For the last 2 years, both Ben and Daniel have used the Smart Trike 3-in-1. It was the perfect trike for both of them. All we needed to do was add some velcro straps to Ben's pedals so his feet would stay on the pedals and it was perfect.
But....they are now too big for these awesome trikes...and I am passing them along to a friend who has twin boys (one with CP).
So we've been struggling with trying to figure out what to do for this year. We'll likely get Daniel a regular bike with training wheels. He's actually a bit clumsy and uncoordinated, but I hope he'll be able to handle a real bike.
We were thinking of getting Ben a bigger trike and then adapting it. My cousin's husband is awesome at projects like this so we figured he could help us.
We also found this website that sells extra big training wheels. And thought about buying Ben a real bike and adapting it with these training wheels. We are even thinking of getting these for Daniel.
I then looked into the bike that E has over at A Life Less Ordinary. But I concluded that it would be too big for Ben this year.
And then, I stumbled across the Mobo Mini. It's the same company as the bike that E has, but they've changed their name. And the Mini is for 2 to 5 year olds. And I'm in LOVE. I want one NOW. But I don't think it's available yet. I even emailed the company to find out when it would be available. But they haven't gotten back to me. But this is what I want for Ben. It LOOKS PERFECT.
So I guess we wait. I so hope we can get this for Ben. We live on a court and I can just see the boys out there driving their new bikes this Spring.
I'll keep you posted!
What about a balance bike (for one or both of them)? Teaches them great balance and super easy! Strider and mini glider are the two I'd recommend.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I don't know you just came upon your blog and just feel the need to sing the praises of balance bikes whenever I can!
You are such a good resource for me, knowing that in a couple years I will be in this spot and be able to consult you! Can't wait to see pics of the boys on their bikes this summer...if only your snow would melt so they can ride them sooner than later ;)
ReplyDelete@ The Wilsons- thanks so much for the suggestion...part of the reason I wrote this post was hoping someone might have thought of something that I haven't. I have thought about a balance bike for Daniel, but it totally wouldn't work for Ben who has no balance at all. I think they are a great starter bike for "typical" kids, but not so much for kids with CP.
ReplyDelete@ The Trousdell Five - that's another reason I wrote this post. I love coming across just plain ole' informative posts that help me out. That's why I love the blog "A Life Less Ordinary" so much. E is just a few years older than Ben and her mom writes the most informative posts. I find myself constantly referring to her old posts to find something!
My PT recommends the Skuut balance bike even for typically developing kids to start with, just to get the balance thing going on.
ReplyDeleteI don't have any suggestions since Al.ex is just learning to use his adaptive trike at PT and school. We don't have anything at home yet...
ReplyDeleteCar.sten is on a "regular" trike but just not that into it yet. :-)
The Mobo Mini looks cool! Let me know if you hear anything back from the company.
Have you looked to see if you have a AMBUCKS in your area? They are an organization that give FREE adaptive trikes and bike to our kiddos. James LOVES his and we do to
ReplyDelete