3.10.2025

Tiedotteet

Everyone can cycle: Introducing Malike’s bike selection

You may have heard that bicycles that are suitable even for severely disabled children and adults do exist. And you might be interested in hearing more about them, even if just for general knowledge. There are many types of bicycles available for loan through NGOs operating in Finland and we decided to share information about this.

In spring 2025 during the Cycling Week, Hepo organized an event called ”Everyone Cycles” together with Malike and Vammaisperheyhdistys Jaatinen (NGO) at the Helsinki Bike Centre. The event showcased bikes suitable for children and adults with disabilities, provided by Malike, which attendees could test ride and explore. To make it easier for more people to get information about existing bicycle models, we have put together an information package on the subject. The package is available in text in both Finnish and English and in video format in the original language, i.e. Finnish. At the beginning of this information package, we provide background information on the activities of an organization within the framework of which bicycles for severely disabled people can be borrowed in Finland for independent testing against a trial fee.

“Malike” means “on the Road, on the Move, in the Heart of Life”. Malike is part of the NGO called Inclusion Finland KVTL (Kehitysvammaisten Tukiliitto). Malike aims to increase the experience that everyone can cycle, and that solutions can be found to support cycling for all.

Author: Janina Vesala

WHEELCHAIR TRANSPORT BIKE

First up is the Dutch VanRaam electric-assisted wheelchair transport bike, which allows a person using a wheelchair to board it with their own wheelchair. The front of the bike features a platform, which, thanks to its tipping mechanism, turns into a ramp. The wheelchair is secured to the bike at three points and also a seatbelt. The cycling buddy rides at the back of the bike, with the person in the wheelchair facing the direction of travel at the front. This bike is also suitable for adults.

For safety reasons, the bike is recommended to be used on even terrain due to its low ride height. The wheelchair transport bike is especially suited for urban cycling. The bike has a weight limit, which means that only the smallest or lightest models of electric wheelchairs can be used. It is primarily designed for manual wheelchairs.

SIDE BY SIDE TRICYCLE

In the side by side tricycle, the cycling buddy rides on the left side, and the assisted cyclist rides on the right side. The cycling buddy is responsible for steering, and both cyclists can participate in pedaling. The assisted cyclist is unable to steer the bike but can otherwise engage in cycling in the same way as the cycling buddy. The bike is electric-assisted.

The side by side tricycle is a great solution when someone has a hearing impairment or difficulties with spatial awareness. On this bike, it is possible to easily follow your companion and also use sign language while cycling.

TRICYCLE TANDEMS

When riding a tricycle tandem, the cycling buddy rides at the back of the bike and is responsible for steering. The assisted cyclist rides at the front of the bike. It’s easy to get started on a tricycle tandem, as there’s no need to worry about keeping the bike upright. The person sitting in the front can enjoy cycling and pedaling, meaning both participants are active cyclists on this ride. The steering can also be transferred to the cyclist in the front, if desired.

Tricycle tandems can be adjusted according to growth or for different users. It is important that the cycling buddy can see over the front cyclist without any visual obstructions, so the size difference between the cyclists should be considered. Tricycle tandems are available in both child and adult sizes.

Tricycle tandems are suitable for people with visual impairments, as well as individuals with challenges in spatial awareness or understanding. The tandem can also serve as a good transitory bike for those who need support before transitioning to independent cycling, such as individuals with cognitive challenges. It allows cyclists to learn how to ride in traffic together with a cycling buddy before starting independent cycling.

WHEELCHAIR BIKE

In the wheelchair bike, the assisted cyclist is positioned at the front of the bike. The front part of the wheelchair bike has a wheelchair section, where the assisted cyclist sits. The cyclist in the front gets to enjoy the feeling of cycling, with the wind on their face. This bike is suitable for someone with low functional mobility who cannot participate in the pedalling motion.

The wheelchair part of the wheelchair bike is detachable, which also makes it possible to use the bike for activities such as shopping alongside cycling.

ALL-TERRAIN SPECIAL NEEDS BUGGIES AND OFF-ROAD SPECIAL NEEDS BUGGIES

All-terrain special needs buggies are versatile and suitable for a variety of purposes. All of Malike’s selection of all-terrain special needs buggies have large wheels, which allows them to be used year-round in the Finnish climate – even in the snow. These buggies are great for family trips, such as day trips to a nearby forest, because their tires are well-suited for off-road use.

All of Malike’s buggies can also be equipped with a drawbar, transforming them into a bike trailer. The drawbar attaches to the back of a regular bicycle in the same way as other similar models. Thanks to these features, the carts are well-suited for children or young people with high support needs. They are not suitable for adults, as they are designed for smaller children or young people.

One of the all-terrain special needs buggies (the yellow-blue version) is large enough to accommodate two children or one larger child when converted into a trailer. A front wheel can be added to the trailer, turning it into a buggy.

JOGGING STROLLER

The black jogging stroller can also be used as a bike trailer. This particular model is slightly larger than the previous ones, with a weight limit of 65 kilograms. A smaller version is also available.

In general, all-terrain special needs buggies are well-suited for children who can’t cycle independently. Due to the buggies’ versatility, they are suitable for various activities and different users.

TWO-WHEELED TRAILER BIKE

The two-wheeled trailer bike is more suitable for assisted cyclists compared to the more common single-wheeled trailer bikes. The two-wheeled trailer bike can be attached to the seat tube of a regular bicycle. It works in the same way as the single-wheeled bike trailers, but it is a more stable and secure option for those requiring more support.

TRICYCLES FOR CHILDREN

Malike’s children’s tricycles are designed for children with high support needs. The bike has separate supports for the shins, torso, and also a headrest, making it very stable. It is suitable for a child who can perform the pedaling motion and whose hips and legs allow the cycling movement.

Children’s tricycles are also used for rehabilitation purposes. Cycling is excellent rehabilitation therapy, especially for walking. It strengthens muscles and coordination. Children who are unable to crawl, crawl on all fours, or stand can still cycle when assisted. Cycling strengthens their muscles in the same way as it does for everyone. In addition to cycling, standing frames can also be used to practice standing and support the development of skeletal structure and acetabula.

One of Malike’s children’s tricycles functions as a bike trailer thanks to an additional piece. The front part of the bike is removed and replaced with an additional drawbar, which can then be attached to a regular bicycle. After attaching the tow bar, it is important to check the seat position and adjust it accordingly. Thanks to the two features, this tricycle is great for practicing independent cycling or assisted cycling. The trailer feature is especially useful for longer trips, allowing for outings like going to the beach together.

Aside from the trailer feature, the tricycles are the same. Both bikes have a passenger fixed gear that forces the cyclist to pedal when the bike is moving. This helps the child learn the pedaling motion, and with practice, the movement may gradually become automatic, allowing them to learn to cycle. The bike has a handle at the back that an adult can hold onto to steer the bike.

Children’s tricycles are provided for free to children with high support needs for rehabilitation purposes through the Assistive Device Services. If it gets too small, there is the possibility of exchanging it for a new one of proper size. When the bike is no longer needed, it can be returned to the Assistive Device Services. In general, bikes for rehabilitation purposes are typically used for short trips because young children may not have the stamina for longer outings.

MORE CYCLING FOR ALL

Thanks to the right equipment, cycling is possible for almost everyone. Through practice, it’s possible to learn the cycling motion, and gradually, one can also learn the skills needed for independent cycling, as Susanna from Malike explains.

Malike’s website provides detailed information about their bike selection and about opportunities to try out different bikes. The site also includes contact details for further inquiries. Malike organizes various trial events, which can be found in the calendar on their website. Malike operates nationwide from Tampere, and all of their bikes are available in Tampere. Malike’s partner, Vammaisperheyhdistys Jaatinen, is based in Helsinki and also has a few bikes.

You can try out the bikes at Malike’s location in Tampere or at Vammaisperheyhdistys Jaatinen in Helsinki. It is also possible to borrow bikes for independent trials through Malike’s website for a trial fee. The loan period is two weeks, during which you can familiarise yourself with the bike and test whether it suits your family’s needs. In addition to the trial fee, the customer pays any shipping costs. It’s important to note that the largest bikes cannot be shipped, so they must be picked up from Tampere in person.

Apuväline – Assistive Technology event will be held in Tampere in November 2025, where, in addition to Malike, many other organisations will be present, offering the opportunity to explore different assistive devices and how to use them.

Malike’s events and contact details can be found on their website.

More information on Vammaisperheyhdistys Jaatinen and their activities can be found on their website.

Apuväline – Assistive Technology event page has more information on the upcoming event.

ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH HELSINKI REGION CYCLISTS – ALSO KNOWN AS HEPO?

We are a community and trustee of cyclists based in the Helsinki Metropolitan area (Espoo, Helsinki, Kauniainen and Vantaa). Our goal is to promote cycling and make the Helsinki Metropolitan area safer, more convenient and desirable for living and all modes of transport. All cyclists or anyone interested in cycling are welcomed in Hepo. Regardless of age and other personal aspects, cycle traffic must be accessible for as many as possible.

Helsinki Region Cyclists, aka Hepo, is an NGO focused on promoting cycling. Hepo has more than 1,500 members. Our goal is to influence law-making and traffic planning both on the local and national level. Hepo is not a political actor and is politically independent. In addition to influencing, bike travels have been an integral part of Hepo’s activities from the start and continue to be so.

By becoming a member you get access to member discounts and other offers for you and your bike. The annual member fee is 32 € and it pays back in no time. If you feel like making a difference in cycling conditions, you are welcome to join Hepo – in our activities or as a member. You get our member newsletter to your email once a month, member discounts from our partners – and you keep on track about cycling-related news and events.

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