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Customer experience Easy Rider tricycle – Frank Arendsen
The life of Frank Arendsen, owner of Pedaleur, changed suddenly in early 2026 following an accident. During his rehabilitation, he started using the Easy Rider tricycle from vanRaam. During that period, he discovered for himself what cycling can mean when you are looking for freedom and independence. In an interview, he speaks candidly about how the Easy Rider helped him to get moving again.
Frank, how are you doing now?
For Frank, rehabilitation was not only about physical recovery. It also required patience, adjustment and accepting that not everything is immediately possible again. That is not always easy for someone who likes to stay active. He explains how he is doing now.
“Generally, I’m doing well,” says Frank. “But my patience is certainly being put to the test. Sometimes you want to do more, and do it sooner, than is possible or allowed.”
Things that used to be effortless suddenly took a great deal of energy. Doing a small job, going out or simply going for a short ride was no longer a matter of course. Frank also noticed how small your world can become when you are less mobile. That is exactly why it became important to find ways to get outside again and keep moving.
During his recovery, Frank is gradually building up his activities again. He gets around on crutches, trains on the Tacx and goes swimming when he can.
From mobility scooter to Easy Rider tricycle
At first, Frank used a mobility scooter. It enabled him to get around again, but he soon swapped it for the Easy Rider tricycle.
The tricycle gave him the opportunity to go out independently, while also continuing to exercise in a responsible way.
“Movement. That is the biggest difference compared with a mobility scooter. On a mobility scooter, you are just sitting still. Now you are moving and putting weight on your body again in a way that is allowed. It really helps with rehabilitation.”
For Frank, that combination of support, stability and pedalling for himself made a big difference. He now uses the Easy Rider for various journeys, such as going to work, going to rehabilitation or heading out to sit on a terrace somewhere.
“At some point, you no longer even think about the fact that you are riding a tricycle. You are simply cycling. Get past that, because you gain so much freedom in return.”
The image of the tricycle
Frank understands that some people need time to get used to the idea of a tricycle. Yet he mainly sees what it gives you. According to him, once you realise how much freedom you regain, the feeling of “riding a tricycle” becomes less important.
“At some point, you no longer even think about the fact that you are riding a tricycle. You are simply cycling. Get past that, because you gain so much freedom in return.”
Frank fully understands that a tricycle is an investment. At the same time, he mainly focuses on what the cycle gives him.
“At first you think: that is a lot of money. But in the end, freedom is priceless, especially when you consider how much you get back in return. There are also leasing options, which make it more accessible for many people to enjoy cycling again.”
The benefits of the Easy Rider
Comfort is important during rehabilitation. Every ride needs to feel pleasant and safe. Frank is positive about the seating position of the Easy Rider tricycle and the support it provides while cycling.
“The seat is genuinely surprisingly comfortable. The range also pleasantly surprised me. With the support set to the middle level, you can easily cycle a hundred kilometres. And with just a few turns of the pedals, you really pick up speed quickly.”
Looking ahead
Rehabilitation does not follow a straight line. Sometimes your mind wants more than your body can manage. Still, Frank tries to focus mainly on the steps that are possible. It is precisely those small moments that give him confidence and energy.
“Being able to stand upright on my own two legs again or swim a few lengths – those are already things that genuinely make me happy.”
This period has also made him more aware of what is important: enjoying what is possible, staying true to yourself and doing what makes you happy.
“You suddenly realise that life really does hang by a thread,” says Frank. “Carpe diem sounds like a cliché, but ultimately it is true. Try to enjoy life, do not take it too seriously, and do not always take everything so much to heart. In the end, you are mainly hurting yourself. Above all, stay true to yourself. Do not do what others expect of you, but what makes you happy.”
Frank Arendsen - Doetinchem (NL)
Bike: Easy Rider tricycle
This customer experience is based on an article by Pedaleur.
Pros & cons
- Comfortable seat
- Long range
- Powerful support
- Investment
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