BerkelBike History
Rik Berkelmans, The Inventor
The BerkelBike was created by Rik Berkelmans who graduated in Chemical Toxicology from the University Nijmegen. In addition, he also graduated in Exercise Physiology from Free University Amsterdam. All this gives him a solid background and knowledge on the importance of exercise to enable the function of the human body to continue normally. He also realized that individuals with spinal cord injuries face an indefinite threat to their health. This is due to tissues becoming vulnerable due to inactivity This results among others in decubitus ulcers at bottom, feet and ankles. The second risk is the general health. Berkelmans understands that individuals who are without access to their largest muscle groups have limited options when it comes to exercising. By intensive use of the arms, these relatively small muscles go sour even before a good cardio vascular exercise takes place. The performance determining factor is the muscles in the arms and not the general fitness. For the same matter, it is not uncommon to find that wheelchair athletes possess similar physique to that of bodybuilders.
Invention
The solution to this problem is that the leg muscles should be actively used/exercised and more importantly, it should have easy access to all kinds of machines. This is to ensure that the therapy-dedication stays high. This was how the BerkelBike was born. The main features of it are control of the legs by Functional Electrical Stimulation in combination with hand-cycling. In addition, it allows for the device to be easily connected/disconnected to/from the wheelchair.
Development Activities
The first 5 prototype of the BerkelBike were built by Flevobike. This engineering consultancy specializes in "man driven vehicles". Subsequently Nijland Revalidatie Techniek went on to build the last 3 prototype, where the production capabilities associated with it played a major role.
The first electronics prototype was build by Peter Claus, a colleague of Rik Berkelmans at the University, with a huge contribution by Ben van den Dolder of Syntens. The second prototype, made by JWA Systems, functioned the same as the first, but was half of the size and featured more options and room for improvement. Between September 2004 till September 2007, all the developments in the field of software and electronics took place through a Joint venture between BerkelBike BV and Brainquiry R&D.
After 5½ years of development, the BerkelBike was finally introduced at the ‘Sint Maartenskliniek’ rehabilitation centre on April 15th 2005. The third model, the BerkelBike Pro, has been introduced on the 18th edition of the International Trade Fair and Congress – RehaCare International – in Düsseldorf, Germany, which took place during the first week of October 2007.
The Company BerkelBike BV
After winning the Millennium-prize, Rik Berkelmans started to work part time (20 hours) at the University. In October 2002, he took a big risk and resigned from his job and went ahead to work at his rented business premise; the University Company Centre in Nijmegen. On March 6th 2003 BerkelBike BV (Inc.) was established. On April 15th 2008 BerkelBike BV moved from Nijmegen to ‘s-Hertogenbosch; both of which was located in the Netherlands itself.
