I love it, I love it, I love it!
A new month. And with this new month there is another opportunity to start something new. Something that has been on my mind for quite a long time. And something that I enjoyed as a kid. Riding a kick bike. Yes, this simple two-wheeler that promises fun and action in abundance.
Pleasures From The Time Of My Childhood
I have been looking at various kick scooters for some time. Years, actually. After having stumbled across a YouTube video some time back in which someone was training his sledge dogs with a kick scooter I was sold on the idea of getting myself one of these adult kick bikes. One that can take a bit of abuse and doesn’t mind if I take it onto gravel roads and dirt tracks.
After a bit of research I narrowed in on two options. Either a Swifty, a compact, sturdy, small scooter that is designed in Scotland. Or a London Kickbike. Bigger, 26“ front wheels. Both come with breaks. As an amputee I quite like the idea of having breaks instead of jumping off at full speed. I still haven’t had the chance to test these - and potentially other - models but hope to do so soon.
At the moment the rather hefty prize tacks still prevent me from actually buying one. So you can imagine the excitement I felt when I recently discovered one of the kids’ old scooter when de-cluttering our garden shed. I just couldn’t resist the temptation of trying it out right away. The de-cluttering can wait, I though. And off I was for my first ride on a kick bike in about 40 years. And I loved it, loved it, loved it.
I guess it’s time to start saving for one of these snazzy models that caught my eye. Time for a test run. Time for new adventurers. I will keep you posted. And if you have any advice and what I
need to look out for when buying a scooter, I would love to hear from you.
Post by Bjoern Eser. Bjoern is the founder of The Active Amputee.
Further Reading
The ADK climbing foot
Climbing is a great sport. And there is no reason why people with a limb difference shouldn‘t give it a try. I have been climbing years and I tried a variety of set-ups; i.e. completely without any artificial limb (no socket, no knee, no foot, no nothing) and with the C-Leg (but with my normal day-to-day foot) before settling on the ADK climbing foot. The ADK foot is a rather unspectacular piece of gear but it works surprisingly well for me. read more
Getting into paraclimbing
Climbing is an amazing sport. Full stop. No matter if you are into bouldering or top-roped routes at a local climbing wall, prefer pre-bolted sport routes outdoors or love the thrill of proper multi-pitch trad climbing or a deep-water solo, the sport has something for everybody. And I mean everybody, no matter if you are able-bodied (what ever that is) or not. read more
Safety tip for paraclimbers
As there is such and interest in this amazing sport, I would like to share one more tip for those of you who want to give it a go. For those among you who might even try climbing with your prosthesis or a special climbing leg/foot.
Depending on the set-up you use and depending on the fit of your socket, it’s essential to secure your artificial limb to your climbing harness. Why? Well… read more