Exploring the use of electric-assist handcycles to facilitate adapted mountain biking participation for people living with a spinal cord injury

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe how electric-assist (e-assist) handcycles facilitate participation in adapted mountain biking for people with a spinal cord injury. Materials and Methods: Ten adults (n=10) living with a spinal cord injury who actively ride trails each completed an online semi-structured interview. Seven of these participants have ridden nature trails using an e-assist handcycle. Following descriptive phenomenology principles, interviews were thematically analyzed using NVivo software. Results: Commentary on e-assist was categorized into the following themes: e-assist descriptions, e-assist as enjoyable, and e-assist accessibility. Handcycles with pedal e-assist were described as a prominent facilitator, whereby the electric motor can mitigate overexertion, help navigate uneven terrain, and reduce injuries. Participants described using e-assist mountain biking handcycles as a way to facilitate perceived safety, inclusivity, and overall accessibility in adapted mountain biking participation. Conclusions: Findings of this research emphasize the importance of innovative technology in facilitating adapted mountain biking for people with spinal cord injuries. E-assist mountain biking handcycles make the outdoors more accessible to people with a spinal cord injury by increasing opportunities to enjoy exploring nature and travel further, with enhanced safety features, which are not replicable while using a traditional handcycle or wheelchair.

Keywords

• Spinal Cord Injury
• Adapted Mountain Biking
• Handcycle
• E-assist
• E-bike
• Facilitator