Wheelchair: types and choices

A wheelchair bicycle is an unusual hybrid vehicle that can already be found on the streets of modern cities. It looks almost like a motorcycle with a sidecar, but instead of an engine, a mechanical drive and the muscular strength of one of the parents are used. Wheelchairs are available for 1 and 2 children, allowing you to travel comfortably with the whole family. There are versions exclusively for the younger audience - the children's transformer is gradually turning from a cradle for a baby into a full-fledged bike for the first independent trips.

What features of bicycle strollers for mom with a child should be considered when choosing a joint transport, are adult models with a cradle suitable for long trips or transporting babies, are there any difficulties in managing a bicycle stroller? All these issues require the most careful consideration.

The wheelchair bike, depending on the version, is a non-motorized transport, combining the function of transporting passengers and independent movement. Depending on the performance, adult models may vary somewhat technically, as well as the method of transformation and the number of options.

Among the common features that a wheelchair has, it can be noted:

• strong metal frames withstanding loads up to 100-120 kg;
• access to all controls only for an adult rider;
• front location of the cradle;
• the presence of seats for children of different ages;
• transforming design;
• wheel diameter about 16'';
• availability of seats for 1 or 2 children;
• the ability to use the parent frame after the children grow up.

All types of bicycle strollers can be divided into those that are designed for independent children riding and created for mom and baby. The most expensive models are transformers with a cradle in front, which can be turned into a regular stroller or separate modules for mother and baby in a couple of minutes.

Russian companies so far produce only 3-wheel versions with a handle for parents and a child seat. But they can hardly be compared with real wheelchairs, where you can easily go shopping or go for a walk even with your baby, enjoying the ride.

The bicycle for children is a three-wheeled vehicle in which the child can press the pedals or put his feet on the bandwagon and ride as a passenger. Such models are designed for ages from 1 to 3 years, sometimes there is a cradle for babies in the kit, but most often we are talking about transformers, from which you can gradually remove attachments, leaving only the really necessary visor, a basket for toys.

Adult wheelchairs can be divided into multifunctional and classic. In addition, folding models are available that can be placed in the trunk of a car. There are transformers that easily turn into a separate bike for mother or father and a stroller for a child. Some models also have a rear hitch option with the option of using the baby module as a trailer.

There are many options, in addition, according to the type of seats there is a division into versions:

• with a cradle, which can then be replaced with a chair;
• with 2 seats, one of which is in the form of a cradle;
• with 2 boarding modules: children sit one after another or face to face.

The parent part of such a bike can simply be folded, forming a single unit with the frame, or completely detached. The first option is convenient if you plan to ride only with a child and you need some mobility. The second is relevant if the mother plans to ride a bicycle separately - in this case, having unfastened the children's block and putting forward an additional pair of wheels, you can get 2 vehicles instead of 1.

There is a market for wheelchairs 2 largest brands – Zigo and Taga Bike. They do not have official stores in Russia; goods can be purchased through the Internet. It is worth considering that original models are often faked, so when choosing a seller, you need to make sure that there are just branded products. Both companies deserve attention, as they devote a lot of time to improving their models.

Zigo Cycles LLC is a US company based in New Jersey specializing in the production of Carrier Bikes or Bakfiets, as they are called in Europe. The brand supports family values, promotes a healthy lifestyle. The main product of the company is the Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle System, on the basis of which the company offers the following options.

• Create a three-wheeled design for mom and baby. The baby module is in front, constantly monitored by the parent and provides maximum safety. Its design is similar to the popular bike trailers, but safer, the seats are equipped with seat belts and other elements for the comfort of children of different ages.
• Turn the module into a pram. When disconnecting the parent unit with pedals and rear wheel, you can push the protective booster handle and a pair of front wheels for walking with a child with one touch.
• With a little refinement, create a running baby stroller. Sports with children are steadily gaining popularity in the United States and around the world. In Russia, it still looks exotic, but no one bothers to try something new.
• Use the kids module as a bike trailer. To do this, just fasten it on the back of a city bike.
• Get a bike for mom with a 26 '' wheel diameter. A good city option for driving for pleasure or traveling on the highway.

The versatility of Zigo Cycles products is impressive, and all modules can be purchased separately. But the choice of accessories from the company is not very large. There are 2 modifications: the "sedan" X1 for one child and X2 for two children - the so-called SUV with increased payload.

The first company that decided to realize the idea of ​​Bakfiets cargo bicycles, common in the Netherlands and other European countries, in a new embodiment. A team of enthusiastic designers over time was able to find a balance between aesthetics and comfort while riding. It took 4 years to develop the concept. Today Taga transforming bicycles for transporting 1, 2, 3 children can be found in dozens of European countries, in the USA and Canada.

Among the brand's models, there are 2 main product lines. The first is Taga 1.0, with an open seat, 16 ″ wheels, 5-point safety belts and a footrest. The model is easily transformed, without leaving any unnecessary details, in a single-seat version it looks like a stroller with a high chassis, easily passes between the rows of goods in a supermarket, is placed in an elevator.

When used in combination with a saddle and pedals for an adult, the bicycle stroller is suitable for exciting joint walks with children. The load capacity of the child seat is 25 kg, it is suitable for children from 6 months to 6 years, in the stroller mode the chassis can withstand the weight of the child up to 15 kg.

Taga 2.0 is a real hit for parents with 1 or 2 children over 3 years old. If necessary, you can also secure a rear seat adapted for carrying passengers up to 25 kg. The cargo compartment can be easily transformed into a fully cargo or passenger compartment.

In the version for 2 children landing is possible facing each other, side by side, in the single version - facing the parent or with his back to him. The carrying capacity of the box reaches 70 kg, while 1 child under 9 years old and 1 up to 5-6 years can be transported in a basket.

Taga also has an electric version of the wheelchair. Such models are equipped with a 250 W electric motor, but can also be controlled mechanically, as a normal option. Also, all versions of Taga 2.0 allow the use of additional accessories that facilitate the use of the bike-transformer.

Among the popular options are:

• multibar of accessories - looks like a panel-holder for children's toys;
• car seat adapter;
• royal canopy with folding and removable sides;
• compact sunshade.

Choosing a wheelchair bike for a child or mom and toddler requires a lot of attention to detail. Since this technique still looks very exotic in Russian open spaces, it is worth carefully weighing all the pros and cons. Let's consider what criteria will become the main ones.

• Availability of places for skiing. If you plan to travel around the city, it is recommended to immediately assess possible problems.Wheelchairs are not oriented to off-road driving, it will also fail to raise equipment on the curb or to overcome another obstacle right in the saddle. Optimally, if you select a park with a barrier-free environment or an equipped path for the movement of such vehicles. If it is not, it is better to choose a universal bicycle stroller, which can be transported in the form of a trailer if necessary.
• Age restrictions. Only a small fraction of the models of wheelchairs are adapted to transport children over 5 years old and heavier than 25 kg. You should definitely pay attention to these characteristics, otherwise there is a great risk of simply breaking the frame.
• Location of child seats. If there are 2 children, it is better to choose models in which they will sit next to or facing each other. With a sequential arrangement of seats, the kids will be distracted and try to leave the chair.
• The presence of a parent module. If there is nowhere to travel in a wheelchair with an adult seat and pedals, you can get by with the children's option, which can then be turned into a personal three-wheeled transport of the baby. Typically, such models are equipped with a convenient handle, with which you can control, maneuver.
• Ease of transformation. In high-quality models, this work can be done in 20-30 seconds. Some bicycles during transformation leave parts that need to be stored separately. On the road to cope with them will not work.

See how to choose a tricycle wheelchair.