BerkelBike Pro: combination hand and recumbent cycle

The BerkelBike Pro is a unique combination hand and recumbent cycle that offers a variety of benefits to individuals with limited mobility due to spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, paralysis, amputations, MS, and neuromuscular diseases. It was developed in cooperation with physicians, therapists and researchers from rehabilitation centers in the Netherlands, and is used in physiotherapy programs that work to help patients regain strength and motion in impaired legs. ​

The bike can be powered by both the arms and legs, with connected handles and foot pedals - if you move the handles, the foot pedals move as well. The handles are used both for forward motion and steering the bike.

If you are experiencing reduced strength and coordination in your legs, the BerkelBike Pro enables you to support your leg movement with power from your arms and shoulders. While you cycle, tired body parts can get a rest, muscles with reduced function are supported, and you get a full body workout. Even if your legs can’t readily move on their own, the passive movement supplied by the BerkelBike Pro may help to improve blood circulation to your lower extremities. With the addition of electrical stimulation, legs with little or no functionality can be moved again, which may help to reduce loss of muscle mass and tone. The BerkelBike allows you to use the muscle functionality you have to get moving and stay fit.

Maintaining mobility with MS can be a challenge. The muscle weakness, balance problems, lack of energy and reduced musculoskeletal function caused by multiple sclerosis present considerable obstacles to staying fit and keeping muscles flexible and healthy. Walking and cycling become increasingly difficult as the disease progresses. But keeping fit, particularly engaging in aerobic exercise, has been shown to have a protective effect on the parts of the brain most affected by MS. Because it’s possible to use both your arms and legs to cycle, the BerkelBike Pro is ideal for MS patients, whose control of their arms is usually better than their legs - the addition of arm power provides an extra locomotive boost and relieves the pressure on the legs. The BerkelBike’s three wheels provide a stable platform so that balance issues aren’t a problem. As a result, it’s a great way to get around town while improving your overall condition - physical and psychological. BerkelBike’s website provides many reviews from MS patients that give you a chance to hear about the bike’s many benefits from the riders themselves.

The BerkelBike Pro was built for long distance, high speed cycling, offering little resistance and a wide wheelbase for extra stability. The seat height is easily adjusted to suit your needs: position it high for a better view, or low for more stability as you take turns at speed without the worry of tilting over. The seat backrest is also adjustable, without tools, to accommodate riders of varying sizes and abilities.

The adjustability of this bike doesn’t end there: the rear axle position can be moved back or forward, depending on your preference and circumstances. Moving the axle further back provides increased pressure on the front wheel, which helps with traction and uphill climbs. Positioning the axle toward the front reduces your turning radius to make maneuvering around obstacles on your ride easy. In addition, the BerkelBike Pro is easily disassembled without tools so that you can fit it in your car or store it in smaller spaces.

​Contact us today to see if you qualify for partial or complete funding on any of our adaptive bikes.

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