Cycling problems.

[ranne21]

Morning all :0). I’m just looking for ideas as I’m a bit stuck/frustrated with my current situation at the moment! Maybe there isn’t a solution, but hey you have to try 🙂!

I have RA plus OA and can’t drive any more (medical reasons). Walking is now fairly difficult. Normally I get about perfectly happily with a little bit of walking plus use of my e-bike for shopping/longer distances, but now I can’t cycle at all owing to pain in my right knee. I’m going to seek help from a physio but am not overly hopeful about that. I’m hoping to get onto a biologic later in the year and maybe that might help.

In other countries I think you can use an e-bike with a throttle, but in the UK only pedal assist is legal and I can’t manage that :0(. An e-trike might help, but you still have to be able to pedal!

[Lolabridge]

I have a mobility scooter which is great for getting about locally and thankfully I can still drive my car. I gave up cycling years ago I’m afraid - the dodgy knee problem!

I love my mobility scooter and would be lost without it now as I find walking even short distances a problem.

[Gottarelax]

I'm also sad that I've had to give up cycling but for me it's because I can't sit on the saddle or grip the handlebars anymore. Not something I've tried but could you use a clip on your left foot so that you can complete the cycle motion with one knee?

[Hidden]

Morning. I’ve looked at these before. 250w counts as a bike. 500w you need tax and insurance.

jorviktricycles.com/

* Any electric bike that does not meet the EAPC rules is classed as a motorcycle or moped and needs to be registered and taxed. You’ll need a driving licence to ride one and you must wear a crash helmet.

[Sheila_G]

Maybe a sports physiotherapist might be better if you have one in your area.

[Deeb1764]

I was just about to say an e trike but the knees. I loved my bike and its the one thing I refuse to give up but my balance appalling and fallen off it so many times when I have given it a try. I justt cant bear the thought of giving my bike up yet!

[Runrig01]

I have an ebike, and determined to continue on it. I have both patellas slightly dislocated, and severe OA bog the patellofemoral joint due to the abnormal anatomy now. However I appreciate its essential to keep my quads strong to help support my knees. I also have partially dislocated toes with a current flare in them, making walking incredibly difficult, so rely on my bike to get me out gir fresh air. Hope you find a solution soon 🤗

[ranne21]

Many thanks for the suggestions and ideas - all good ones! It’s great to get support from folk who understand.

[wholenut]

Wisper bikes are able to sell ebikes with throttles, by getting special authority from the licensing authority. Good bikes but around £1800. Its a crazy rule inexplicably unique to UK. (and in my view it discriminates against the disabled). Many imported bikes, and most deliveroo riders ignore it.

[ranne21 in reply to wholenut]

That’s extremely interesting and I’ll definitely look at Wisper bikes. I agree that the rules on this discriminate against the disabled. Thanks so much for the information! 😊😊