Description
CYCLING FROM YOUR WHEELCHAIR WITH ARMS AND LEGS
The BerkelBike Connect is a bicycle extension with one wheel that can be attached to a wheelchair. It can be used to train the arms and legs simultaneously. It has the same handles as a handbike while the standard pedals are the same as those of a traditional tricycle.
Watch the product video of the BerkelBike Connect
WANT TO TRY OUT THE BERKELBIKE CONNECT YOURSELF?
Schedule a free test driveTanja (Multiple Sclerosis) about the BerkelBike Connect
CYCLING WITH THE BERKELBIKE CONNECT
The handles and foot pedals are connected to synchronise the movements and allow the arms to support the legs when necessary. It is also possible to only use the legs while cycling while holding the handles like a steering wheel. If the handles are rotated, the foot pedals will follow the rotation. This way, the user can choose to let their legs do the work or to support them with arm power.
The pedal assist system helps the user perform a full cycle with the pedals. This is even possible if the legs have limited strength and coordination. The pedal assist system and the combination of arms and legs allow the user to distribute the effort during the cycling. The user can also choose to let tired limbs rest if necessary yet continue to cycle.
A trip with the BerkelBike Connect translates to a full body work out. Body parts with reduced function are exercised while limbs with normal function can also get effective training. The BerkelBike can be combined with our electrical system in the case of a spinal cord injury to get paralysed legs moving again.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE BERKELBIKE CONNECT?
Contact usRICHARD WILSON (SCI C5/6) USES THE BERKELBIKE CONNECT
Richard uses the BerkelBike Connect and attaches it to his wheelchair. The VR Docking Station allows him to cycle his favorite route indoors, even if the weather it is poor. This way he can continue to follow his progress, even in winter.
Functional electrical stimulation allows him to cycle with both his arms and legs even after a spinal cord injury. Richard has made enormous progress and is now able to cycle solely using his legs.Thanks to the BerkelBike Connect he was able to rebuild muscle mass in his legs.
WHAT IS THE ADDED VALUE OF A BERKELBIKE IN MY SITUATION?
Select a conditionLourens (Incomplete SCI) about the BerkelBike Connect
REGAIN INDEPENDENCE AND TRAIN YOUR BODY
The BerkelBike Connect can help you to maintain or regain much of your independence. Because you don’t have to transfer from a wheelchair to a bike, is it a handy companion for your daily activities. In addition, it ensures that you stay mobile while at the same time keeping you moving in a nice and convenient way.
SUITABLE FOR A VARIETY OF CONDITIONS
People suffering from various different medical conditions use the BerkelBike Connect in their daily lives. The most common conditions among our clients include transverse lesions, multiple sclerosis, amputations, neuromuscular disorders and brain injuries. The bicycle was developed in the Netherlands in collaboration with doctors, therapists and researchers from different rehabilitation centers. It can be used in physical therapy to build up strength and muscle mass for people who have lost part of their leg function.
THE BERKELBIKE HAS WON SEVERAL AWARDS
The BerkelBike product has won several awards for its technological innovations. Combined with our FES system, it can be used by patients with transverse lesion and by tetraplegic patients. By performing a full cycling motion using the legs, the user builds up muscle mass and the blood circulation is improved. The functional electrical stimulation enables the user to cycle with a tricycle using their own leg and arm power, even after a transverse lesion.
EMILY HOLT (MS) ABOUT THE BERKELBIKE CONNECT
It’s been a while since Emily tried the BerkelBike for the first time. She fell in love with the bicycle because the stiffness and pain in her legs disappeared completely. Although she cannot walk, she enjoys training her legs without pain and doesn’t have to take medication. Emily bought the BerkelBike and trains a few times a week to soften the pain in her legs.
THE BERKELBIKE PRO OR THE BERKELBIKE CONNECT?
The BerkelBike is available in two versions: the Pro and the Connect. The Pro is comparable to a three-wheel recumbent, while the Connect is a single-wheel extension that can be connected to a wheelchair and transform into a full three-wheeler.
The BerkelBike Pro
The Pro was developed to cycle long distances at high speed. The bicycle is light and provides little resistance during cycling. The wide wheelbase with a 9 degree frame curve provides extra stability. The seat height can easily be adjusted to the driver: high for a good overview or low for better stability. Especially with the seating area at a low position, it is possible to take turns at high speed without tilting.
The seat position can be quickly adjusted without tools. Even people with little mobility in the hips or people with overweight can sit comfortably by tilting the backrest downwards.
It is also possible to adjust the rear axle position, depending on your personal preference. Positioning the rear axle rearwardly results in greater pressure on the front wheel, making it less slippery and allowing you to safely cycle uphill. Positioning the rear axle more towards the front, reduces the turning circle of the bicycle and provides easier maneuverability in the city.
The Pro can be easily disassembled without tools so that it fits into any car.
Photo: BerkelBike PRO (Left) and BerkelBike Connect (Right).
WANT TO TEST THE BERKELBIKE CONNECT YOURSELF?
Schedule a free test rideThe BerkelBike Connect
The Connect has been developed for use in combination with your wheelchair. The greatest advantage is that the user doesn’t have to transfer from their wheelchair to the bicycle. The Connect is especially convenient for social and daily activities such as shopping, visiting friends and taking a ride in the park.
The Connect is smaller than the Pro and therefore even easier to carry in the car or store at your home. If you already have a regular hand bike that can be connected to your wheelchair, it is usually possible to link the Connect in the same way.
Matthias (Multiple Sclerosis) about the BerkelBike Connect
TRANSFORMING YOUR BERKELBIKE
You do not need to buy a new bike if you want to use the Pro instead of the Connect or vice versa. If you have already purchased the Connect, you only need to purchase the back part of the Pro. If you already have the Pro, you only need to purchase the connector to link the front part of the Pro to your wheelchair. If you want both, you can buy the Connect together with the back part of the Pro. You can then transform the Connect into the Pro without the need of any tools.
