Making Ben’s Workout Accessible

Ben reached out to REMAP with a specific challenge: accessing a hand-bike at his local leisure centre. Despite using similar equipment for years at a previous gym, the design of this particular bike created a barrier. That’s where we came in.

Ben is an accountant and a regular gym-goer who knows what works for his fitness routine. A wheelchair user with cerebral palsy and scoliosis, he maintained his fitness for years by using a hand-bike at his previous gym.

At his new gym, Ben was keen to continue using a hand-bike for cardio training. However, the shape of the handles on the available model made it difficult for him to grip and generate power, due to reduced hand strength. Multiple solutions had already been explored—specialist gloves, repositioning, even contact with the manufacturer—but none proved effective.

Working closely with Ben, our amazing engineer, Richard, set out to design a bespoke adaptation—removing the barrier and enabling Ben to continue exercising.

Ben says:

“Richard Folkson has designed and fitted new handles to the exercise hand-bike in my local gym, which has enabled me to start using it again. After nine months away from the gym, it is still very early days but ultimately I hope to be able to return to the levels of fitness that I previously had. Richard’s handles are absolutely fundamental to that process.

I am incredibly grateful for Richard’s support. The new handles that he has made to enable me to use the hand-bike in my local gym are invaluable in terms of allowing me to start exercising again after a long period of not being able to do so.

I cannot speak more highly of Richard. He has been patient, understanding of my requirements and has designed a high-quality product that should meet my needs in the gym.”

Could a custom solution help you reconnect with a sport or hobby? Get in touch.