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vanRaam produces uniquely special needs bicycles and specializes in tricycles, transport bikes, scooterbikes, wheelchair bikes, tandem bikes, double rider bikes, and low step trough bikes (also known as comfortbikes). Each model is also available as an electric bike (Pedelec).
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vanRaam is a Dutch producer of unique custom bikes. Want to know more about our company or special needs bikes?
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Customer experience VeloPlus wheelchair bike – Nursing home
As the Activities and Quality of Life at Work Manager at the Marguerite de Flandre nursing home in Nieppe (59), I purchased a VeloPlus wheelchair bike to improve the individual support provided to its residents.
I discovered Veloplus wheelchair bike during a charity race
My name is Fiona Pezin. I have been the Animation and Quality of Life at Work Manager at the Marguerite de Flandre nursing home in Nieppe for one year.
Previously, I worked at the nursing homes in La Gorgue and Lestrem. I wanted to enable a resident from the La Gorgue nursing home to participate in a local charity race, the Course du Sourire, despite her dependency and use of a wheelchair.
The VeloPlus wheelchair bike proved to be the most suitable solution, and I was able to test it for the first time during this race, thanks to a loan from another nursing home.
Promoting inclusion and diversifying activities
When I arrived at the Nieppe nursing home, the animation team already had a Fun2Go duo bike, a side-by-side tandem acquired about ten years ago, which was very popular with both residents and staff.
In this nursing home, 80% of the residents use wheelchairs and have mobility issues. Some can transfer, but many cannot. Therefore, I proposed acquiring a VeloPlus wheelchair bike, which meets the residents' needs well. With its platform, the VeloPlus allows us to take non-transferable residents outside and diversify activities, such as going to a restaurant with a family member or participating in an event.
We submitted an application as part of a call for projects by the Fondation des Hôpitaux de France, an association that aims to improve life in hospitals and nursing homes. Our project was selected, and we also received funding from the Rotary Club. Thanks to this support, the Marguerite de Flandre nursing home was able to purchase a VeloPlus wheelchair bike from the dealer Roulez JEUnesse Loisirs in March 2025.
Joy among residents, staff and their families
Residents are amazed and delighted to be able to go out and participate in activities as before, with the VeloPlus wheelchair bike. It gives them back a sense of freedom and normality.
The staff are also enthusiastic. Some staff members are even testing the VeloPlus bike themselves to better understand how it works. However, there is some apprehension about mastering the equipment (anchor points, safety). I have planned a training session to reassure them and show them how to use the VeloPlus bike properly.
The families are very satisfied. They see it as an opportunity to share moments with their loved ones. I am going to make a video to explain how to attach the wheelchair and show how easy it is to use.
The VeloPlus bike creates special moments with residents.
Many moments to share on vanRaam bikes
We use our bikes regularly, depending on the weather. In July, we took part in an inter-care home challenge to see who could clock up the most kilometres. We also used them for events such as:
'L’Élégance Automobile' event : Presentation of the bike and participation in the event
Tour de France : We took residents to the Tour stage, decorated the bicycle for a flower bike competition... and we won! The residents even got to wear the Tour jersey.
'Pink October' : We will participate in the Colour Run with a resident.
Upcoming projects
We want to enable families to take their loved ones on outings or to restaurants. Local councillors have also tried out the bikes and want to promote their use. And, of course, we will continue to participate in outdoor activities to enrich the lives of residents.
A final word
The VeloPlus has transformed our approach to activities: it allows us to create special moments with residents, strengthen bonds between staff and residents, and restore independence to those who had lost it. It's an inclusive, fun and rewarding tool for everyone!
Fiona Pezin
Bike : VeloPlus wheelchair bike
Pros & Cons
- Easy to operate
- Fun moments every day
- Strengthens bonds between staff and residents
- Training required for staff to use independently
