The Buddy Bike provides the alternative to tandem cycling, tag-a-longs, trikes and infant seats. The Buddy Bike is a tandem bicycle (bicycle for two) that places the smaller rider in the front seat while the rear rider controls the steering. It is shorter in length than a standard tandem, has a unique handlebar setup and has a lower front seat so both riders can safely enjoy the view. Its features make the Buddy Bike especially beneficial for children with special needs. The Buddy Bike offers an opportunity for adaptive outdoor recreation and therapeutic activity to those who may not otherwise be able to experience the thrill of riding a bicycle.

The Buddy Bike can be empowering for a child or adult with special needs. Riding the same bike as the caregiver lessens the skills and the number of steps necessary to successfully ride a bike. The front rider has their own handlebars to feel like they are steering without actually having control of the bike and they can contribute to pedaling and propelling the bicycle forward. The front rider is seated in the front seat which provides an unobstructed view for maximum visual stimulation and tactile stimulation in the form of wind on his/her face. The seats are close enough for easy communication between the riders making it easier to keep the person with a disability on task without lagging behind, turning a different way or stopping on their own. Many of our customers state that their children are more alert and responsive after riding their Buddy Bike and that they feel that they fit in by being able to do what other kids do. A rider with a disability is able to keep up with family and friends when riding in a group so they are no longer left behind.

Riders must be able to sit upright on a standard bicycle seat to ride the Buddy Bike. Fold-out foot pegs are available for smaller riders to keep their feet out of the way of moving pedals. (Sold separately.) The Buddy Bike can support up to 380 pounds; making it the ultimate family bike that can be enjoyed by riders of all ages and abilities.

Read JESSE & THE BUDDY BIKE STORY to see how The Buddy Bike has positively affected Jesse and his family or visit our CUSTOMER COMMENTS page to read about the stories and experiences of other parents.

Who may benefit from riding the Buddy Bike?
Children with Autism, Down Syndrome, Aspergers, Fragile X, sight impaired, hearing impaired and children with cognitive disabilities. Recent studies are showing that riding a bicycle can reduce tremors in patients with Parkinson's Disease. Riders with severe physical disabilities may not be able to ride the Buddy Bike. Riders must have enough trunk strength to sit upright on a standard bicycle seat. Adults who have never ridden a bicycle can also learn to ride on a Buddy Bike.

Visit our Funding Options page to find
Medical Provider or funding source near you.

The Buddy Bike has been officially tested, rated and recognized as a product that is friendly for children of all abilities by AblePlay. Visit our product listing at AblePlay to review a report by the National Lekotek Center about the Buddy Bike and its applications and benefits for special needs children. Parents may find this information to be useful in their search for funding. BUDDY BIKE LISTING AT ABLEPLAY.ORG

• Child sits in the front where adult can supervise activity
• Child rider sits in front and has a sense of control by using their own handle bars that are attached to the adult handlebars which steer
• Adult has significant leverage over the handlebars so the child does not have the ability to push the steering in any direction without the cooperation of the parent rider
• Adult is close enough to speak words of encouragement or to practice verbal lessons into the child's ear rather than shouting in the wind at a child riding behind

A Letter from Miami Children's Hospital Dan Marino Center

"Aside from the physical benefits they receive...it has given them a sense of belonging and has driven them to "want to attend physical education and "ride with coach." The look on their faces is one that I cannot describe."    READ WILL'S STORY 

• Provides physical activity which directly combats obesity
  (for children who can pedal)
• Strengthens core muscles for stability
• Improves balance and exercises reciprocal leg movements
• Improves motor planning and gross motor skills
• Provides visual and tactile stimulation
• May improve full body sensory awareness
• Helps improve attention and assists children in focusing on cognitive tasks presented after by providing riders with proprioceptive input
• Encourages teamwork and verbal communication
• Provides leisure, family activity, outdoor activity and community social skills

The Buddy Bike as a transitional tool
The Buddy Bike allows a stoker (front rider) with little or no cycling skills to ride a bicycle. The Buddy Bike is an excellent tool for teaching cycling skills safely and it has helped several children transition to riding their own 2-wheel bicycles. One father had this to say about their experience with the Buddy Bike:

"...never in our wildest dreams did we imagine that Kyle would learn to ride a two-wheeled bike. He's made us real proud and it just goes to show that children with autism can learn just like everyone else you just have to find the people that know how to teach them..."      Kruno - Ontario, Canada

"The buddy bike is an amazing thing for children on the spectrum. What we found from the families that tried it was that it was really good for sensory integration and motor skills as well as building up the weaker muscle groups and working on balance. We found the kids were showing more self confidence because they were accomplishing a task they may not otherwise be able to do, and the bike was great at not only allowing them to accomplish these tasks but reinforced the behavior because they could continue to do well. Also, it is wonderful for the kids because they get to interact with their parents and from the parents perspective they get the simple joy of riding bikes with their children. We love the buddy bike!" 

For United Kingdom Customers:
You may be able to receive your Buddy Bike duty and VAT tax free! CLICK HERE for a step-by-step guide. This information is provided by a customer. The customer nor Buddy Bike can guarantee that you will qualify for receiving the tax exemption. This information is provided for reference only.   STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Visit our Funding Options page to find
Medical Provider or funding source near you.