1 What is the BerkelBike?
The BerkelBike is a combination of a hand bike, tricycle and a recumbent bike. All of the BerkelBike models have arm and leg propulsion, so the arms support the legs. All the BerkelBike models can be equipped with the Impuls system for people with a spinal cord lesion. The BerkelBike is a combination of a hand cycle, tricycle and a recumbent bike.
2 What are the overall key benefits of the BerkelBike?
With the BerkelBike it is possible to train your legs and health optimally. It is fun to do and healthy at the same time. The BerkelBike increases your mobility. The BerkelBike has loads of health benefits like improvement of circulation, muscle strengthening and increase of stamina.
3 What are the key benefits of the Impuls system?
"Paralysed muscles are being activated what leads to a good blood circulation in the muscles. The muscles will become larger and healthier, what for example decreases the risk of oedema, pressure sores and thrombosis. Your body is better able to keep your body temperature at value. Muscle spasms decrease often. Every user will increase muscle bulk, circulation and stamina. The Impuls system is a benefit for the general health of the user."
4 Is the BerkelBike suitable for me?
The BerkelBike is suitable for everybody whose legs can use the strength of their arms for cycling. Or for people with a spinal cord lesion who have clearly reduced pain perception, so not for flaccid spinal cord injuries.
5 I don’t have a medical condition, is the BerkelBike suitable for me?
Yes, the BerkelBike is a full body workout. The more muscles you train the better it is for your fitness. You are able to use the BerkelBike for daily traffic. Cycling with the BerkelBike provides nicely toned arms.
6 What is the BerkelBikes history?
The BerkelBike has been invented and developed by exercise physiologist Rik Berkelmans, to decrease the lack of movement for disabled people / wheelchair users. In the year 2000 the BerkelBike won the Millennium-Prize. After five and half year of testing and developing with rehabilitation centres, the BerkelBike entered the market.
7 Which models are available?
There are 3 models; The BerkelBike Classic, BerkelBike Pro and the BerkelBike Home. Every model can be equipped with the Impuls system. The Classic and Pro models can be used as a stationary bike in combination with a Tacx system.
8 What is the difference between the models?
The BerkelBike Classic can be attached to your own wheelchair, like a regular handcycle. The BerkelBike Pro is a tricycle with a wide wheelbase, this makes it safe and stable to use. The backrest and seat position are easily adjustable. The BerkelBike Home is a stationary bike that can be used with an electric wheelchair as well. The BerkelBike Home is a training bike.
9 Can I start easily with the BerkelBike?
Yes, most BerkelBike users are astonished how fast cycling with the BerkelBike feels like natural.
10 Can I attach the BerkelBike Classic to my wheelchair?
Yes, except for an electric wheelchair or a wheelchair with one centred front wheel
11 How can I attach the BerkelBike Classic to my wheelchair?
The BerkelBike Classic can easily be attached. If you already have a hand cycle, the BerkelBike can probably be delivered with the same connector.
12 Can I use the BerkelBike as a stationary cycle?
Yes, in combination with the Tacx cycle trainer. There are multiple options, like linking your Tacx trainer to your computer and cycle around in a virtual world.
13 I want to use the BerkelBike in daily traffic, is it safe to use?
Yes, The BerkelBike Classic and Pro are equipped with high quality Shimano disc brakes. The BerkelBike Pro is really stable thanks to the wide wheelbase. Installing front and rear lights are an option.
14 I am small, is the BerkelBike available in my size?
Yes, the BerkelBike Classic will be adjusted to your length. The BerkelBike Pro comes in one size with an adjustable seat and backrest. Momentarily there are considerations about the production of children's size models. Available BerkelBikes are suitable for body lengths of 4,7 feet or more. You can always register on BerkelBike BV, so that we can contact you as soon as children's size models are available.
15 What is the Impuls system?
High tech electronics connected to a pair of shorts equipped with electrodes which activate the nerves. These nerves will then stimulate the muscles to contract. This Impuls System is only suited for people with a spinal cord lesion.
16 Can I use the Impuls system?
The Impuls system is suitable for people with a spinal cord lesion. The two key suitability criteria are that muscle spasms in the legs can be provoked and that there is a reduced pain perception in the legs.
17 Is it difficult to work with the Impuls system?
The Impuls System works like a TV. You turn it on; you choose your program and adjust the sound (stimulation) to the right level.
18 I have MS, what benefits does the BerkelBike offer me?
People with Multiple Sclerosis often have some force in the legs, but the coordination of the arms is better then their legs. Because the arms help the legs coordination, it is possible to cycle well, so you are able to stay in a healthy shape.
19 I had Polio, what benefits does the BerkelBike offer me?
The unaffected muscles will help the affected muscles what makes you able to cycle smoothly.
20 I have a Spinal Cord Injury, what benefits does the BerkelBike offer me?
If you have a spinal cord lesion, using the BerkelBike will improve your health in many ways. But the main benefit is being able to use your legs after years of inactivity.
21 I had a Stroke, what benefits does the BerkelBike offer me?
Your unaffected arm and leg will help your by stroke affected side, so this side can be trained well again, what leads to more force in your affected arm and leg. The affected leg can practically always perform well. For some the BerkelBike can be used with one arm and both legs.
22 I had Cerebral Palsy, what benefits does the BerkelBike offer me?
If you had Cerebral Palsy, you can cycle with the BerkelBike because it is easy and fun to do. And at the same time your body is trained and becomes more flexible.
23 I have another medical condition, what benefits does the BerkelBike offer me?
An optimal physical shape is very important for almost all the people with a medical condition. If you want to know whether the BerkelBike is suitable for you, please contact us.
24 Will the BerkelBike help me improve my physical therapy?
Whether the BerkelBike is an improvement for your physical therapy depends on your condition. The BerkelBike can improve your health, but always ask your physical therapist or a BerkelBike expert for their advice.
25 My leg is amputated. Is the BerkelBike also suitable for me?
Yes, the BerkelBike can certainly be used by someone with an amputation. One leg is at least as strong as 2 arms. Previously, people with a (lower) leg amputation had to choose between a hand cycle and a recumbent. With the BerkelBike you can combine the power of your arms and leg.
26 I have an incomplete spinal cord lesion, is it possible to stimulate each leg on its own?
Yes, stimulation is programmable for each group of muscles individually. So if you have a leg with more sensory activity it is possible to reduce stimulation or even to switch off any stimulation. Sometimes the right leg can react more sensitive on stimulation. In this situation the electric current can be adjusted so that the left leg acts with the same strength as the right one does.
27 I have a spinal cord lesion which is located higher in the body, is it possible to train with the BerkelBike even for me?
It is possible to make use of the BerkelBike Home even if you have a complete lesion on C5. Determining factor is the ability to make the hand-bike-movement, which is impossible if you are impaired higher than C5. In case of an incomplete lesion located higher than C5, individual testing has to be done to make sure whether the use of the BerkelBike Home is possible or not.
28 What is the average speed that I can reach with the BerkelBike?
The speed you can reach with the BerkelBike depends on your strength. Some of the BerkelBike users can reach speeds up to 19 mph.
29 Is it possible to adjust the BerkelBike to my personal needs?
Yes, BerkelBike has a variety of parts which make it possible to adjust the BerkelBike to your personal needs en wishes. Contact with an expert makes clear which adjustments are suitable or necessary.
30 Will I receive a trainings programme with my BerkelBike?
Yes, Every BerkelBike user receives a personal trainings programme.
31 What maintenance does the BerkelBike require?
The BerkelBike needs to be maintained like any ordinary bike.
32 Can I test the BerkelBike, and where?
Yes, at one of our distributors we can arrange a test ride.
33 How can I get in touch with an expert?
You can fill in the form at this website, send an email or call BerkelBike BV.
34 How can I get in touch with a dealer?
You can fill in the form at this website or contact BerkelBike BV for a comprehensive advice. BerkelBike BV will contact a dealer for you. Or look at the contact page for direct contact with a distributor.
35 How does the distribution process work in countries without a dealer?
After contacting BerkelBike BV, you can order the BerkelBike. The BerkelBike will be send towards you. Then you can try it for two months. Read more about the conditions here.
36 Can I get parts for the BerkelBike?
Yes, therefore you will have to contact BerkelBike BV or your distributor.
37 Where can I repair my BerkelBike?
Simple repairs can be made by a bicycle mechanic. Complex repairs must be done by the distributor. They will collect your BerkelBike or visit you, to make the repairs.
38 Who are the BerkelBike users and can I get in touch with them?
You can have a look at the users list. Some of them are also willing to tell you about their experiences with the BerkelBike. In the future it will be possible to get in touch with users at the BerkelBike forum.
39 I would like to purchase the BerkelBike, what model would you recommend?
This depends on your situation, needs and wishes. Please contact BerkelBike BV or a distributor for more information and advice.
40 Where can I buy the BerkelBike?
In the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, The United States and France you can buy the BerkelBike at one of the distributors. In countries without a dealer you have to buy the BerkelBike directly from BerkelBike BV.
41 Are there any funds to help me purchase the BerkelBike?
This is different for every country, state and even place of residence. The distributors can possibly advice you.
42 What are the warranty conditions on the BerkelBike?
The entire BerkelBike comes with a one year warranty and a five year warranty on the frame, excluding wear and tear.
43 If I have a problem with my bike, who do I have to contact?
Please contact the company where you bought your BerkelBike.
44 Where does BerkelBike use my personal information for?
BerkelBike uses your personal information only to contact you and to be able to advice you well. This information will be shared with the distributor in combination with our advice. We will not share your information to others without your permission. For more information read our privacy policy.
