For many families searching for a special needs tricycle for children, finding the right solution can make a significant difference to both mobility and quality of life. Children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, autism, epilepsy and global developmental delay often require equipment that supports posture, stability and safe cycling, while also encouraging gentle exercise and physiotherapy through pedalling movement.

A specialist adaptive trike for children can provide more than mobility support. It can help improve leg movement, muscle stretching, coordination and confidence, while allowing children with limited mobility to experience the freedom and enjoyment of cycling outdoors.

Searching for a Way to Keep Oscar Moving

Oscar is nine years old and lives with cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, autism, epilepsy and global developmental delay. His mobility is limited and he requires regular physiotherapy to help stretch the muscles in his legs, which can become very tight.

Hannah began researching specialist trikes as a way to support Oscar’s physical development while also allowing him to enjoy being active outdoors.

“We started to look into getting Oscar a trike as we didn’t want his disabilities to stop him from doing the things that children love doing, plus it would be really good physiotherapy for his legs at the same time.”

The family wanted a solution that would give Oscar the opportunity to take part in cycling while also supporting his physical needs.

The Challenges of Mobility and Physiotherapy

Finding the right trike meant considering several important factors.

Oscar requires supportive seating to ensure his posture and leg positioning are correct, and he is not currently able to pedal independently. The trike also needed to be stable, safe, and manageable for his parents to assist with.

Living in a hilly village added another challenge. As Oscar grows older, pushing a trike uphill without assistance would become increasingly difficult.

The family needed a solution that would support Oscar’s positioning, provide stability and safety, and still allow him to enjoy the movement and exercise that cycling can provide.

Finding the Right Support with Tomcat

When Hannah contacted Tomcat, the assessment process helped the family find the right trike for Oscar.

An assessor, Kevin Barry, visited their home with a selection of trikes so Oscar could try different options in a familiar environment.

“The Tomcat service and assessment process was so easy. Everyone we spoke to was really helpful and friendly, and the assessor came out to our home with a selection of trikes so we could see which one suited Oscar best.”

The Tomcat Apprentice Arrow quickly proved to be the right fit.

Its lower frame provides greater stability and makes it easier for Oscar to get on and off the trike. The supportive seat and backrest help maintain a comfortable and well-supported riding position.

“The seat with backrest is really comfortable for Oscar, and the trike has so much support to ensure his seating and leg position are all in the right place.”

Even though Oscar cannot pedal independently, the movement of the pedals still encourages his legs to cycle, providing valuable physiotherapy and exercise.

The family also chose to add the Bionic Buddy electric assist, which provides extra help when tackling the hills around their home.

“There is no way we could manage pushing Oscar up the hills now he’s getting older without a bit of an electric boost.”

With parent steering and braking controls, the trike also provides the reassurance that Oscar can ride safely while remaining fully supported.

A New Freedom on Three Wheels

Since receiving the trike, Hannah says it has transformed what the family can do together.

“The trike has been absolutely amazing. It has opened up a whole new world for Oscar and for us as a family.”

Oscar now gets excited whenever the family mentions going out for a ride. The trike allows them to take longer trips around their village, with the electric boost helping on hills when needed.

Because the trike can be dismantled easily, they can also take it in the car and explore new places, and they are already planning to take it on holiday.

One of the most memorable moments so far was taking part in a 5km charity event, with Oscar riding on his trike alongside family and friends.

For Hannah, the experience has shown that cycling is possible for more families than they might think.

“Just give it a go. You will be amazed at how comfortable and well made the Tomcat trikes are. It really has opened up a whole new world for us as a family.”

Oscar enjoying a countryside ride on his Tomcat Apprentice Arrow trike with his mum, Hannah.