Riding a Motorbike with a Disability

Despite popular belief that people with physical disabilities cannot ride motorcycles, there is special equipment that makes it possible. Riding a motorcycle might seem complicated but for experienced riders, it is very simple.
The biggest challenge for riders is allowing different parts of the body to do different things at the same time.  For instance, the right hand is supposed to handle the front brake and the throttle while the left handles the clutch. At the same time, these hands are supposed to operate the lights, hoot and indicator lights when needed. On the other hand, the right foot has one primary function of operating the rear brake. The primary function of the left leg is to shift gears. Performing these tasks at the same time can be very difficult for a person who has paralysis or weakness in his or her body. The good news is that with the help of adaptive equipment, all these functions are possible.

Types of Adaptive Equipment

There is a common phrase that necessity is the mother of invention. This is very true especially when looking at the invention of adaptive equipment. Take George Niedoba for instance. The Czech national had paralysis of the right arm. This occurred soon after he moved to Tennessee in the 1990s.

At the dawn of the new millennium, 6 years after settling in the US, George had an accident that led to his paralysis. Instead of giving up his passion, George started an adaptive equipment company called Option Moto. Currently, the company is a success story and manufactures custom hands and foot controls for wheelchair motorcycle manufacturers as well as individual riders with disabilities.

One Hand Controls

In the UK, Kliktronic is the market leader when it comes to push-button gear shifters. One of the most popular products made by this company is the K-LEVER. This device is an electric shifter. It has a modular design that can be configured according to the needs of the motorcyclist.

The device can also be used to control both the rear and front brakes with one hand. On the other hand, you can configure the device to operate both the clutch and the brake for easy gear changing.

The Rekluse Automatic Clutch is great for people with weakness in their left hands. Another product, the ProStart Clutch allows the motorcyclist to start and stop using the throttle. After the engine is turned on, the clutch can still be used for gear changing.

It is a well known fact that the front brake provides most of the stopping power for motorcycles. Therefore, if you have a weak right hand, you can benefit greatly if you install a thumb braking system.

Connect with Other Motorcyclists with Disabilities

When looking for wheelchair accessible motorcycle or handicap vans, the most accurate information you will ever get is from your fellow riders with disabilities, so you may want to join an association for handicapped riders.

Get on the road to freedom with The Conquest wheelchair motorcycle. Their trikes & motorcycles are designed to meet the handicap needs of the physically challenged.

Visit and view Mobility Conquest range Wheelchair Motorcycles & Handicap Trikes.