Motorcycling freedom: a paraplegics dream.
People with disabilities have the same rights as other members of society in directing and implementing the decisions which affect their lives, although it is not always afforded them due to physical limitations. A chance encounter by the author, a University of Western Australia mechanical engineering student, with a paraplegic man who expressed his dream of being able to ride a motorcycle again led to the design and build of a specially modified motorcycle that could be ridden safely and comfortably by a person without the use of their legs. The prototype involved several modifications which allow it to be ridden by a paraplegic person. They included, a thumb controlled pneumatic gear shifter, an integrated front and rear brake actuated with a single hand lever, ergonomic supports to hold the riders legs in place and an automatic stabilising system to balance the motorcycle at low speeds. The benefits that result from the inclusion of people with disabilities into regular leisure activities include normalisation as well as a sense of independence and freedom for the individual. It also allowed one man the chance to reach for his dreams.
Lomman
D
D
Department ofMechanical Engineering, University of Western Australia.
Kirk
B
B
D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008328:Man-Machine Systems; D009049:Motorcycles; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*