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Van Raam produces uniquely special needs bicycles and specializes in tricycles, transport bikes, scooterbikes, wheelchair bikes, tandem bikes, double rider bikes, and low step trough bikes (also known as comfortbikes). Each model is also available as an electric bike (Pedelec).
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Van Raam is a Dutch producer of unique custom bikes. Want to know more about our company or special needs bikes?
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Van Raam VeloPlus wheelchair bikes at Belgian care centers
Two different care centres in Belgium use Van Raam's VeloPlus wheelchair bicycle. The employees at day care centre DiMa in Meulebeke use the wheelchair bicycle to visit their 30 different visitors at home and the OLV senior care centre in Bornem has been given a wheelchair bicycle. Read more about both care centres and how they use the wheelchair bicycle.
Day care center goes to visitors with a wheelchair bike
DiMa day care centre for adults in Meulebeke is closed due to the coronavirus. Despite the fact that people cannot go to the centre, they are still being thought of. Some staff members have visited the visitors by wheelchair bicycle. The employees cycled past 28 different houses and had an Easter present with them for each visitor. The volunteers were dressed in and Easter outfit. At the visitors' homes they kept their distance and the attention was handed over.
In addition to this fun Easter initiative, other initiatives with other Van Raam bicycles were started. Read more about this in the article 'Initiatives with the Fun2Go duo bike in times of corona'. The wheelchair bike the employees use is the VeloPlus wheelchair transport bike by Van Raam. Read more about cycling in this time period in the article '5 reasons why cycling protects against corona'.
The staff members with the Easter gift at one of the visitors. (Photo: HLN / rv)
The visitors all got an Easter present. (Photo: HLN / rv)
In an Easter outfit the gifts were brought to the visitors. (Photo: HLN / rv)
Senior center in Bornem gets wheelchair bike
De Koolputten donated a wheelchair bike to the OLV senior center in Bornem. The OLV Senior Citizens' Centre is a residential care centre offering four forms of accommodation, including a care centre for the elderly suffering from dementia, assistance homes and a day care centre. CEO of the senior center Miguel Michiels often heard from the residents that they missed the opportunity to go cycling and enjoy the wind in their faces and outdoors.
De Koolputten dedicates itself annually to a social project, this year it was for a wheelchair bicycle for senior center OLV. They used to rent a wheelchair bike once or twice a year. This was very labour-intensive, because planning had to be made in advance and the residents had to be asked. It was also always hoping for nice weather. The reactions to cycling with the wheelchair bike were always very positive. The residents liked to have their freedom back and to have the sun in their face and wind in their hair.
The residents liked to have their freedom back and to have the sun in their face and wind in their hair.
Cycling with a wheelchair bike is a special experience
The senior center is very happy with the bike. They can now go outside with the residents at any time. They are no longer dependent on the weather and the residents do not have to be asked in a hurry, they are now free to choose when and where they want to cycle.
Cycling with the wheelchair bicycle is a special experience for the elderly, says employee Serge of the OLV Senior Centre. It's important for the residents to go to a different environment, it's extra nice when it's in nature. The staff member also experienced that the residents became emotional from the bike ride. The view of the water, for example, brings back memories and sometimes they cycle past their parental home or past the bakery where they came in the past. Serge Vermijlen of senior center OLV: "Life is finite, these are moments that they take with them and that they enjoy".
Video: The wheelchair bicycle at senior center OLV
In the video (in Dutch) below by De Koolputten, you see more about the use of the wheelchair bike by employees and residents of the OLV senior center.
The Van Raam VeloPlus wheelchair bike
The VeloPlus wheelchair bike from Van Raam is a wheelchair transport bike. This bike is specially made to transport people in their own wheelchair by bike. The wheelchair can easily be ridden on the VeloPlus tilting plate. The wheelchair can then be locked to the bicycle. The low position of the wheelchair on the bicycle makes it easier to ride the wheelchair on the bicycle and results in a lower centre of gravity. The broadly positioned and extra steering front wheels ensure a small turning circle and a great deal of stability. The driver has a good overview of the road and the passenger. The VeloPlus is also available with pedal support and other options.
Read more about the use of the wheelchair bike in the article: 'Wheelchair cargo bike for cycling with a wheelchair user'.
Benefits of the VeloPlus:
- Wheelchair user can remain seated in their own wheelchair
- The wheelchair can be ridden on the platform without much effort and can be easily secured
- The wheels are steerable and this ensures a small turning circle
- Easy to use and very stable and safe
Read more about the VeloPlus on the product page.
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Try out the VeloPlus yourself
Are you curious about what the VeloPlus can do? At Van Raam in Varsseveld and at some Van Raam dealers it is possible to try this bike for free. During an appointment at Van Raam, which you can schedule online, you will receive advice and it is possible to make a test ride. Afterwards you will receive a no-obligation quote. A wheelchair bike, or other adapted bike, can be ordered at a Van Raam dealer.
Experiences with the wheelchair transport bike VeloPlus
The experiences below are from VeloPlus owners or users. Read more experiences on the user experiences page of the VeloPlus.
View the OPair wheelchair bike
In addition to the VeloPlus, Van Raam also has the OPair wheelchair bike. The OPair has been developed to cycle together with children or adults who can no longer cycle independently and for whom a transfer is easily possible. At the front of the bike is an adjustable seat mounted for the wheelchair user. With the optional divisible version, the front part can be disconnected from the bicycle part. The front part can then be used as a wheelchair at the destination. Read more about this wheelchair bike on the OPair product page.
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