http://www.nabd.org.uk/

www.thenabd.co.uk

 

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N.A.B.D.
Unit 20,
The Bridgewater Centre
Robson Avenue
Urmston
Manchester
M41 7TE

Tel/Fax: 0844 415 4849

General enquiries should be addressed to office@thenabd.org.uk

Registered Charity number 1040907/SC039897  

 

 

 

 

 

In this section, we look at the main purpose of the NABD - Adaptions

The first thing most people ask is "will I ever be able to ride again?" The answer is almost certainly YES, with due allowance for the nature of their disability. For instance, there has been at least one paraplegic that we know of that has successfully ridden a solo motorcycle, however, like the Knights of mediaeval times, it required a vast amount of money, and the assistance of several men and a small crane for him to mount the machine. No disrespect is intended by this: if you have the bottle (and the wallet) then it shows that the apparently impossible CAN be achieved. (If you don't believe me, have a look at the links at the bottom of this page).

We'll start with some basic information on the types of adaption that can be done; more detailed information, and previous adaptions that have been featured in Open House, can be found in the menu on the left of the screen.

Right leg (Amputation or restricted strength/mobility):

This is usually a simple matter of transferring the rear brake control pedal to a handlebar-mounted lever. This can take the form of a thumb-operated lever or a more conventional lever mounted in tandem with the front brake lever or clutch lever.
Where the machine has a twin disc front braking system one of the callipers can be linked to the rear brake system (as on many Moto Guzzis) and the other front calliper used with a thumb-brake or tandem lever.
Another method of adapting the rear brake system is to use a linkage to transfer the brake pedal to the left side of the machine. This can be sited either alongside the gear pedal or directly behind it for heel operation.
1. Left or right hand twin levers
2. Left-hand thumb-brake (7/8" bars only)
3. Crossover linkage to left side of bike

Left Leg (Amputation or restricted strength/mobility):

With the advent of the (Kliktronic) solenoid operated gear change system, adapting the gear change has been much simplified. The Kliktronic kit is an easy to fit mechanism, which operates the gear change by way of a pair of small push buttons mounted on the handlebars. This system operates off the bikes existing electrical set-up so you do not have the problems of recharging etc that are involved with pneumatic (air-shifter) systems. Though the Kliktronic is by far the most popular form of gear change adaption, there are other ways of doing it.
Using a mechanical linkage (either internal or external) the gear pedal can be re-sited to the right side of the machine (though this may reverse the operating direction).
Another method is to use a left-hand twist grip and twin cable system to operate a modified gear pedal (this does tend to require a lot of regular adjustment to compensate for cable stretch).
1. Electronic push button gear-changer (1" and 7/8" bars)
2. Crossover linkage to right side of bike
3. Twin cable twist grip on left side of bars

For any type of leg disability you may find it difficult to operate the side stand. This can usually be cured with the simply addition of a hand operated lever or moving it to the right side. There is an electric side stand adaption available, but they are expensive.

Right arm (amputation, Brachial Plexus Lesion, reduced strength/mobility):

This is usually a simple matter of transferring the throttle and front brake lever to the left side handlebar. The front brake can then be operated by tandem or thumb lever and, in the case of a machine with a twin disc front brake, one calliper can be linked to the rear brake system for ease of use. Also the switch-gear would require adapting to suit left hand operation.
If the rider's disability only involves difficulty with operating a twist grip throttle (i.e. fused or stiff wrist, tendonitis etc) the only requirement may be the use of a thumb operated throttle (as used on quads). Where it is a matter of reduced mobility or amputation of fingers it may be that a thumb operated brake lever will solve the problem.
1. Left-hand throttle
2. Left Thumb brake (7/8" bars only)
3. Left-heel brake
4. Left-hand twin levers

Left arm (amputation, Brachial Plexus Lesion, reduced strength/ mobility):

In most cases this is simply a matter of adapting the clutch operating lever and some minor modification to the left side switch-gear.
There are several ways to adapt the clutch lever depending on the severity of the riders’ disability. In the case of total loss of or loss of use of the left hand, the clutch lever must be re-sited elsewhere. Most commonly this is a matter of transferring the lever to the right handle bar either in tandem with the brake lever or by replacing the brake lever with the clutch lever and putting the brake on a thumb lever. This lever would have to be made by an engineer, as we do not have this as a kit yet.
Another option is a foot operated clutch although this tends to be less common and would probably require ‘forward’ controls, but can be used in conjunction with a Kliktronic push button gear changer.
A further option is to opt for one of the ‘automatic’ machines such as the Honda 400cc and 750cc auto models.
In the case of reduced mobility or strength in the left hand other options would be, an Easy Clutch kit or Hydraulic to cable kit, which makes the use of cable operated clutches much lighter, or a thumb operated clutch lever.
1. Right-hand thumb brake, using front brake lever as clutch
2. Right-hand twin levers
3. Left foot clutch with a push button gear changer on handlebars
4. Automatic gearbox

With all adaptions to suit riders with a hand or arm disability we strongly recommend the addition of a high quality steering damper and when necessary, Velcro glove to hand-bar grip

Wheelchair Users (bilateral amputation, paraplegia, MS, reduced mobility in legs, balance problems, etc):

With these types of disability one obvious problem is that of stability, which usually means the addition of a third road wheel whether this be in the form of a motorcycle/sidecar combo or a trike.
In the case of bike and sidecar combinations sometimes it is possible to utilise standard outfits when converted to ‘full hand controls’. But there are also manufacturers who make specialised sidecar outfits specifically for wheelchair users.
There is also a rev and go 3-wheeled scooter called a NIPPI that allows you to sit in the wheel chair and ride the machine, though these are only available up to 125cc.
In the case of trikes it is always preferable to have a trike manufactured to suit the individual rider. Where this is not possible, second hand machines can be modified to suit the needs of a disabled rider (i.e. full hand controls, stirrups, foot-plates, seating styles, automatic transmission, wheelchair carriers, etc).
There are ‘drop down’ stabiliser kits for motorcycles on the market but as yet we have not been able to fully test their viability for disabled riders. More information is available from  Safety Features  or  Adaptive Motorcycles  
1. Trike (Built to suit disability)
2. Bike and sidecar
3. Stabilisers (on a solo bike)

Some wheelchair users are concerned about difficulty in getting on or off their trike. A small clip from the Men and Motors program shows how this is done: - download (Windows Media Video, 230k)

Kits:

The Kliktronic kits, Thumb-brake kits, and Hydraulic to Cable kits, can all be purchased at a discount price through the NABD grant system. For further info on prices see Grant Application Form or contact the Adaptions Officer.

(The NABD suggest that when using a thumb-brake, you use the thumb-brake to operate one front calliper and then link the other front calliper to the rear brake system)

 

All text and images contained on this site are the copyright of the National Association for Bikers with a Disability unless otherwise stated. Terms © NABD 1991/2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

The NABD was set up in April 1991 by six bikers from Stockport and Manchester who would not accept the idea that disabled people could not ride motorcycles, scooters, or trikes. 
The initial project was to find a way to adapt a motorcycle for a rider who had suffered the amputation of his lower left leg in an accident. A fund raising party was organised and publicised locally and this prompted several other disabled people to contact the group asking whether it was possible for them also to ride motorcycles. Within 12 months the NABD had just over 100 members and had helped three disabled people to adapt motorcycles and ride independently. Each adaption had to be designed from scratch, the money raised and the engineering problems solved, but from this small beginning the NABD was later to become the world leader in the field of motorcycling for people with disabilities.
The membership of the NABD has now grown to a staggering 5,000+ individual members with the support of over 200 affiliated clubs and businesses. Over the past 15 years the NABD has directly helped over seven thousand disabled people to enjoy the freedom and independence of motorcycling.
The NABD has been instrumental in similar groups setting up in Norway, Sweden, France and Japan.
Unlike many registered charities the NABD does not spend donated money on wages and plush office accommodation. (We now have one paid employee, an office administrator, this post was initially financed by a grant from the national lottery 'community fund' now it is wholly financed from the proceeds of our national rally). All of the other people working for the NABD are volunteers. 
Also unlike most charities, all donations from individuals, clubs or companies are used 100% for the benefit of, and services for, disabled riders (the administration costs of the association are met from other sources). 
The NABD is regularly consulted on issues relating to disabled motorcycling by the DVLA, DfT, VOSA, DSA, and MAVIS.

By the way, we sometimes get people say "I can't join, as I'm not disabled" 
nothing could be further from the truth - we welcome the support of anyone interested in biking.

Financial Grants:
The NABD operates a system of financial grants to help with the cost of special adaption work to bikes, scooters, combo's and trikes, necessary to suit the needs of disabled riders.
These grants range from £100.00 to £1,400.00 dependant on the type of machine and the particular requirements of the rider.

Adaptions: 
The range of adaptions is as broad as the imagination (and technology) will allow including;

  • Thumb operated brake systems, to allow rear brakes to be operated by hand for people with leg amputations/disabilities. Also used extensively in 'one handed' controls for riders with an arm amputation, Brachial Plexus injury or any other disability which limits the use of one hand.

  • Twin lever hydraulic units for bikes and trikes.

  • Hydraulic to cable conversion kits.

  • 'Easy clutch' kits for riders with reduced strength or mobility in their hands. 

  • Electrically operated (Kliktronic) 'push button' gear-changers, for riders with leg amputation/disability. 

  • Specialised sidecar units and 'full hand control' adaptions, for wheelchair users. 

  • Specially built 'full hand control' trikes for wheelchair users and riders with 'balance related' disabilities.

  • Remotely operated side-stand adaptions, seating/back support adaptions, modified pillion seat adaptions and many more. 

Assessments and Training:
The NABD are frequently consulted by the DVLA on matters relating to disabled riders and we are often asked to carry out assessments for disabled people who wish to regain their motorcycle entitlement. 
We also have a number of 'learner legal' motorcycles and scooters which are already adapted to suit various disabilities, these machines are loaned to disabled riders free of charge (administration fee applies) for the purposes of training and tests. These are in constant use and many disabled people benefit from them each year. 

Advice and Support:
The NABD offer advice on insurance, licensing, legal and any other matters relating to the disability of a rider, and when necessary we will make representations on their behalf. 
Information & advice stands attend many, motorcycle and/or disability shows and related events throughout the year.
We also offer advice to the organisers of events as to facilities for disabled riders. 

Social/fundraising Events:
The social side of the NABD has gained an excellent reputation over the years. We hold small fundraising parties around Britain throughout the year. We also run two 'full blown' rallies annually.
Our major national event is the 'You've Been Nabbed' Rally in Cheshire (May). Past attendance has reached a staggering 3,000+ and it has gained the reputation of being one of the best events on the rally calendar. In addition to the range of live music in three marquees, bike/trike show, and disco's we have, a comedy club (courtesy of Manchester's famous 'Frog & Bucket' Comedy Club), a real ale marquee, street entertainers, children's rides, and loads of trade stands and nice cheap beer on 3 bars.

Membership/Affiliation: 
The NABD welcomes all motorcyclists, scooterists, and trike riders, you do not have to be disabled to join and support our efforts.
Individual membership is £20.00 (renewable at £15.00 per year). Family membership is £30.00.
Clubs and groups can affiliate for £25.00 per year. 
Businesses can also affiliate (details on request). 

Updates:
We produce a quarterly magazine 'Open House' which is printed in full colour (with final repro courtesy of News International and the Sunday Times), which features articles on recent adaptions, matters of interest, loads of useful contacts, and details of future plans and events.

Patrons:
Over the years we have gained the support of an impressive list of patrons. Billy Connolly (comedian and trike rider), Neil Hodgeson (World Superbike Champion), David Holding (Para-olympic Gold Medallist), Mark O'Shea (World renowned Herpetologist, TV Presenter, Author, and Biker), Mik Scarlet (TV Presenter & DJ), Suzi Perry (Superbike and Supermoto Presenter or the BBC), and Gary Havelock (Former World Champion Speedway Rider), Sammy Millar (Motorcycling Legend and owner of the Motorcycle Museum).

The NABD has become established as the world leader in its field often advising the DVLA, DSA, DfT, VOSA and even the European Parliament. We believe that when it comes to motorcycling 'a disability need not be a handicap'. 
The NABD are here to stay and with the continued support of all motorcyclists and motorcycling groups we can achieve even greater things. 

If you would like to know more about the NABD write (please enclose a S.A.E.) to;
Unit 20, The Bridgewater Centre, Robson Avenue, Urmston, Manchester, M41 7TE.
Tel: 0844 415 4849

The Future

Over the years the NABD has helped thousands of people with disabilities to enjoy the freedom and independence of motorcycling. With the continued support of the biking community, the NABD will remain the world leader in this field.

It is our belief that 'when it comes to motorcycling, a disability should not be a handicap'.

The NABD is a Registered Charity
England and Wales No. 1040907 Charity Commission website
Scotland No. SC039897 Scottish Charity Regulator website
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