Van Raam's Balance bicycle
Low step through and unique seating position; both feet on the floor immediately
For the past 30 years Van Raam has been manufacturing the ideal, safe bike for elderly. During the Fietsrai of 1985 architect Piet Tauber received an award from minister Kroes (Ministry of transport, traffic and water management) as winner of a contest for safe bikes. He won this price for his effort in the designing process of the (Tavara) Balance. Van Raam still manufactures this bicycle. The bicyle has a unique frame: a low step through and, when seated, the rider’s feet can always reach the ground immediately. Unlike a regular low step through bicycle, the (Tavara) Balance is equipped with a lowered seat. Regular low step through bikes have an elevated seating position and causes elderly to still fall.
The ergonomics of the frame is such that the low step through allows the rider to get on and off the bicycle easily. Despite this low step through and the lowered seat the rider is still able to make to make the optimum pedal movement. This is because the rider is not above, but behind the crank-gear. The unique seating position allows the rider to reach for the floor with both feet and causes its center of gravity to be lower. More forward pedal movement to allows the riders to utilize the strength of their leg muscles more efficiently than with a regular bicycle. This makes biking easier and more comfortable. Van Raam’s Balance’s frame construction also reduces stress on wrists, back, neck and shoulders.
Read more about the Balance bike