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WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE AMTRYKE?
In the early part of 1990, Susan
Haywood, a physical therapist, spoke to the Longview, TX AMBUCS
chapter about an expensive, hand-driven tricycle she used that
enabled her patients, children with disabilities, to experience the
fun of riding. Haywood, Gene Allen, an engineer, and AMBUCS got
together to develop the first AmTryke.
WHY ARE AMTRYKES SO IMPORTANT?
A serious social problem for children
with disabilities is the feeling of being left out. They cannot
usually participate when other kids run, jump, play, or ride their
bikes. The therapeutic tricycle not only gives a child freedom of
movement and builds self-esteem, but it assists with muscle
development and improved coordination while making exercising fun.
With the AmTryke, those kids have a chance to feel just like others.
Physical therapists acknowledge the AmTryke’s therapeutic benefits
to patients, citing improved motor skills and strength development.
HOW IS THE AMTRYKE DESIGNED?
This unique therapeutic tricycle is hand
and/or foot driven. Rotating handle bars are attached to
the same change chain drive as the foot pedals, allowing the rider's
arms to assist the legs in propelling the bike. Velcro straps secure
the feet to the pedals while torso and hip safety belts maintain the
rider in the seat. A wide wheel base and narrow turning radius
provide stability.
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