Inclusive cycling is about getting everyone, regardless of ability, out enjoying the invigorating sport of cycling. Assisted cycling means that someone else accompanies the disabled rider to give some assistance and support when needed.

People often ask us about assisted cycling options. Perhaps they need a companion rider to take over steering, pedalling or braking functions when necessary. Whatever the need, there are a number of different recumbent trike configurations available.

Hase Pino Allround

The Hase Pino is a fantastic assisted cycling setup involving a two-wheeled bike which has a recumbent seat at the front. This bike operates like a normal bike, allowing the ‘back’ rider to control the bike (gearing, steering and braking) while the ‘front’ rider assists with the pedalling. Of course, if the front ride becomes too tired, they can sit back and enjoy the ride while their companion keeps them moving!

Options are available for extra support such as a 5-point-harness (seat-belt), extra torso support, leg support pedals or foot support pedals.

Pino Tour 2020

The Pino Tour 2020 is a simliar assisted cycling setup tot he Pino. What we love about this bike is the stand that holds the trike securely upright. The stand allows the front rider to mount and dismount without the bike needing to be supported. The bike remains solidly still which is often very comforting for the front ride and allows the companion rider to help make any adjustments to the seat belt and pedal supports (if fitted).

Recumbent Co - Hase Pino — Recumbent Co – Hase Pino

Trets Tagalong

The Trets is the perfect trike for a little person as it will grow with them. The Trets can be attached to the adult’s bike or trike and is pulled along. The adult in the front provides the ‘assisted cycling’ part of the team.

We have a friend who has been using a Trets for her youngest son for years. So far, it’s seen him riding around in it as a toddler (used as a trailer). As the little fellow has grown, the trike is now being used as both a trailer and an independent trike. After being towed to the desired destination, the Trets is unattached from the parent’s trike and the front wheel placed back on it. This is a quick and easy process. He then rides around on his own until it’s time to go home. At that time, the Trets is attached back onto his mother’s trike and he is pedalled safely home through all the streets.

Actually, this particular trike can be used as a jogger, a trailer bike and an independent trike. Very versatile! Great for children aged 2/5 to 12 years of age.

Flexi-Tandem Recumbent

A flexi-tandem is perfect for assisted cycling. This setup provides comfort and support for the person with a disability as well as for their companion rider.

A flexi-tandem allows the companion rider to cycle in the first part of the trike while the disabled person rides in the second part of the trike in a secure in a trailer-formation. This arrangement allows the front (companion) rider to control the speed, direction and braking of the whole module. The second rider can pedal (or not) and enjoy the ride!

Flexi-tandems are perfect for people who are visually challenged as well as those who having difficulty or are unable to operate gears/ brakes, etc.

Most of the flexi-tandems we have put together have an electric assist motor on the front trike. This is particularly helpful for the front rider if the rear rider becomes too tired to pedal or is unwell in anyway. A little extra ‘grunt’ to get up the hills is always appreciated, especially when you are towing someone!

In all honesty, we have seen many families take up the option of flexi-tandems. They often report back that their assisted cycling sessions are the highlights of the week! We love hearing how flexi-tandems have made an overwhelming difference in the lives of those who use them (people with disabilities as well as their carers!).

Hase Trigo Tandem

It is possible to daisy chain two Hase Trigo trikes together to form a tandem …

https://www.facebook.com/hasebikesusa/videos/2162147574069102/?v=2162147574069102

Every person has their own strengths and weaknesses. When it comes to cycling with a disability, we enjoying finding solutions that will provide the support needed. Talk with us about recumbent trike solutions that may help you or someone you know.

When riding recumbent trikes with children, there are a number of options to suit your family.

Option No. 1 – Baby Bike Seat

The first option for riding recumbent trikes with children is to mount a baby seat on the back of your trike. This works really well and makes a compact, safe and sturdy unit that you and your little person will love!

Because the baby seat is close to you as a parent, you are able to supervise your child easily, especially when one of your mirrors is set to focus on your child. You can talk with him or her and respond easily when he/she points out the passing bus, car or bird!

A baby seat on a recumbent trike offers your child an excellent view. On a two-wheeled bike, a child in a bike seat is hidden behind the rider. On a recumbent trike, the child can see more of the world around him/her.

Recumbent trikes come complete with a flag to make sure everyone sees you coming and going. High visibility to other road users is always a good thing when it comes to riding with your child!

Finally, there’s plenty of room to carry bags when you’re riding a recumbent trike with your child. Rear right of the above picture is a recumbent with a 60 litre quick release pannier. A weather proof duffle bag can also sit neatly under the seat – on this one just above the electric assist battery.

Stability

Have you seen what happens to a bicycle with a rack on the back when you let them go… that stand always seems to know just when you need it and it folds or just can’t reach out far enough. A recumbent has it’s feet firmly planted on the ground, even if you forget, and provides excellent balance. Luggage and baby stays put, upright and safe.

Option No. 2 – Trailer

The second option for riding recumbent trikes with children to accommodate younger children on your recumbent trike is to attach a trailer. This involves adding a connection point to your rear wheel. It’s a simple and easy process.

Have a look at the Hase Trets which is a truly versatile trike. Overtime, it transforms from a jogger to a trailer bike, to an individual trike. Because it is so versatile, it accommodates riders from 2.5 yrs up to 12 years of age. Add 40 litres of weather resistant carry pack pack on the back and you have it covered.

Option No. 3 – Tandem Pedal Power

As your child grows, they will want to do more than just sit and observe the world whiz by. They will want to pedal as well. This is where a tandem set-up works perfectly.

A tandem arrangement with recumbent trikes involves connecting two trikes together so the the back trike is controlled by the front trike. The back rider is able to pedal and contribute with pedal-power. However, the ultimate control remains with the parent or front rider.

This is a great set-up for children who need a little help to keep up with the group or who need some extra support.

Option No. 4 – Independent Riding

Once children are more competent, they are able to ride independently.

Have a look at the different types of trikes specifically designed for children including Hase Trets and HPV Gekko FXS. Both of these trikes will ‘grow’ with your child as they are expandable – boom bars extend and, in the case of the Gekko FXS, the seat expands. This means that your child will be able to ride these trikes for many years to come!