A good idea or simply barking

[ed_o_brain]

I'm looking at buying a pedicab/rickshaw so that my profoundly deaf and possibly autistic son can still appreciate the benefits of cycling.

Conventionally, family cycling seems to consist of using a trailer, then a tag along etc.
I don't think my son has outgrown the trailer (which he loves using) and I don't think he is really sturdy enough for a tag along or childback tandem.

I think a bakfietsen would be ideal but they are out of my price range. (I've been offered a pedicab which is within my means).

What does the panel think?

 

[ed_o_brain]

Hmm.. as you can see from the title (oops) I've posted this elsewhere!

 

[spandex]

What is the make? then I could tell you more as I have ridden most of them.

 

[mickle]

Mission do an adult two wheeled trailer bike with 24" wheels.
A rear steer tandem (with front freewheel) a la Onderwater.

 

[ed_o_brain]

It's a Brox Recumbent Quad. Going to see it tomorrow. It's been offered at a very good price.

Do you have any links to the Mission trailer bike? I can find a child two wheeled trailer bike but it still has a saddle as oppose to a full seat.

 

[Piemaster]

Looking at photos on Bikefix theres a pedicab and a child carrier affair.
Pedicab looks large (storage) and heavy, but I suppose you could take your son and another adult on trips, with the adults taking turns to peddle.
Would have thought from your description the child carrier would suit better, could the pedicab body be altered to something similar?
It's a rare beast so would think there will be some parts for it are unique and will require a bit of ingenuity if they need replacement. I do like the idea of the load lugger version, can't see that Mrs P would ever approve though even if I had anywhere to store it.

Hope it works for you or you can find a suitable alternative. Some sort of cycle sidecar? Sure I've seen pictures somewhere.

 

[mickle]

We have a sidecar outfit for sale as it 'appens.

 

[ed_o_brain]

I'd never thought about a side car. Do you have any pictures Mickle?

What makes the pedicab worth while is having two children to transport, not just one. And my eldest son won't outgrow it.

 

[byegad]

Hase do the Trets that may be worth looking at.

 

[ufkacbln]

Two links for you....

1. Peter Eland's Velovision has a very good section on "Special Needs Cycling" including some links.

2. One of those links is London Recumbents who have a specialist section, but also good practical information on reclaiming VAT etc which can increase your budget.

If you want your son to contribute there are options, (although not cheap)

 

[ed_o_brain]

Thanks All.

Been to see the Brox, and for the money it seemed excellent. It needs some tidying most of which is cosmetic.

On the whole, maintaining it looks fairly straight forward thanks to the thought that has already gone into the design.

I accept it's going to be a little slow, but fortunately we are in quite a flat area so the biggest enemy will be the wind. I have good legs and I'm used to load lugging - there's not much I wouldn't turn my nose up at trying to transport in a trailer.

And if it doesn't work out, I'm sure I will be able to recoup the outlay. I'm hoping that once I've tidied it up, I can use it for a little promotional work and maybe eco-weddings.

 

[Night Train]

I've ridden a Brox quad with a big box on the back and I can say that they are great fun to ride. They are a little slow due to the weight but it is like driving a small car. I was at a cycle event and they had to call me in so that someone else could have a go. I just kept cycling it round and round everywhere.

 

[ed_o_brain]

Okay, I'm now looking to get some seatbelts to stop younger passengers falling out.

Something like this:
http://wheelgoods.com/store/product1069.html

Also, any idea where I could get public liability insurance for using this in conjunction with promotional events?

 

[Dave5N]

How big is he?