At the Stockholm Critical Mass ride, I met a man, named Björn Billung. He was riding a hand trike and it was the most amazing one I've ever seen. Built by Striker, it had an electric-assist mechanism that attached to his regular wheelchair. Bjorn's had a basket that made it possible for him to carry lots of cargo. And with it, he told me that he pedals up to 4,000 km per year!
The thing I found so amazing about the Striker handbike is that the front is easily detachable by the rider, due to a "specially developed Stricker clamp system...that can be attached quickly and easily to almost any wheelchair." Björn pointed out that this allows him to do most of the activities he wants to do. He can go shopping, with enough carrying capacity to buy what he wants. He can easily visit a friend's house or go along with friends on a hike or bike ride. And if he wants to transport his wheelchair in a car, the two separate pieces are easy to load. It was hard to believe that Björn is 70 years old! He said it is the handbike that keeps him healthy.
In Sweden, Björn said a three-wheeled motorized wheel chair can be acquired for free from the health department. Björn believes that this same subsidy should exist for his handbike. He notes that his handbike gives him a lot more opportunity for healthy, active travel than a motorized wheelchair would provide. I see a lot of opportunity for these in the US, as well.
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