Teaching kids on the autism spectrum to ride a bike, thanks to Kidvelo The post Teaching kids on the autism spectrum to ride a bike appeared first on .
Learning to ride a bike allows children to gain confidence, enjoy the outdoors, feel independent and get exercise in a fun-filled way.
Using a balance bike is now widely considered to be the best method to teach a child to ride, but children on the autism spectrum tend to be older before showing any interest in cycling. Balance bikes for older children didn’t exist – until now!
Step in Kidvelo
Kidvelo Bikes is revolutionary in designing balance bikes for older children that quickly and easily convert into proper lightweight pedal bikes.
By saving parents money with a clever 2-in-1 bike, Karen Wood, co-founder of Kidvelo, has used her 15 years of experience in the balance bike industry to manufacture a range of bikes.
They are designed to teach all children to learn, regardless of age or ability, through a series of natural progression steps.
What is a balance bike?
For those who aren’t sure what a balance bike is, they are two-wheeled bikes without the chain, drivetrain and pedals fitted. Kids walk along, developing the balancing skills needed to move onto a pedal bike.
With feet flat on the floor, as the bike leans to one side, the rider instinctively shifts it back to an upright position and balance is learnt through feel.
Traditionally, parents are told to take the pedals off regular bikes to improve balance.
The problem is that pedal bikes are not designed to fit correctly with feet flat on the floor; the seat height won’t go low enough to walk the bike along.
The bikes will be heavier than needed, as the cranks, chain and bottom bracket are still in place. With one mishap, the child feels insecure and is put off trying again.
The solution is to break down the steep learning curve
Children crave familiarity and don’t welcome change. By using the same bike to learn how to balance and control brakes and speed, and then simply fitting a pedal kit, children can learn in controllable steps.
Once the pedal kit is fitted, all the child needs to learn is to turn the pedals to move the bike along, rather than walk it along. If the child regresses, then simply turn it back into their easy-to-use balance bike and wait again until they are ready.
Our simple method works for everyone!
Unlike heavy bikes with stabilisers or trikes, this method of using a convertible 2-in-1 bike keeps the process simple, and children improve skills without even realising it.
They are simply having fun riding on two wheels from the start. Whether using their feet or pedals to propel the bike, the child’s confidence increases, and their gross motor skills improve.
Bikes that will last years and years
Kidvelo manufactures super-lightweight, excellent quality, safe bikes that give longevity of use through the inevitable growth spurts.
Seat heights and handlebar reach are all adjustable to cater for 2-3 years’ growth. The lifetime warranty on frames & forks, with all spares carried in stock, allows the bikes to be refreshed to be handed down to siblings or to resell.
You are not alone – support from the experts
Our mission is to make bikes that allow all children the opportunity of cycling.
Every purchase comes with a free, detailed guide to get the best out of a Kidvelo, and tips as to how to get your child to engage with their new bike.
Our responsive, UK-based customer service is handled by Karen, one of the founders, who was also a medical product specialist before moving into the bike industry. You can email her directly for advice at help@kidvelobikes.co.uk
Get in touch
Kidvelobikes.co.uk – https://kidvelobikes.co.uk/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/kidvelobikesuk
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/kidvelobikesuk/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/woodkaren/
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