Our MISSIon
It is our mission to help anyone with a disability stay fit and healthy. We want to use technical innovation to enable individuals with physical impairments to regain their health, fitness and independence. We will ensure that the BerkelBike is always a great solution for individuals who have difficulty moving parts of their bodies. Using great product design and the latest in FES research we will train the whole of an individual in order to keep them in the best shape and condition possible.
It can be difficult for wheelchair users to keep their bodies fit and healthy. Often people with spinal cord injuries or neurological disorders cannot move certain limbs or muscle groups. The BerkelBike can train these muscles again and help to keep the riders fit through cycling.
The users of our bikes are people with limited or no function in their legs. In addition, we have plenty of customers who simply have problems keeping their balance or even have no impairment at all. Our products have become an integral part of their daily life. Many of them thought that they could never again cycle with their legs.
” When I was a student at the University of Nijmegen, I once read an article over people with spinal cord injury receiving Functional Electrical Stimulation. This electrical muscle stimulation was used to restore muscle and organ function, as well as prevent indirect medical complications associated with paralysis. The article described a paralyzed person sitting on a stationary bike equipped with a stimulation device that evoked muscle contractions in legs and buttocks. In doing so, the electrical impulses were coordinated in such way that a cycling motion was generated.
In 2002, the prototype was awarded the Herman Wijffels Innovation Award. It was then when I decided to quit my job to work on the project full time and not much later I founded the company BerkelBike BV. Further funding followed, and further prototypes were built. On top of this, it was now possible to conduct a first clinical trial to investigate the effects of the BerkelBike. Ten people with a thoracic spinal cord injury participated in the study that was carried out in cooperation with the Sint Maartenskliniek rehabilitation center and the medical faculty of the Radboud University Nijmegen. During a period of 16 weeks, it was measured how the training with the BerkelBike affected their body condition.
Finally in 2005, the time had come to present the first sellable version of the BerkelBike at a press conference in the Sint Maartenskliniek. Soon after the market introduction, the BerkelBike was awarded the Kittz Innovation Price and named best medical device of the last two years.”
BERKELBIKE – THE COMPANY TODAY
What started as an idea to help people with spinal cord injury turned out to be useful for various medical conditions. By now, hundreds of people in over 20 countries suffering from more than 20 different diseases are using the BerkelBike.
Also people of whom you wouldn’t expect that they could benefit from the BerkelBike, have come to appreciate the propulsion system and the overall flexibility of the product. For example, who could have imagined that today, a legless Afghanistan veteran would describe the BerkelBike as an integral part of his daily life.
The flexibility of our products has become an essential part of our identity as a company. We strive to make it possible for everyone to use our bikes, no matter the disability. Therefore, we offer a great wealth of accessories to adjust the bike to your special needs, and we have undertaken plenty of individual adaptations in cases where our accessories weren’t enough. From anti-decubitus cushioning and dog baskets to controlling the bike without the use of your hands, just give us a call and we will do everything in our power to find a solution to your situation.
Calvin studied Communication: specialization Digital Media at Rotterdam University. He specialized in online marketing, digital media and content production. Besides his study he has his own company, where he helps companies to create brand experiences for customers.
Dianne Berkelmans is the sister of Rik. She has finished an automation study and an international logistic study. At BerkelBike she is responsible for logistics, automation, tradeshows and the newsletter of BerkelBike. She is working for BerkelBike, since the start of the company.
We provide a ‘one–to–one’ service where we consider all the individual needs and requirements. We are involved from bespoke assessments all the way through to delivery, hand-over, set-up, and training as well as offering after sales support. Knowing first-hand how accessible activity can enhance and encourage a healthier lifestyle we feel confident in promoting these unique products that contributes to the wellbeing of the lives of individuals with disabilities. “
BerkelBike-dealer: Billy Woods – Active Linx
Seeing first-hand what people with any kind of limitation can accomplish with the right tools drives me in this work. I appreciate that what most people take for granted such as standing, walking or cycling is critical for everyone. Working with Paul, who is a long-time wheelchair user, business owner and former Paralympian has inspired me want to help other people regain similar levels of health and independence.
