Motorcycle conversions for the disabled with examples and providers

Converting a motorcycle for use by people with disabilities requires careful planning, professional support and consideration of individual needs. Here is a brief guide to such a conversion:

1. Advice and planning:
   • Consult a specialist in vehicle conversions for the disabled to discuss your individual needs.
   • Clarify the legal requirements and approvals for such conversions in your region.
2. Selection of the motorcycle:
   • Choose a motorcycle model that is well suited to conversions and meets your personal requirements.
3. Adjustment of the seat:
   • The seat must be comfortable and stable.
   • Enable easy transfer from a wheelchair to the motorcycle seat.
4. Operating elements:
   • Integrate special hand controls that allow the driver to control the accelerator, brake and clutch.
   • Electronic switching systems can also be installed.
5. Stabilization and balance:
   • Consider mechanisms to stabilize the motorcycle to facilitate balance.
   • Electronic systems such as tilt stabilizers can be added.
6. Holding devices for the wheelchair:
   • If the driver uses a wheelchair, implement secure holding devices to secure the wheelchair while driving.
7. Suspension and damping:
   • Adjust the suspension to ensure a comfortable riding experience and minimize vibrations.
8. Light and signal adjustments:
   • Ensure that lighting and signal adjustments are clearly visible and easy to operate.
9. Training and familiarization:
   • The driver should be trained accordingly in order to use the new control elements and adjustments effectively.
   • A gentle familiarization phase is important.
10. Maintenance and testing:
    • Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the safety and reliability of the converted motorcycle.
    • Have the motorcycle checked regularly by a specialist.
11. Insurance and registration:
    • Make sure that the converted motorcycle meets all necessary insurance and registration requirements.
12. Documentation:
    • Keep all documents, permits and documentation for the conversion in a safe place.

It is important to emphasize that adapting a motorcycle for the disabled is an individual matter. Professional advice and support are essential to ensure the safety and functionality of the converted motorcycle.

There are different types of disabled motorcycle conversions that can be made depending on the specific needs of the rider. Here are some examples:

1. Hand control systems:
   • Adaptation of the accelerator, brake and clutch system for operation by hand.
   • Use of hand levers and pedals.
2. Electronic circuits:
   • Integration of electronic gearshift systems that enable the driver to shift gears without manual clutching.
   • Automatic transmission can also be considered.
3. Adapted seat and wheelchair brackets:
   • A specially adapted seat that ensures comfort and support for the rider.
   • Holding devices to securely fix the wheelchair during the journey.
4. Stabilization systems:
   • Tilt stabilizers or rider assistance systems to improve the balance of the motorcycle.
   • Three- or four-wheel conversions for additional stability.
5. Steering aids:
   • Electronic steering aids that make steering easier.
   • Adapted handlebars and grips for better handling.
6. Security features:
   • Additional safety features such as automatic brakes or an emergency stop switch.
   • Highlighted light and signal adjustments for improved visibility.
7. Electrical adaptations:
   • Electrically adjustable seat height for easier transfer from wheelchair to motorcycle seat.
   • Electric swivel mechanisms for the seat.
8. Training and education:
   • Adapted training programs to familiarize the driver with the new control systems.
   • Training for dealing with emergency situations.
9. Communication systems:
   • Integration of communication systems that enable the driver to communicate wirelessly with other drivers or auxiliary personnel.
10. Customization as required:
    • The conversions can be adapted according to the individual needs of the rider, be it with special handles, holding devices for prostheses or other adaptations.

It is important to note that these conversions should usually be carried out by professionals to ensure the safety and functionality of the motorcycle. Individual advice from experts is essential to find the best solutions for the specific needs of each rider.

With the FIBS system, a fast reaction time is possible at all times. This is a foot-controlled integral braking system. A servomotor is also recommended to prevent the vehicle from rolling back on a hill.

A special handlebar compensates for missing arm and hand lengths.

HAND INTEGRAL BRAKING SYSTEM

(HIBS) Perfect braking deceleration thanks to the HIBS. Dual operation and suitable for every vehicle.

Shifting gears: A discreetly positioned shift cylinder transfers the operation of the shift logic installed on the handlebars to the shift lever. The duality of operability is retained. We offer both an electro-pneumatic shifting system (e.g. for upper leg amputations) and an electromagnetic shifting system (e.g. for lower leg amputations / or foot paralysis).

The pneumatic brake valve also controls the existing foot brake lever. This allows either the entire brake system or just the rear brake to be activated separately. The original brake system retains its function. This means that even people without disabilities can ride their motorcycle without any problems.