Choosing a Mobility Trike
or Transporter
Choosing what type of mobility equipment best suits your child can seem overwhelming, as there are so many options available. As every child is unique, so too are their requirements.
Variety Ireland offer support funding towards the cost of special mobility trikes and wheelchair transporters for children up to the age of their 19th birthday. This applies for children with disabilities living on the Island of Ireland only.
Here at Variety Ireland, we ensure that anyone who is looking for assistance funding for mobility equipment from our charity, are directed to approved suppliers where their equipment is fully MDR compliant.
What is MDR Compliancy?
MDR (Medical Device Regulation (EU) 2017/745) is a European regulation that governs the production and distribution of medical devices within the European Union (EU).
MDR or a Medical Registered Device is registered in accordance with the requirements outlined in the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) to be legally marketed and sold within the EU. Compliance with MDR involves meeting certain standards for safety, quality, and performance, as well as undergoing rigorous assessment procedures conducted by notified bodies.
To ensure safety and peace of mind to all parents of children we assist, our charity will only engage with mobility companies, whose equipment is fully MDR compliant and will not provide funding for any items that do not meet this standard.
What are the Options?
Mobility Trikes
Ideal for children who have full or partial mobility in their legs.
Wide range of supports available.
Can be independent or supervised.
Hand Bikes
Perfect choice for children who have reduced or no mobility in their legs but have upper body strength.
Can be manually operated or electric.
Tandems
Excellent option for children who can cycle but can’t balance or navigate independently.
Great for children who may tire easily or are easily distracted.
Transporters
Great for children who use wheelchairs and for whom trikes do not offer adequate support or are simply not appropriate.
Good option for schools and clubs.
Things to Consider
Given that most special mobility trikes are bespoke and made for each child’s condition, it normally take between 6-8 weeks to be manufactured from date of order.
There are FIVE important things to consider before choosing the right special mobility trike for your child.
1) TRANSPORTABLE/ STORAGE
Is your choice of trike foldable and transportable so it can travel easily in a car with the child so you can enjoy days out as a family? You also need to ensure you have adequate space in your home to store your special mobility trike.
2) LEVEL OF GUARANTEES
Check what level of manufacturers level of grantees come with your special mobility trike.
3) FITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE
Ensure it is suitable for your own child’s needs and request a fitting if necessary. Try before you buy.
4) ROOM FOR GROWTH
Any trike you are considering buying must allow for adequate room for growth. Children’s growth and size are important factors when choosing the right special mobility trike for your child. Ensure your preferred choice of trike allows for your adequate growth of your child.
5) ADDED SUPPORT
Ensure that different levels of support and parts be added to your special mobility trike based on your child’s condition.
Suppliers
There are several suppliers of mobility trikes, transporters and tandems in Ireland.
Listed below are some of the main suppliers Variety Ireland use.
All trikes, tandems and transporters available through these suppliers is MDR (EU) Compliant.
How to Choose
Once you have decided what type of equipment best suits your child, you can then decide the precise model you would like. As every child is different, so too are their needs, therefore every item is different too and can offer a wide choice of variations and accessories.
To help you choose what may best suit your child, we have listed some of these suppliers most popular items:
Easyrider Trike
* Age range 2-18 years
* 2-piece frames so good for storage/transporting
* Adjustable seat and handlebars for growth
* Rear steering parental control with brake available
* Cost from €2,495
Tomcat Tiger Trike
* Age range 18 months–4 years
* Not foldable but very small for storage/transporting
* Adjustable seat and handlebars for growth
* Fully independent, or optional Carer Control or Braking
* Cost average €2,400
Nijland Parent Child Tandem Bikes
* Pre-loved
* Nindo Trike age 4-12 years
* Nando Trike from age 10 up
* Not foldable
* Range of parental controls or co-steering options
* Cost from €2,150
Tomcat Fizz Trike
* Age range 3-16 years
* Splits in half without tools so good for storage/transporting
* Adjustable seat and handlebars for growth
* Fully independent, or optional Carer Control or Braking
* Cost from €2,800
REHA Trike
* Age range from 2 years up
* 2 piece frames available so good for storage/transporting
* Adjustable seat and handlebars for growth
* Rear steering parental control with brake available
* Cost €1,995
Vanraam Mini Trike
* Age range from 4 years up
* Foldable?
* Various pedal and crank configurations
* Rear push bar for additional control and assistance
* Cost from €2857
Di Blasi R32 Folding Trike
* Age range 2-18 years
* 2 piece frames so good for storage/transporting
* Adjustable seat and handlebars for growth
* Rear steering parental control with brake available
* Cost from €2,495
Tomcat Arrow & Bullet
* Age 7 years up
* Manual or available with power assist
* Splits in half and optional removeable wheels for transportation & storage without any tools
* Cost from €4,000
Opair Wheelchair Bike
* Pre-loved
* Age range child to small adult
* Comfortable and stable
* Seat belt included
* Front part detachable & can be used as a wheelchair
* Fits through regular sized door
* Cost from €2,800
Rifton Trike
* Available in small, medium and slarge izes
* Front and rear wheels easily detachable so good for storage and transportation
