Bike Alterations for a Hemi Kid

Some of you have asked about Jessie's bike, and what alterations that we made to it. So I've included below a little bit about her bike and how we changed it.

Bike : Electra Townie - 20 inch. It's pedals are move slightly forward. They call this a flat-foot design, and allows the child to be fairly flat-footed and still sit on the seat.

Toe Clip on left side - This helps to hold the affected foot on the pedal, and they can still get out of it if needed. These can be purchased at any bike shop, but will need a special pedal for mounting. (also sold at bike shop)



Velcro on handlebar on affected side. The rough side of the velcro.




The softs side of the velcro should be sewed on to a riding glove.

Just a regular riding glove. Or, I guess that you could use any glove. Some people do not agree with afixing a childs hand to the bike, but what we found, is that Jessie canot control the bike if one hand comes off. Her foot can fall off and she can maintain stability, but once the hand come off, there will be a wreck. Hopefully, she will overcome that eventually and we will not have to use these type of alterations.

Here is a picture. She can actually rip the glove off the handlebar if she tries really hard.

We also use a push-bar in the back, and run behind her on all rides. We'll do this, until she has much more control. I don't know how long that will be. But you can bet, I'll let you know.

Have a blessed weekend.

Cris

http://www.hemifoundation.org

Hope in One Hemisphere!