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François Robine’s experience with his Easy Rider
At 70, I cycle every day while listening to my audiobooks. Thanks to my Easy Rider tricycle, I have rediscovered the joy of cycling and reconnected with my lifelong passion: being out on the road!
Reinventing my daily life
My name is François Robine, I am 70 years old and I live in Luc-sur-Mer, Normandy. I worked in the transport sector for many years, first as a driver and later as a branch manager. Driving has always been a passion of mine.
Unfortunately, I had to stop driving after I developed cerebellar ataxia. This neurological condition affects balance and coordination and has significantly reduced my mobility. Giving up travelling altogether was unthinkable for me, so I started looking for solutions.
I knew that my balance problems meant I could not ride a conventional bicycle, so I first chose a cargo tricycle. It was a very good bike, but I still experienced a swaying sensation while riding and did not feel safe. I needed something more stable and reassuring.
An unexpected discovery during the Paris Paralympic Games
During the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, I had the opportunity to take part in a rather ambitious project organised by the Le Normandy rehabilitation centre in Granville.
Their goal was to travel from Granville to the Paralympic Centre in three days. To do this, they rented a vanRaam Fun2Go side-by-side tandem and an Easy Rider tricycle from Roulez JEUnesse Loisirs, a vanRaam dealer based in Caen.
I had known the Granville centre for around ten years, so when they invited me to try the Easy Rider, I agreed. I immediately fell in love with it. I loved the seat, the comfort and, above all, its stability.
Regained freedom
Because I had such a positive experience, I visited Roulez JEUnesse Loisirs to learn more. They allowed me to test the bike so I could be sure of my choice, and I covered 1,200 kilometres on it. In February 2025, I bought my Easy Rider. I chose the orange version, which greatly amused a good Dutch friend of mine!
The seat makes all the difference
What convinced me most was the seat. It feels like a real armchair. I sit well back, supported by the backrest, and feel completely secure. With my balance problems, that was essential. My previous cargo tricycle did not offer the same level of support.
I simply take extra care when cornering at higher speeds so that I remain stable. This is something that applies to all tricycles, but I think it is worth mentioning.
I also appreciate how sturdy the bike feels. It inspires confidence from the very first metres. It also has a luggage rack at the back, where my wife added a basket made from recycled oyster nets, purchased from a company in La Rochelle. It is very practical for carrying my belongings.
My bike is also equipped with a mirror and electric pedal assistance, which is essential for covering longer distances every day.
I have rediscovered a sense of freedom. I used to love driving, and with the Easy Rider, I have regained something I thought I had lost.
15 to 20 kilometres a day, every day
I live in Luc-sur-Mer, by the sea. There are cycle paths all around my home, and I am starting to know every one of them! When the weather is good, I cycle between 15 and 20 kilometres. It has become part of my daily routine.
I am quite a solitary person, so although I sometimes ride with friends, I usually go out on my own. But rarely in silence! I love listening to podcasts or audiobooks while cycling. It is a real pleasure.
This summer, I would like to cycle part of La Vélo Francette. It is a beautiful cycling route that connects Ouistreham and La Rochelle. The Le Normandy Centre is also organising a major tour through Normandy, which I have signed up for. So I have some exciting plans ahead.
I even have a dream: to take my vanRaam bike on a trailer and go cycling in the Netherlands with my Dutch friend. Nothing has been decided yet, but I am thinking about it!
Support and financial assistance to get started
My experience with the Roulez JEUnesse Loisirs dealer was very positive. Jérôme is highly knowledgeable, attentive and supported me throughout every stage of my purchase. Because the dealer is officially approved, I was able to receive financial assistance towards the purchase of my adapted tricycle.
My Easy Rider has changed my daily life. It has allowed me to maintain my independence and, above all, to rediscover a freedom I thought I had lost.
François Robine – Luc-sur-Mer, Normandy, France
Bike: Easy Rider
Pros & cons
- Un siège enveloppant et un maintien optimal
- Une stabilité rassurante
- La liberté retrouvée au quotidien
- La solidité de l’ensemble
- Be careful when cornering (this applies to all tricycles)
Want to share your experience?
Feel free to send us a nice picture of your vanRaam bike along with an explanation.