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GlideCycle: fun bike for the disabled
Most of us take the ability to run or ride a bike for granted. Sadly, for some folks, running and cycling are just dreams. However, the GlideCycle might make those dreams a reality.
Developed in Oregon, the GlideCycle can be powered with just one leg, or two disabled legs. Perfect for overweight individuals, disabled folks, amputees, or even injured able-bodied people, the no-impact GlideCycle lets folks exercise outdoors with ease. One user has said that unlike wheelchairs or handcycles, the GlideCycle keeps him higher off the ground, up with the regular runners and cyclists, exercising his good leg. He almost forgets he's an amputee when using the GlideCycle. That's a pretty powerful endorsement.
The PT Pro model is priced at $1,649. A consumer version of the product will be available over the summer, price unknown at this time.
At first glance, I had to wonder how stable it would be to operate with one leg. But, I realized that I cycle with my feet clipped into the pedals of my bicycle, and typically only unclip one foot when stopping and starting. The GlideCycle is similar to that, although starting up with only one leg and turning takes some practice.
Check out the video when you click Continue to see the GlideCycle in action with disabled and able-bodied folks. Looks like fun for everybody.
By Latest Technology Gadgets at 9:20 AM ON 03/25/09
Very nice idea.. looks like everybody's having fun riding that bike.
By namelessme at 10:20 AM ON 03/25/09
wow, what compassionate human beings to create a cycle for incapacitated athletes for 17000$.
By namelessme at 10:22 AM ON 03/25/09
1700$**
By alexthecylon at 2:25 PM ON 03/25/09
$1,700 isn't bad for a bike. People pay $5,000 for a good bike. Besides, it's probably covered by insurance like most medical equipment. Anyway, they say they are coming out with a consumer version which will be cheaper. I think anything that helps to give people mobility is a good thing.
By David at 11:56 PM ON 03/25/09
I have run over 1800 miles on my GlideCycle...and my doctor told me never to run again because of my bad knees. I have lost 35 pounds and feel more fit than I have in years of going to the gym and sometimes swimming. The reason is that glidecycling is a super low impact running like motion that is just plain fun. Because it is fun I can run 10, 20, or more miles anytime I am out. I don't care who you are....that will make you strong, fit and healthy!!!!
By erasorhed at 2:51 AM ON 03/26/09
Wow! Thanks so much for sharing this! I am 28, with near-crippling arthritis in my knees. I haven't been able to run or ride a bike since I was 10. Too young for a knee replacement, says various doctors. Seeing something like this gives me a whole lot of hope! And it's more affordable than a knee replacement, too! Thanks again!
By arun at 8:27 AM ON 03/26/09
very nice blog and all post really very luxury i love this post
By DJB at 5:24 PM ON 03/26/09
Our site is down due to an unexpected increase in traffic. If you are interested in learning more about the Glide Cycle, please visit our YouTube channel at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/GlideCycle
By DJB at 8:20 PM ON 03/26/09
By DJB at 5:24 PM ON 03/28/09
Sorry, but our site is down again. Please visit our YouTube channel at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/GlideCycle
By TattooAmp30 at 2:41 PM ON 03/30/09
This is Mike Foster thanks for the awesome article! If you would like to chat more my YouTube is TattooAmp30 and my Facebook you can find me under Michael S. Foster! There are so many wonderful thing about the GlideCycle!
Hope To Hear From you Soon!
Michael
on your cellphone!
Text DVICE to 72434
editor@dvice.com
TattooAmp30:
This is Mike Foster thanks for the awesome article! If you would like to chat more my YouTube is TattooAmp30 and m...More »