in which the insulating sheath of the nerves in arms and legs become damaged. The nerves can no longer properly transmit signals from the brain to the muscles and from the skin to the brain. The consequences are symptoms of paralysis in arms and legs.
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome, is a disorder of the nerves outside the central nervous system: the motor nerves that run from the spinal cord to the muscles and the sensory nerves that go from the skin, joints and muscles to the spinal cord. People can be completely paralyzed from one moment to the next as a result.
  • Miller Fisher-syndrome, is a rare variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome in which there is usually a combination of double vision, balance problems when walking and the absence of tendon reflexes.
  • Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), is a muscle disease more common among men than women. The muscles slowly lose their strength, causing people to become increasingly limited. The muscles also become thinner. 
  • MGUS-polyneuropathy, is a chronic disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves, instead of harmful bacteria and viruses.  
  • CIAP, is a condition of the nerves that leads to a reduction or change in sensation and a failure or inadequate functioning of muscles. The condition is chronic and one deteriorates slowly.

(Source: Muscular diseases Netherlands - Spierziekten Nederland)

Customer experience

Leo Kostwinder has been a diabetic for over 30 years and was diagnosed with progressive polyneuropathy in 2016. Since then, he is unable to ride a regular bicycle and uses an Easy Rider tricycle. Read his customer experience below.

Easy Rider tricycle

"In the beginning of 2016 I was diagnosed with progressive polyneuropathy. Since then I am no longer allowed to drive or cycle with a regular bike. This news was difficult at the time."

Leo Kostwinder - Zwolle

Read more

Would you like more information?

Would you like more information about cycling with polyneuropathy on a Van Raam bicycle, or would you like to know something else? Please contact us, we are happy to help! You can reach us by phone: +31 (0)315 - 25 73 70, by e-mail: info@vanraam.com, or via the contact form.