Bike Scooter Adapter
This client has radial dysplasia and her right arm is shorter than her left and she has limited grip strength in her right hand. She has always wanted to ride a scooter or bike but needs an adapter for the handle bars on her right side. She also needs additional assistance with the brake function.
The Challenge
This client has radial dysplasia and her right arm is shorter than her left and she has limited grip strength in her right hand. She has always wanted to ride a scooter or bike but needs an adapter for the handle bars on her right side. She also needs additional assistance with the brake function.
The solution
Taking some inspiration from Remap project WM21-77, a system was designed to clamp an extension bar and ring to the handle bars using a pair of saddle clamps.
3D printed saddle clamps were made in carbon reinforced PLA, with additional metal plates each side to increase strength and durability. The two centre parts can pivot about each other and be locked in place with M4 bolts. The ring handle is printed in standard PLA and epoxied to the aluminium tube. By using suitable spacers the clamps can accommodate handle bars from 20-25mm dia. The arrangement allows the extension to be clamped to either the horizontal handle bar or the vertical stem as required, and adjusted in all planes to suit the client.
The benefit
The adapter was delivered and fitted on 19/06/23 to new bike bought for the clients 12th birthday. It was left with parents with instructions on further adjustment as required. Within the limited space of the back garden, she could ride and control the bike. It was agreed that no mods to the brakes would be required at this time. The client was thrilled with the adaption as she has never ridden a bike before.
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Wouldn’t it be simpler to put higher handlebars on and Velcro on handlebar and palm of splint ? I have a left arm Bpi so have arm issues and that’s what I’ve done