PT/OT
Busting that Persistent Myth about Adaptive Bikes and Recreation
July 18, 2017
by Codi Andersen, DPT
I love the adaptive tricycle and the opportunities it affords many of my students. But how often have insurance companies denied requests for adaptive tricycles because they only see the recreational purpose? For my students with the most severe disabilities, the tricycle is a life-saver, and often the only piece of adaptive equipment that will help them achieve functional gains and participation. I&rsquo...
Tips & Advice
Spring Trike Tune-Up
March 28, 2017
With spring in the air, it’s time to bring out those tricycles and hit the sidewalks. But first, some yearly maintenance may be in order. Use these quick and simple Rifton tricycle tune-up guidelines to get your adaptive bike into top condition for a summer of fun.
Download Trike Tune-Up pdf
View in Spanish
Tips & Advice
Adaptive Tricycle Funding Resources
October 20, 2016
by Elena Noble, MPT
A bike is the quintessence of childhood happiness. But for a child with disabilities, we think it’s a medical necessity. Beyond the joy and exhilaration of free-wheeling movement, the opportunity for reciprocal lower extremity exercise is crucial to the well-being of someone with fragile health. While the therapy community is unanimous on this point, sadly medical insurance companies underestimate...
Stories
Hear It from the Only One Who Counts
April 07, 2016
by Lori Potts, PT
Usually we run blog posts from or for clinicians. It’s rare that we have the chance to share the user’s experience, so when we received a product review from a sixth-grade student we knew we had to run it. Jenny Cashion, Ana’s therapist, writes:
One of my students, Ana, hadn’t had much success with previous trials on adaptive tricycles. When I introduced her to the large Rifton...
News
Community Action at its Finest
March 09, 2015
by Carmen Hinkey
The receding snow banks are creating inviting sidewalks, and which kid’s first response is not “where’s my bike?” Children with physical disabilities want to ride just as much as any child, and they should. Sadly, adaptive trikes are far too rarely covered by Medicaid or insurance, even with a strong case for the therapeutic benefits of cycling.
Thankfully, there is a growing...
Stories
Opportunity with a New Set of Wheels
June 17, 2014
by Gilbert Thomson, PT
Patrick received his first trike over two years ago because of the difficulty he was having with walking. His endurance was poor, he tended to use a crouch gait and his feet frequently hurt after any ambulation. He started with a small red Rifton Tricycle and it soon became one of his main options for outdoor mobility. Since using the trike over the past two years, Patrick’s lower extremity strength...
News
Extra Special People
August 20, 2013
by Elena Noble, MPT
Contributed by Brett Haslam, Co-founder and President of Oconee County Cycling Organization
About four years a group of us became concerned about the number of cycling accidents in our area and decided to do something about it. We formed an organization to promote safe cycling, assist in improving bicycling infrastructure, and facilitate the growth of all types of bicycling in Oconee County, Georgia. ...
Stories
Kandi An Inspiration to Rifton
January 15, 2013
by Clare Stober
Kandi Elmore likes her independence. And a good challenge. At the age of 43, Kandi has a long history of creating change.
Diagnosed as having cerebral palsy with spastic quadriplegia before the age of two, Kandi faced an uncertain future. But with a positive attitude and her mother’s unwavering support, Kandi grew up a determined young girl who challenged boundaries and unwittingly became one of...
News
A Perfect Christmas Gift
December 11, 2012
by Elena Noble, MPT
On December 20th a children’s charity in Pittsburgh is planning to give dozens of children in Pittsburgh an adaptive tricycle for Christmas. This wonderful program was launched on November 5, 2012 with hopes to exceed donations for over 100 tricycles. And it looks like this goal will be achieved. So here at Rifton we are producing trikes far faster than usual for this time of year. See more pictures...