Whatever your physical abilities, there’s a bicycle or tricycle out there to suit you. Here’s a cross section of ten of the best.

Cycling is for everyone, not just the sportiest and most able bodied. If a standard bike won’t work for you then a more specialised cycle is the answer. Sometimes the solution is as simple as a step-through frame or electric assistance. Sometimes it’s different kind of bike like a tandem or, for many disabilities, a tricycle.

The bad news is that specialist bikes are more expensive, especially electric ones. The good news is that you can get them through Cyclescheme, saving hundreds or even thousands of pounds. If you need a non-mainstream machine it pays to visit a Cyclescheme retailer who specialises in such machines, such as Get Cycling in York.

Islabikes Joni 20 & 24

Designed for adult cyclists with dwarfism, this bike is available in two sizes: one with 24-inch wheel for riders from 125cm tall (inside leg 52-63cm); and one with 20-inch wheels for riders from 115cm tall (inside leg 40-52cm). Both have a really low step-over, very short cranks, short-reach brake levers, and a frame geometry that’s designed for someone with short limbs relative to their torso. The bikes are lightweight too – just 9.2kg for the Joni 20 and 10.1kg for the Joni 24 – so they’re easily manoeuvrable and enjoyable to ride. Optional accessories include mudguards, a rear rack, a bottle cage mount, and a kickstand. Islabikes also makes a range of lightweight, low step-over bikes for conventional height adults. The Janis (road), Jimi (off-road), and Joni (hybrid) are all available with or without electric assistance.

Pashley Tri-1

The Tri-1 is a relatively inexpensive upright tricycle with a ‘sit up and beg’ riding position like that of a roadster. It suits cyclists with balance issues as it can’t fall over like a two-wheeler. Cyclists who have difficulty mounting, dismounting, starting and stopping will also find it convenient because it has a low step-over frame and can be sat on while stationary. Because it self-balances, you can ride up hills on it as slow as you like – and the trike’s 7-speed derailleur gears have enough range for moderately tough ones. The frame partly folds to make it easier to store or fit in a vehicle. Other useful features include a wide, sprung saddle that befits the upright riding position, a parking brake to stop it rolling away, and a luggage platform between the rear wheels. Colours: burgundy, cyan, or black.

Mission Cycles Semi-Recumbent Trike 

Many recumbents have a laid-back seat that’s as low or lower than the pedals. The reclined riding position this gives is very aerodynamic but can be awkward to get on and off for anyone with mobility issues. A semi-recumbent like this keeps the wide seat and backrest but sits you higher and more upright, with the pedals lower to the ground. It’s as easy to get on and off as a chair, and the head-up position gives you good visibility. Most recumbent trikes are expensive. This Mission Cycles model isn’t. While it isn’t light (29kg) or sporty, it’s a practical runaround with wide range 3x7 twistgrip gearing and commuter-friendly features like mudguards and a rear basket for luggage. It’s suitable for riders with an inside leg length of 48-87cm and a maximum weight of 100kg.

Brompton Electric C Line Urban 

Small-wheeled folding bikes like Bromptons have a low step-over frame that makes mounting and dismounting easier for anyone with hip, knee or other mobility issues. The addition of a 250W front hub motor and battery gives the Brompton a range (of 20-45 miles) and hillclimbing ability that non-athletic Bromptoneers could otherwise only dream of. It doesn’t affect the bike’s class-leading folding ability so you can readily take it on trains, buses, or the Tube. The power delivery could be smoother and the Brompton’s handling takes a little getting used to, but if you need an electric-assist bike you can take anywhere this should be on your shortlist. The Urban version is a 2-speed that’s about 1kg lighter than the 6-speed Explore model, making it easier to lift on and off trains etc. Colours: Turkish green or black.

Circe Morpheus Omnis

Any tandem works well for someone with a visual impairment, as one rider takes the non-steering ‘stoker’ role. The Circe Morpheus also suits cyclists who might struggle to sit securely or comfortably on a standard bicycle saddle, as the stoker has a wide recumbent-style seat with a backrest, which can be equipped with a harness (£99.99). While most tandems demand synchronised pedalling, the Morpheus has an independent freewheel for the stoker so they can choose when or if they pedal. This makes it a good option for children – the front boom is adjustable for leg length – and for special needs riders. As a bonus, the stoker gets an uninterrupted view. The Morpheus comes in various specifications and can also be used as a cargo bike with the addition of the optional cargo rack (£300), which fits in place of the front seat.

Van Raam Easy Rider 

This is the same idea as the Mission Cycles trike above but in a more refined package. It has a differential axle, which gives improved cornering as the rear wheels can drive at different speeds, and there’s suspension underneath the seat for a comfier ride. Standard features include a luggage tray, a lock, lighting, an adjustable stem, and a chain tube to keep oil off your clothes. There are lots of options, ranging from a separable frame and different brakes and gears through to electric assistance. You can also pay extra for different colours than the default grey. The Easy Rider comes in two sizes: a medium for riders with an inside leg length of 65-88cm; and a larger for inside leg lengths of 85-108cm. Both have a maximum width of 78cm, which is narrow enough to fit through modern doors and most gates.

Invacare Top End Force 3 

The Top End Force 3 is the handcycling equivalent of a road bike. You could use it for competitive cycling but it also suits recreational rides in the lanes where a heavier machine would be hard work. You can even use it on off-road tracks if you specify different tyres – bearing in mind that it’s a multitrack vehicle with relatively low ground clearance. Gearing is 3x10, giving a wide enough range to winch up most hills, and it has both disc and calliper brakes. It also has a parking brake. The seating position is more upright than the handcycles you see in paralympic events, affording the rider a good view. A safety flag makes the trike more conspicuous to other road users. It’s suitable for riders up to 112kg.

Ice Adventure 26 E-Assist 

The Ice Adventure has a higher, more accessible seat than the Cornish recumbent manufacturer’s other trikes, making it more suitable as an adaptive cycle. It’s available without assistance, but one of the benefits of having the cranks mounted on a front boom is that it’s easy to add a crank motor; the frame doesn’t have to be redesigned. Ice offers the Adventure with a Shimano STEPS motor. It’s a huge boost for anyone with a reduced ability to put power through the pedals, whether that’s caused by a condition such as cerebral palsy or through using prosthetic lower legs. Disabled cyclist Paul Fogarty, who was born with no arms and one leg, rides an ICE Adventure E-Assist adapted for him by Quest88. A starndard Ice Adventure is available with different seat heights, different wheel sizes, different gearing, suspension, and a wide variety of accessories.

Van Raam VeloPlus 

The VeloPlus is a trike for riding with a wheelchair passenger, who rolls into position up the tilting platform. An optional electric winch assists with this if necessary. Once in position, the wheelchair is locked in place and the wheelchair user fastens a hip belt. As with the Circe Morpheus above, the passenger enjoys an uninterrupted view and can chat easily with the rider. It’s a very stable trike, thanks to a low centre of gravity and widely spaced front wheels with cleverly engineered steering. Twin hydraulic disc brakes and a rear V-brake offer good control on hills. The default 8-speed hub gearing suits flatter areas. For hillier rides you’ll want the optional electric assistance. The trike is designed to carry a wheelchair passenger weighing up to 140kg (including chair). Lights, a lock, and a parking brake are included.

Hase Kettwiesel Handbike 

Hase makes some of the most versatile adaptive trikes in the world. There are off-the-peg options to make their Kettwiesel and Lepus trikes accommodate almost any rider. Those with no or short arms can specify shoulder steering, automatic gearing, and back pedal braking. Those without the use of their legs can get a handcycle like this. The Kettwiesel is a stable, agile-steering trike with a differential axle and user-friendly hand cranks, which have both brakes and shifters on the hand pedals themselves. Gearing is already low: at this price the Shimano 8-speed hub gear is augmented with a Schlumpf Mountain Drive. Electric assistance is also an option. The list of other configurations and accessories is extensive. As well as things like different brakes, gears, suspension, and various racks and bags, there are seldom-seen extras like a walking stick holder, indicators, and a hitch so that it can be joined to another Hase trike to form an articulated tandem.

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