Van Raam produces uniquely special needs bicycles and specializes in tricycles, transport bikes, scooterbikes, wheelchair bikes, tandem bikes, double rider bikes, and low step trough bikes (also known as comfortbikes). Each model is also available as an electric bike (Pedelec).
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It is one of the most common ailments worldwide: back pain. In many cases it is difficult to determine the exact cause of back pain. In this article we'll tell you more about back pain and how special needs bikes can make cycling with back pain easier.
Back pain is an ailment present worldwide. It is common for both people who do physically heavy work, people that do physically monotonous work, but also for people who have mostly sedentary work. From a large study in 188 different countries, looking at the most common disease or ailment worldwide, back pain has emerged as one of the most common problems that have an impact on the quality of life. (Source: Gezond Idee – Maastricht UMC+)
In both the Netherlands and Germany for example, 80% of the inhabitants have (had) back pain. The Dutch Cyclists’ Union (the Fietsersbond) writes that only 10% have a direct cause for the back pain such as an inflammation or a hernia. For the other 90% the exact cause is unclear. (Source: Fietsersbond and Radtouren Magazine)
A common form of back pain worldwide is lower back pain. It is estimated that 1 in 10 people worldwide suffer from this form of back pain. This is the biggest reason for restriction of activity and absence at work. (Source: The Good Body and World Health Organization)
Causes of lower back pain can be, for example: heavy physical work, lots of sitting and too little movement or a wrong (sitting) posture. But the cause can also be chronic, such as abrasion, a hernia or inflammation of the joints. Have you been suffering from (lower) back pain for a long time, do you experience severe pain or don’t you trust it? Then go to your doctor. (Source: Gezondheidsnet)
Exercise remains one of the most important ways to avoid back problems. A British study has shown that cycling makes people healthier and allows them to live longer. If you have the possibility to cycle to work, you’ll quickly reach the daily amount of exercise you need. In addition that cycling is not only good for your back, it is also good for your heart, lungs and weight. Read more in the article ’10 reasons why cycling is healthy’. (Source: HLN)
Do you have lower back pain? In many cases, this will go away on its own. Instead of sitting still, a limited amount of movement is good for the back with these complaints and can stimulate recovery. Besides walking or swimming, cycling is also recommended as a good way of movement. (Source: Gezondheidsnet)
Please note: whether it is possible for someone with (lower) back pain to cycle differs per person. Always take advise from a qualified person!
It is important that the bike is fully adjusted to your needs, such as the saddle or seat, the handlebars and the pedals. This makes it possible to prevent back problems. The user manual of the Van Raam bicycles contains all the information you need to adjust your bike properly. Do you experience pain in your back, seat, hands, neck or shoulders while cycling? This may be caused by an incorrectly adjusted bicycle. In that case, contact your dealer.
Van Raam is manufacturer of special needs bicycles. All bicycles can be equipped with many different options. For example, it is possible to place a stick holder on the bike, place foot fixations on the pedals, or to choose the unique Van Raam pedal support.
Many of the bicycles in the product range are also suitable for cycling in case of back pain or to relieve from back pain while cycling. For many bicycles, it is possible to adjust the seat or add back support to the saddle so that the cyclist has optimal comfort and good support while cycling.
For cycling with back pain, Van Raam offers three types of back support to cycle with back complaints or to make the complaints bearable:
The Van Raam Easy Rider has as standard a seat with adjustable back support. This seat with back support is very comfortable, partly thanks to the tailbone relief that is applied in the chair. The angle and distance of the backrest can be adjusted individually. This also applies to the distance of the complete seat (including back support) so that you can always ride in a comfortable position. A big advantage of the backrest with this seat is that by changing the angle of the backrest, the pressure equalization also changes.
This seat with back support is the standard chair that comes with the Easy Rider tricycle for adults. Read more about the Easy Rider on the product page.
The comfort seat with individually adjustable back support is the standard seat on the Easy Rider Compact Small and Easy Sport tricycles. The advantage of this chair is that it gives a lot of support for the back, has a comfortable sitting position and you can adjust the degree of support individually. The straps on the back of the backrest can be adjusted by means of Velcro to provide proper support. In addition, the angle of the backrest can be adjusted independent from the seat. With the Easy Go scooter bike it is possible to opt for the comfort seat with individually adjustable back support as an option.
Read the article ‘How to adjust the seat on the Easy Rider tricycle’ to find out how you can adjust the seat and the backrest support.
On many Van Raam bicycles it is possible to choose for back support as an extra option. With the back support module you have extra support for your back and a better sitting posture. It is possible to equip the back support with a belt, this has to be ordered separately. The back support is optional on the tricycles Midi, Maxi and on the tandems in the assortment. These are the Kivo, Kivo Plus, Twinny and Twinny Plus.
For more information about the options and prices, see the price list on the product page of the bikes.
Check out the bikes below where it is possible to add back support as an extra option to the saddle or to choose the comfort seat with individually adjustable back support:
The Easy Rider is a tricycle with a low step through and stable low seating position. Because of the cycling position you have less strain on your back, neck, shoulders and wrists. The Easy Rider Compact is a smaller and more compact versions of the Easy Rider and is suitable for smaller adults or children. The Easy Sport recumbent tricycle is a sporty bike with a low seat and a good ergonomic sitting position. The handlebars are located on the side of the bike so that there is less strain on the back, neck, shoulders and wrists. The Easy Sport Small is the smaller version of the Easy Sport and is suitable for smaller adults and children. The bicycles are equipped with the comfort seat with back support. The support for the back of the seat can be adjusted individually on all these bicycles. These bikes are especially suitable for lower back pain.
The Fun2Go duo bike is a tandem with three wheels where the users sit next to each other. The Funtrain is a trailer with two seats that can be attached to the Fun2Go. One of the key advantagesof the Van Raam Fun2Go side-by-side tandem is its ergonomic and comfortable seat. This seat provides excellent support to the back and promotes good posture.
The Easy Go is a scooter bike that can be used as a tricycle bike, as a tricycle bike with pedal assistance and as a mobility scooter. It is easy to switch between the three positions and because of the pedal assistance. It is also possible to cycle backwards so you can easily turn. Similar to the Fun2Go, it is possible to choose the comfort seat with individually adjustable back support as an extra option with the Easy Go for extra support in case of back problems. This bike is especially suitable for low back problems.
The Midi is a traditional tricycle which is suitable for young people or smaller adults. It is a light and manoeuvrable bike and has a traditional bicycle saddle. The Maxi is a tricycle bike which is slightly larger than the Midi, this bike is suitable for adults. The Midi and Maxi have a standard bicycle saddle. As an extra option it is possible to equip this saddle with a backrest for extra support while cycling.
In addition to the side-by-side-tandem, Van Raam also has tandems in its range in which the users sit behind each other. The Kivo is a tandem in which a child can sit at the front and an adult can sit at the back. This tandem is also available as the Kivo Plus. This is a three-wheel tandem with two wheels at the back for extra stability. There are also two tandems which are suitable for two adults. These are the Twinny and the Twinny Plus. The Twinny Plus is a tricycle tandem. The bikes all have a bicycle saddle, but it is possible to add a back support as an extra option.
The Balance comfort bike is suitable in case of high back pain. Because of the ergonomic sitting position there is practically no strain on your wrists, shoulders, and neck while cycling. The saddle of the Balance is placed slightly behind the bottom bracket so that you are not sitting straight above it while cycling and you can make a forwards cycling movement. Another advantage of this is that you can always reach the ground with both feet easily.
Everyone's back pain is different. Do you suffer a lot from this, and have you had this for a long time or a chronic form of it? Consult your doctor or specialist to see if it is possible to cycle. If this is possible, it is important to know which bike is suitable for your situation. In the showroom and on the test track at Van Raam and at many Van Raam dealers, it is possible to make a free test ride under the supervision of a technical specialist so you can try different bikes. This allows you to discover which bike in the product range is suitable for you.
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Shoulder problems are very annoying and can have various causes. For example, think of rheumatism, prostheses, painful joints, artificial joints or even having to miss a body part. However, this does not always mean that cycling is not possible anymore. Van Raam has various bicycles in the product range with which cycling is often possible despite the shoulder problems.
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