Special needs questions

My friend V. wants to find out how we can accommodate her cubital tunnel syndrome on a recumbent trike. Her CTS means that she can't use her hands very much, and some days not at all. So, she's looking for several things:

(1) A way of braking that doesn't user her hands. This is the biggest problem, as continually gripping standard brake handles causes her pain. We've looked into foot braking a bit. We've been told that wheels with foot brakes can only offer a few gears because they're made for beginner riders. Thus far, that doesn't make sense to us, as we would have expected that the braking mechanics are in the hub but the gearing system is on the outside of the hub. Are we confused?

(2) A way of shifting that doesn't use her hands, for the same reason.

(3) Ways to reduce vibration, which also takes a toll on her hands and arms. We're planning to put big foam rubber grips on the steering bar, so that's good. Indirect steering is way better than direct steering. We've found web seats are better than solid seats (or even padded solid seats). We're also found that shock absorbers help, though we've been told that shock absorbers can substantially decrease the speed of the trike. (Is that really a big effect?) How much would larger tires (both larger diameter and larger width) help, especially if slightly deflated? Are there other things we should be thinking about?

So far, steering with her hands is OK, if not great, especially if the trike is very stable and doesn't pull in one direction or the other when applying power or brakes.

Any info that you could provide would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Steve (for V.)

 

Hi Steve and welcome to the forum. I will send a PM to our resident engineer and hopefully he can help on this one. btw, did you mean carpal tunnel syndrome? That can be very painful indeed.

The only thing I can really say is with the tires. Definitely larger and softer tires will mean a lot. Again, some reduction in speed but I doubt that is a problem or priority. Also there are trikes and bikes that have suspension. There is some weight factor with these but again, I doubt that would be a problem.

Keep smiling!
Dennis

 

I'm going to do some research for you. I know there are electric brakes and other braking systems for use with handcycles. I have also seen a shifting system used on some of the Lightning brand cycles that allow you to use any part of your hand to shift. You could also use your forearm.

There are several people manufacturing trikes for handicapped people and they use a variety of shifting/braking systems.

Like I said, I'll do some research. If it's been thought of, it usually has been done in the bicycle world.

Bill