Bike Trailers & Wheelchair Bicycles for Older Kids with Disabilities

​May 30, 2022

​What to look for in a bike trailer for older kids a physical disability or special needs depending on their needs, height, and weight!

The adventure and excitement of cycling should be accessible for everyone to experience and explore!

Special needs bike trailers and wheelchair/pushchair bikes make it possible for kids with physical disabilities and other special needs to enjoy the thrill of bicycling without limitations.

Exploring the outdoors with your child in a bike trailer is the perfect way to stay active, make lasting family memories, and foster an appreciation for nature. Making that possible for kids with special needs is how we share our passion with inclusivity here at Wike!

There are big differences between a standard child bike trailer and a bike trailer for an older child with special needs, as well as bike trailers and wheelchair bikes. This article clarifies the differences to help guide you to the option that fits your family best!

Child Bike Trailers for Older Children with Special Needs

Finding a bike trailer or wheelchair bike made specifically for kids with physical disabilities and special needs isn’t easy, since most child bike trailers are built to accommodate young kids who are under 4 feet tall and weigh less than 100 pounds. Kids with special needs may also need safety measures and physical accommodations that aren’t there in a standard child bike trailer.

A wheelchair bike or trailer for older kids with special needs should have the following features and specifications, at a minimum:

• 5-point safety harness to make sure your child will be safe and is not able to fall out during the ride.
• Weight limit of up to 125-150 lbs. Even if your child is still small, it pays to plan ahead and buy something you can use for many years!
• Height limit of 4’ to 5’10’’ feet. You want your child to be able to rest their head back comfortably and to be able to shift their weight on a longer ride.

Below, we’ll take you through 4 inclusive special needs bike trailers and wheelchair bike options that let you share our passion for biking without borders! You’ll learn how each design offers benefits depending on your kid’s needs and size, as well as the style of bike trailer you feel best suits your budget and ride’n style!

Let’s get into it!

1. E-Newt (E-assist wheelchair bicycle)

Introducing the E-Newt, a wheelchair/pushchair bicycle design that converts from a covered all weather wheelchair to a bike that lets you pedal while your child rides in the carrier up front!

When you’re done cycling you can easily convert the E-Newt back into a wheelchair just by unfolding it back into a bicycle. Just think – you can cruise to the store together, then switch into wheelchair mode to go indoors, all while your child stays comfortably seated in the trailer!

This model can hold a person weighing up to 150 lbs and measuring up to 5'1” in height. It’s perfect for older kids, and even works for smaller adults who love the thrill of the road as well.

The side-opening door allows makes it easy to help a person with a physical disability get in and out, which is something most bike trailers don’t have. The bike comes with a cover and the door is fully waterproof in case of an unexpected mid-summer shower.

An exclusive feature included in this bike is the electric assist – the Shimano steps mid drive motor with 418Whr battery, front disc brake, Shimano Nexus 8i, rear disc brake and heavy-duty rear rack allows for a smooth, electric, and effortless ride wherever you please!

2. Large Special Needs Bike Trailer

This special needs bike trailer is the perfect size for an older kid or adult with a capacity ranging between 3’4” to 5’4” in height. Spacious leg room lets them stretch out their legs and keep them sitting comfortably the whole ride!

This bike trailer model offers a complete accessory kit including a carry bag, outdoor cover, recliner set, side bolsters, and a head stabilizer for an added value and added support when buying the bike trailer.

If you enjoy long walks as well as biking, this bike trailer is perfect, because the jogger and/or stroller kit lets you convert this bike trailer into a stroller for older kids or adults with special needs. This is great for shopping trips, since you can bike to the store and then use the trailer as a stroller with no need to transfer your loved one from one to another!

The Large Special Needs Bike Trailer means you’ll never have to leave a family member or friend behind when you explore the world on your bike. It offers high-end cycling technology and the ability to keep your loved ones safe and secure, all while experiencing the fresh air and thrill of going on a biking or walking adventure!

This trailer has a weight limit of 125 lbs and a height limit of 5'4’’. If your child needs more room, the Extra-Large Special Needs bike trailer is the one for you!

3. XSpecial Needs Bike Trailer

For older kids or adults on the taller end – this one’s for you!

The Extra-Large Special Needs Trailer is very roomy, allowing kids up to 5’10” tall and 150 lbs to get in and enjoy the ride!

This special needs bike trailer includes two bike hitches, a bug screen, rain screen, and a 5-point harness to keep your kid safe while riding all included with in the trailer’s package.

Since this special needs trailer can handle taller and heavier kids, it is not able to convert to a jogger or stroller. We leave that up to the Large Special Needs Bike Trailer.

The Extra-Large Special Needs Bike Trailer makes biking with your child not only possible, but easy and fun - no matter what special accommodations they may need. It opens a whole world of possibilities to explore and adventure together as a family!

4. Cargo Bike for Adults

What if you could convert your child’s wheelchair into a bicycle and instantly go everywhere and anywhere you wish? This incredible wheelchair bicycle makes it possible!

The Newt Wheelchair Bicycle allows for kids and adults up to 150 lbs and 5’1’’ tall to ride along with a front-row view. Like its electric counterpart the E-Newt, when you’re done riding, you can easily convert this bike back into a wheelchair in seconds.

This wheelchair bicycle has side-opening doors to easily transfer your child in and out of the bike, with a retractable waterproof and mosquito-proof canopy to keep them safe and dry.

Do What You Love with the People You Love

You don’t have to imagine it – you can make it happen!

Our special needs bike trailers and wheelchair/pushchair bicycles are made to ensure your child never misses out on a family outings, while keeping them safe and comfortable all the way.

Not only does it mean more quality time together, it saves you the need to hire care services for your child whenever you go for a bike ride or nature walk.

Special needs bike trailers are comfortable, safe, and perfect for making memories all year long doing what you love, with the people you love!

To further explore all the bikes and accessories that we offer here at Wike, take a look at our extensive bike trailer catalogue. And don’t hesitate to reach out to us personally with any questions you may have – we love helping families with special needs enjoy the open road together!