Immanuel’s New Electric Tricycle.

My Cerebral Palsy means that I cannot drive. When I was younger, however, tricycles were my primary means of freedom and independence. I am now fundraising in the effort to buy a new electric tricycle, so that I can regain the independence I used to have in my teens and 20s. Like then, a trike could be my main form of transport. As a result of being more active, the trike will also increase my overall fitness and wellbeing. The picture attached – is of me test riding a very similar model trike to the one I am seeking.

We all need to live well with the resources we have. For me this means capitalising on my love of learning, by doing a PhD, in which I will write a theology of hope for people with disabilities. (In particular I am studying how people with disabilities can be sources of hope as we come alongside others, who may or may not have disabilities, in a way that encourages true mutuality on life’s journey.) However, I need to balance this with the impact that Cerebral Palsy has on my body. Life for me has been a series of significant adjustments to living well within my body’s capacity.

In the last decade, I have adapted to regularly using various mobility aids including a power wheelchair, where I previously was able to walk, stand independently and use an unpowered trike. In just March this year, I’ve begun to use a walking frame indoors as my balance has deteriorated. Alongside this, I am no longer able to take brief walks in a nearby field to maintain my fitness. Managing fatigue in order to have enough energy to do the important things well is a daily juggle.

Like many, I find myself looking back with nostalgia at life’s adventure. I can remember riding in long cycle tours for the Duke of Edinburgh’s award. The most memorable ride was a 345Km ride from near Mount Cook, back to Christchurch, in New Zealand’s beautiful South Island. But now, even short rides on my local suburban cycle paths are difficult because I struggle to ride up hills, and quickly get tired on my current unpowered trike. I would love the opportunity to someday cycle some of the new cycle trials in this beautiful land of ours - especially with my growing family. But without the right electric trike, this feels like a distant dream.

Especially in the next chapter of my life, I need the independence of a trike. My wife, Sarah, and I have a new baby son, Nathaniel, and will be moving house in September. Currently we live on campus where I study, but when we move, a trike will allow me to continue to access the library and learning community, without relying on Sarah for transport. I will also be able to run various errands of daily life for myself and my family. Not only that, it will give me a much needed break from “the books.”

For quite a few years, I did not have access to a trike. In late 2014, I was encouraged by a friend who has a similar disability and has really enjoyed getting back into cycling himself, to give cycling a go once again. Soon after we talked, I managed to purchase a simple, unsuspended trike without a motor. Unfortunately, this has not been a great success. I quickly get tired and I really struggle to get up hills. Additionally, I have found it far less stable than the trikes I had in the past. Over the last year or so, I have seriously researched options for making this trike work, but, in the end, the basic design of the trike is not as safe as it needs to be, therefore I have decided not to proceed down this track.

In the past I have designed recumbent tricycles, which I had built for me. Therefore, I have a pretty good idea of what I need. I’ve had a continuing interest in the technical aspects of trikes. After looking at various options for a number of years, and having the experience of riding my current trike – which is not a good fit – I never found something that was right for me. Then I tried the Hase Kettweisel Evo with a Shimano STEPS motor. I knew immediately that it was ‘the one.’ It has the following advantages over my existing trike or other trikes out there:

• It’s very stable and feels safe.

• When carry bags are added it actually improves the stability.

• The automatic gears mean I will always be in the right gear.

• The motor system assists me – it does not take over and go faster than I am comfortable with.

• The suspension feels like riding on a cloud. It makes the trike more comfortable and therefore less tiring to ride. It also improves the handling and safety.

• The pedals are set up so I can either strap my normal shoes in, or wear cycling shoes.

• It has a full set of lights and indicators.

• It has mudguards and a wind and rain cover – for when I get caught in the rain.

• It has a system for mounting my walker onto.

Notes about the cost:

• Because this is effectively a second vehicle for our family, we have considered what we would pay for a basic second hand car. Therefore, we have set the fundraising goal $3500 less than the quoted price.

• On the surface it looks like an expensive trike, but my research into many other options suggests that this is on a par with other setups that offer similar specifications.

• Because this is an “off the shelf” trike, there are far fewer risks involved than trying to modify my existing trike, or try to modify a new trike to make a workable system.

Sarah and I would hugely appreciate if you would partner with us to make this happen. With Sarah currently on maternity leave, and me working on my PhD, there is no way that we could meet this cost ourselves. As a result of my limited work capacity, I have not found it sustainable to study and do paid work at the same time. We now have the costs of a new family, as well as the fact the we need to move soon. (Invariably this will have many known as well as hidden costs.) Your support, therefore would not only make the trike possible, but support us in many intangible ways as a family. Finally, by assisting me to be both independent and maintain my health, this support will be one the factors that will help me complete this PhD, which I hope to publish in a format that gives hope and encouragement to many, including those with and without disabilities.