Options for adult with special needs
01-24-22, 11:49 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Options for adult with special needs
I have an adult son with special needs (level 3 autism, intellectual disability disorder, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, etc.) who lives in a group home who isn't physically handicapped and has tons of energy (he loves to jog and jump) but can't ride a bike. There are big kid bikes out there but has anyone ever converted an old 26er to a balance bike? I'm thinking of doing so with my old hardtail to the right:
It's medium size frame and he's about 6'2" so he would be able to stand astride it. I've already semi stripped the drivetrain components off it so that he doesn't bash his shins. I'm also thinking of putting a dowel or something through the BB shell to use as foot pegs.
In the meantime, I ordered a DXT Drift Trike off Amazon for him to ride around indoors over the colder months. If he doesn't take to the balance bike idea I will swap out the "drifter" wheels on this for 10" pneumatic ones from the hardware store - and maybe even put in a more padded saddle so that he can ride in a local park/rail trails.
What do you think? Bad idea?
It's medium size frame and he's about 6'2" so he would be able to stand astride it. I've already semi stripped the drivetrain components off it so that he doesn't bash his shins. I'm also thinking of putting a dowel or something through the BB shell to use as foot pegs.
In the meantime, I ordered a DXT Drift Trike off Amazon for him to ride around indoors over the colder months. If he doesn't take to the balance bike idea I will swap out the "drifter" wheels on this for 10" pneumatic ones from the hardware store - and maybe even put in a more padded saddle so that he can ride in a local park/rail trails.
What do you think? Bad idea?
01-24-22, 12:03 PM
#3
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A Balance bike would be easy to convert to and still leave you options for a return to normal. I have considered converting an old Mixti to a balance bike with a single large brake. I have also considered a hydraulic disk brake on a single lever that feeds both front and rear tires.
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01-24-22, 06:24 PM
#4
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I think I saw adult training wheels somewhere (not a fan). The balance bike idea sounds good.
01-24-22, 06:42 PM
#5
Senior Member
Personally I'd skip the foot pegs. I don't think they add much value, and potentially get in the way.
I've used DIY balance bikes like this to teach non-riding adults how to ride, and they work great. My grandsons both used balance bikes; I think one had footrests but I don't recall ever seeing them used.
Good luck.
I've used DIY balance bikes like this to teach non-riding adults how to ride, and they work great. My grandsons both used balance bikes; I think one had footrests but I don't recall ever seeing them used.
Good luck.
02-18-22, 11:38 PM
#6
moving target
i have severe epilepsy, and about 15 years ago had to deal with retro grade, anti retro amnesia. the only real complaint from nurse was my muscle memory stuck to me, "was in martial arts from 4 to college" so if you can get him comfortable with it to the point it seems a natural thing, then odds are it will stick. I think you are doing a great thing, and hope it goes in a positive matter
02-19-22, 04:48 PM
#7
Bike-train
Could you try putting him on a tandem? Having someone in front to steer while he just pedals? their are blind tandem clubs; you might find someone who could help you wit this. I also know that Special Olympics sometimes does tandems. I meet a gentleman from Denver with a special needs 30 year old who has been riding with her for over 15 years! He just upgraded to a electric assist tandem because he has a bad knee.
