I am always on the look out for new and exciting items that are being made for our students. Recently, Carlo got in touch with me to discuss their new Hugbike. After reading more about it from his emails, I just knew it was something that my readers would love. It’s a great opportunity for our children to be able to get onto a bike and have the same experiences that many of us did growing up. I asked Carlo to put together some more information for me to provide with you all – and here it is!
Hugbike is the perfect solution for riders with special needs (Autism, Asperger syndrome, Down syndrome, learning difficulties, etc.), children or elderly people. Hugbike is an innovative tandem bike that has been invented and patented in Italy thanks to a group of families who wanted to give their autistic children the possibility to have a safe and amazing bike ride.
Hugbike’s history goes back to 2012 when Mario, an Italian dad, was dreaming to get his son Giampietro, diagnosed with autism, on a bike. Giampietro was growing up and it was very difficult to get him on a bike. The main issue was his weight (it was not possible to use a back-seat) so the only solution possible at that time was a standard tandem-bike. But a tandem-bike didn’t allow Dad to supervise him (many children run away as soon as the bike stops); it was almost impossible to check if he was using the pedals or not; it was difficult to talk (wind took all dad’s words away); and, obviously, it was very hard to keep him involved in the route as Giampietro was forced to look just at his dad’s back.
So Mario and a group of friends, designed the first Hugbike. Since then, more than 250 special needs riders enjoy riding their own Hugbike together with their families and friends.
So, what is the Hugbike and how does it work?
It is essentially a bicycle designed with a new way of conceiving the classic tandem. On traditional tandem bikes the driver sits at the front, directing the vehicle through his handlebar, while the passenger sits at the back. On the Hugbike things get switched: the person at the back seat, thanks to long curved handlebars, is the one who actually directs the bike! Because of that, the passengers in the front really feel like they’re the ones riding! And for many of them, the Hugbike has been their first time on 2-wheels!
In addition, thanks to the protection provided by the driver’s arms, this particular posture ensures greater safety.
Hugbike is recommended for two riders having a total weight up to 177kg. The passenger has to be, generally, 4 years or older.
The Hugbike can be equipped on request with fixed footplates for passenger without legs mobility.
An electric Hugbike is also available!
Hugbike is fully manufactured in Italy where a specialised team and persons with disabilities collaborate together to assemble it. In this way social inclusion of people with less opportunities is promoted in a safe and supervised working environment.
See more photos of the Hugbike in action below.
Hugbike is distributed in the UK and Ireland by Happlebox Ltd
For more information or to book a test-ride: www.happlebox.com/products/ hugbike/
For general queries: info@happlebox.com
