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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For people with Down's syndrome, movement is not always easy. They often have less coordination and the muscles are not that strong. Nevertheless, movement is very important, and so is cycling. As a manufacturer of unique special needs bikes, Van Raam offers various possibilities and solutions for cycling with Down's syndrome, both for people who can cycle independently and for people who can't (or no longer) do so.
By practicing a lot, it turns out that a lot of people with Down's syndrome can learn to ride a bike, althoughit often goes a bit slower than with others. It is also easier if you learn to ride a bike at a young age. Incidentally, being able to cycle does not apply to every person with Down's syndrome. Every person has his or her individual talents. Some, for example, can ride a bike but cannot read, while others can read but cannot ride a bike. According to the study by the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) on Living with Down's syndrome, approximately half of the young people can cycle independently if they are accompanied, and approximately 20% of the young people can cycle unaccompanied.
Movement, and so cycling too, is very important. As a result, people with Down's syndrome develop more muscle strength, stamina and are less likely to be overweight. It is also good for their independence, self-confidence and it is fun. Cycling with the family is often an important activity to be able to do something together and it is a fun social activity. Cycling is healthy, for body and mind and it is an accessible way of moving. Read more about why cycling is healthy in the article 10 reasons why cycling is healthy.
Steven is a boy with Down's syndrome. He can't cycle independently, but with Van Raam's Kivo tandem he gets back in motion.
Martine BoersSee in the video below what the Kivo tandem has brought the Boers family.
Tip: Dutch is spoken in this video. Feel free to turn on the subtitles for accompanying text and explanations.
Van Raam regularly receives customers with Down's syndrome and as a manufacturer of unique special needs bikes Van Raam offers various possibilities and solutions for cycling with Down's syndrome, both for people who can cycle independently and for people who can't (or no longer) do so. It is possible to look individually at which bike is most suitable for each person. This depends on what the person is capable of, but also on what the person feels safest with, both main driver and co-driver. For cycling independently, a tricycle is often a good start. For people who can't cycle completely independent(anymore), a tandem or a duo bike is usally choosen.
When cycling independently is not possible, a tandem can offer a solution. Van Raam's tandems have a low entry or even no entry, two or even three wheels and can be extended with various options. This way you can enjoy cycling together.
Would you rather sit next to each other? Then the Fun2Go duo bike is an option. With this bike you have a one main driver, but both persons can pedal. The Fun2Go is so adjustable that people with a small leg length can also ride it.
Van Raam's bicycles can be completely adjusted to your own wishes, including various options. For example, you can choose a custom bike with backrest support, foot fixation to secure the feet or a (switchable) freewheel hub so that the main drivercan adjust the way of cycling of the co-driver; cycle at the pace of the main driver, cycle at your own pace or not cycle at all. It is also possible to equip the bike with electric pedal assistance.
Van Raam regularly receives nice messages from customers who are happy with their special needs bike. Curious about the stories of customers with Down syndrome riding a bike? Check out the experiences of Eugène and Koen te Wildt on the Twinny two-wheel tandem, Tessel and Mieke Klinkenberg on the Twinny Plus tricycle tandem and the Boers family on the Kivo child parent tandem.
Would you like to try cycling with Down's syndrome on one of our special needs bikes? Our technical advisors are here to help you. Plan your own test ride online at Van Raam in Varsseveld and make a test ride on our bike test track, or contact Van Raam or a Van Raam dealer near you.
People with autism have a different way of processing information in the brain. Cycling can therefore be a challenge. Van Raam's adapted bicycles can help with this. Read more about cycling with autism and the use of an adapted bicycle.
If cycling becomes difficult due to your disability, you have the option to look at a special needs bike. Van Raam has adapted bikes that are suitable for different disabilities. A special needs bike makes cycling (together) with a disability often possible again. Click here to view these special needs bikes.
Cycling is sometimes difficult for people with disabilities. A tandem can offer a solution. In this article we give you 5 benefits of cycling on a Van Raam tandem.
Van Raam is manufacturer of unique special needs bikes and has several bikes in its range that are bikes for people with limited mobility who can no longer cycle on a regular bike. Read more about these special bikes here, read user experiences and view photos.
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