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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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User experience low step through bike Tavara Balance - Albert Smit
Until 2006 Van Raam made the Tavara Balance, the forerunner of the current Balance low step through two-wheeler bike. The Tavara Balance is also a low step through bike where the rider can always stand with two feet on the ground. Meanwhile, the Tavara Balance is replaced by the Balance bike, but people are still cycling around on this safe and comfortable bike. Among these Tavara bicycle users is Albert Smit. Albert Smit is 78 years old and has been using his Balance Tavara for over a decade. Read more about his experiences below.
Why an adaptive bike?
I am Albert Smit (78) and I need a adaptive bike for my heart and lung complaints. I was not able to cycle anymore, due to breathlessness. I then got my Tavara Balance from the municipality on loan. The maintenance was also for the municipality. Before my heart and lung complaints I cycled on a regular two-wheel bike with gears.
Cycling on the low step through bike Tavara Balance
The cycling on my Balance Tavara two-wheeled bike with low step through is excellent! Also, the pedal support is good. If you just walk for a few seconds, the pedal support will start working.
In the beginning, my Tavara Balance was new in our village. Nobody had seen such a bike before.
Albert SmitAs soon as it's nice cycling weather, I will cycle 15 kilometers a day. I try to cycle every day a bit, for example to do some grocery shopping or just recreational.
I live on the eastern edge of the Veluwe (forest-rich ridge of hills in the province of Gelderland in the Netherlands) and cycle there regularly. On the Veluwe are sometimes shell paths, but most bicycle paths are made of tar. Both structures cycle well with the Balance bike.
Adaptive bicycle via the municipality
I received my adaptive bike through the municipality. At the time I could make a test ride through Apeldoorn to see if the two-wheeled bike with low step through was suitable for me. This was the case and I have been riding my Tavara Balance with great pleasure for over 10 years now. Occasionally a mechanic comes by and the bike gets a check, that's all.
Insurance on an adaptive bike
In the first years that I used my bike, it had to be visible that the bike was insured. I had to make a yellow vehicle registration plate on my bike. I got a new plate every year.
Getting attention with an adaptive bike
In the beginning, my Tavara Balance was new in our village. Nobody had seen such a bike before. I have received a lot of compliments about my bicycle several times. I can recommend Van Raam, because it is unique that such a thing could be made!
Albert Smit - Vaassen
Model: Balance (current model) + Tavara Balance (old model)
