How to Find a Bike for a Special Needs Kid
Children with special needs should not be left out of the time-honored childhood tradition of riding a bicycle. Fewer than 20 percent autistic children and ten percent of children with Down syndrome learn to ride a bicycle, according to a study by the University of Michigan. But with some research, parents can find a bicycle with the adaptations that their child needs to safely and confidently ride a bicycle with their friends and family members. The social interaction, exercise and practice using motor skills can be invaluable for a child with special needs.
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Things You'll Need
- Seat belts
- Adapted pedals
- Back support
- Wheelchair to bicycle attachment
- Hand controls
- Rumble seat
- Electric motor attachment
Instructions
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Identify what limitations the child has to best determine the adaptations the bicycles needs. Look for a three-wheeled bicycle if the child needs assistance with balance, motor skills or coordination.
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Purchase a bicycle that uses hand pedaling in conjunction with food pedaling if a child cannot adequately pedal with his feet.
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Find a bicycle specialty store to purchase items to add to a regular bicycle to make it safer and usable for a special needs child. Adaptations that you can do at home include adding seat belts to keep the child safely on the bicycle, pedals to help the child push with her feet, and back supports.
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Use an attachment that will allow a child's wheelchair to be pushed along by an adult bike. A child without use of his legs can also use a bicycle operated only with hand controls.
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Ride a recumbent bicycle with your child; either rider can steer and pedal the bicycle. Attach a rumble seat to an adult bicycle if the child is not able to assist with driving the bicycle or cannot stay safely seated.
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Use an electric motor attachment to help a child without the strength to continuously pedal.
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Contact the Ambucs (see Resources) for information about procuring a bicycle for your special needs child if you're having trouble locating the right one or affording the type you need. This non-profit organization helps children with disabilities obtain an appropriate bicycle or a patented therapeutic tricycle.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are having trouble finding the exact adaptations that your child needs, visit a bicycle specialty store. Certain companies will help you build a bicycle to your child's needs, and an expert can direct you to the resources you need.
Don't forget about the standard bicycle safety guidelines: helmets, understanding the rules of the road, and bicycle hand signals.
