Ensuring cycling is for everyone: unique accessible cycle loan scheme arrives in London

Available across the city, Wheels4MeLondon offers an opportunity for disabled Londoners to try cycling through a free loan scheme that goes beyond standard bicycle hire schemes. The current available fleet includes non-standard cycles and clip-ons, such as tricycles, recumbent bikes and hand cycles. Wheels4MeLondon is for anyone aged over 18 and over who lives in London and wants to borrow a non-standard cycle.  

Supporting disabled people to cycle

Since its launch, 47 people have enquired about the service, 19 of whom are currently going through the specialist advice process. The fleet has grown to ten cycles and a brand new website has been set up at www.wheels4me.co.uk. During the London Ride event in May this year, 17 people test rode the cycles.  

John, a Wheels4MeLondon participant, describes his experience with the scheme: “Due to a stroke I haven't cycled for five years. I want to start cycling to work again, which is a ten-mile round trip, to help my fitness and save on cab fares. The velcro handle is a revelation in giving me back some use and control with the cycle."

Enquiries through the website or phone line are followed up with a consultation by Katie Renker, the newly appointed Wheels for Wellbeing’ Specialist Cycling Advisor. Katie discusses access needs with each participant and together they find a cycle that meets the participant’s specific requirements.  

By understanding each participant’s access needs, this service makes it easier for disabled Londoners to hire a cycle and take advantage of the wide range of mental and physical health benefits that cycling provides.   

Sustrans’ Disabled Citizens’ Inquiry found that 86% of Disabled people across the UK would find it useful for them to walk or wheel more if everyone who requires a mobility aid had financial support and advice to access a cycle to meet their needs. 

According to Wheels for Wellbeing’s annual survey, three quarters of disabled cyclists use their cycle as a mobility aid, and the same proportion find cycling easier than walking. 

Lack of access to a suitable cycle to use as mobility aid combined with a lack of awareness of the type of cycles out there, are some of the key known barriers that reduce or remove the opportunity to choose safe, independent and active travel for many disabled people. 

What kind of non-standard cycles are available?

The fleet of available cycles will expand with demand and specialist cycling advisor Katie is available to discuss any adaptation or specific model. Guidance will include how to go through the hire process, and should this not fully meet requirements, Katie can signpost to places and organisations to advise on alternatives inclusive cycling services. 

The current fleet consists of nine cycles and the following models models:  

• Van Raam Maxi- traditional tricycle designed for stability and easy mount/dismount. 
• Van Raam Maxi Comfort- variation on a traditional tricycle to provide more comfort with a lower centre of gravity. 
• Van Raam Easy Rider (e-assist) - traditional tricycle with adjustable lower back support. 
• Van Raam Easy Rider Compact (e-assist) - smaller version of the Easy Rider, designed for small adults and large children. 
• Tri ride Hybrid Plus Handcycle- electrically assisted handcycle that clips on and off a standard wheelchair. 

Our original article from May 2024 follows below

Wheels4MeLondon, in collaboration with Wheels for Wellbeing and Peddle My Wheels and funded by the Motability Foundation, will provide free cycle loans for disabled people. 

Many disabled people and those with long-term health conditions do not have the opportunity to cycle in a way that takes into account their needs, even though they would like to. In many cases, cycling would even be easier than walking, and cycles are frequently mobility aids in themselves. 

Our latest Walking and Cycling Index, the largest independent survey of active travel in the UK, found that 27% of disabled people do not cycle but would like to. Further to that, 25% of all people surveyed said access to a non-standard cycle like a tricycle or a handcycle would help them to cycle more. 

Disabled people are often not aware that non-standard cycles exist that can be a viable alternative to bicycles. By increasing access and training for non-standard cycles across London, we are working towards creating fully inclusive cycle hire. Through this project, more people will be able to take advantage of the wellbeing and physical health benefits of cycling.   

The Wheels4MeLondon scheme will offer free, month-long, accessible cycle loans for people across London. The types of cycle available include upright trikes and semi-recumbent trikes, with the fleet to be expanded to other models in the future. 

As well as this, the scheme includes free delivery, a training session, insurance against theft or damage, and collection when finished. The included cycle training is tailored to meet each individual’s specific needs, increasing travel safety and confidence when travelling in the capital.  

To ensure that participants receive the right services and cycles, Wheels for Wellbeing will provide consultation sessions to provide essential support and guidance. 

Matching the right cycle to disabled people's needs

Lack of access to a suitable mobility aid can reduce or remove the ability to travel safely and independently for many. The Disabled Citizens’ Inquiry found that 86% of disabled people across the UK would find it useful for them to walk or wheel more if everyone who requires a mobility aid had financial support and advice to access one to meet their needs. 

To find out more about Wheels4MeLondon, visit the Wheels for Wellbeing website or Wheels4MeLondon at Ride London 2024 on Sunday 26 May.  

Will Norman, London Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “I welcome the launch of the Wheels4MeLondon inclusive cycle loan scheme and look forward to seeing many more people given the opportunity to experience the benefits and joys of cycling in the capital. Offering practical cycling options for disabled people, through non-standard cycle loans and supported training, is key to ensuring that cycling is accessible to everyone.   

“I hope that through this exciting initiative more people will feel confident to try cycling and acquire the skills to help make active travel a part of their everyday lives in our city.” 

"Wheels for Wellbeing fights against all barriers to cycling," said the organisation's Director, Isabelle Clement. "Therefore, we are thrilled to see this accessible cycle loan scheme get off the ground."  

Alper Muduroglu, Chief Executive Officer of Peddle my Wheels, said: “Creating a comprehensive adaptive cycle loan scheme in London has been a long-held ambition.” 

“Everyone should have the right to walk or wheel around their neighbourhoods with ease, independence and confidence," said Alison Litherland, Head of Behaviour Change and Engagement at Sustrans, London.

“Our 2.5-year project, funded by the Motability Foundation, will increase cycling capacity for disabled people and will provide long-term motivation for changing travel behaviours."

Lisa Jones, Director of Charitable Operations at the Motability Foundation, said: “The project will give disabled people in London greater access to travel and offer the opportunity to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits that active travel can provide."

Book your non-standard cycle.

Read about the Disabled Citizens' Inquiry.