User experience Marja Machielse

I have had Multiple Sclerosis since 1993. Because of my MS (secondary progressive) I can only walk a few steps, if I am supported.

It is always difficult to get used to losing parts of my physical abilities, but sometimes there is a solution that just feels right! 

Two years ago was the last time I used my bicycle; I cycled around the head of the Java Island five times. No matter how hard I tried, I could not get on- and off of my bike anymore.

I just wanted to move, I wanted to cycle! The cycling motion is a motion you do not easily forget. 

We searched the internet and discovered tricycles which were not only driven by legs, but were also hand bikes.

A presentation about the BerkelBike was organized in the Revalidation Centre in Amsterdam, and I got to take it for a test ride. It was great! Three wheels, a chair, I felt like a queen on her throne. The bike was driven by my arms and my legs.

The Egg of Columbus,  especially because the BerkelBike can also be used as an indoor trainer.

Though it affected my savings balance, I wanted this Bike! And as promised, the BerkelBike arrived in time to spend my vacation on Terschelling riding my bike!

Since I had already had good experiences taking the train in my wheelchair, we gave it a shot. This time without the wheelchair, with a scoot mobile and my BerkelBike. This undertaking went just as smooth as my previous journeys. We did not have to bring our own wheelchair; homecare Friesland had one ready for use already in the hotel. Agis (the insurance company) refunded the expenses. 

I cycled every day with a lot of fun. If I got too tired I sapped places with my partner, who was on the scoot mobile.

Last winter I cycled indoors every day. Thanks to that exercise I am in great shape now! 

Marja Machielse