For people with reduced mobility, cycling doesn't have to be a memory of the past. Adapted bikes have become a fully-fledged leisure activity and a serious mode of transport. Whether you need a wheelchair bike, handbike, duo bike or tricycle — there's a Belgian seller or rental provider who can help you. But which type suits you? And where do you buy one without first having to figure out for yourself what even exists?
Below is an honest overview of the Belgian market for adapted bikes, with sales and rental addresses by province, a short guide to financial support, and finally which routes best suit which type of bike.
The four main types of adapted bikes
Handbike
A handbike is a tricycle you power with your arms instead of your legs. You sit low, lean back and steer with your arms. Handbikes come in different variants: leisure models for road trips (the most common), sporty racing handbikes, and electric versions (e-handbike) for those who want to cover longer distances or climb hills.
A handbike is suitable for people with good arm strength and a stable upper body. It's by far the most popular model for those wanting to do longer trips — RAVeL routes of 30+ km are realistic with an experienced handbike rider.
Wheelchair bike (Roll-on)
A wheelchair bike is a two-seater bike where the wheelchair is placed directly on a platform at the front. The driver sits behind the wheelchair user and does the pedalling, optionally with electric assistance. This type is ideal for those who can no longer cycle themselves but still want to be outdoors, with a partner or carer who can pedal.
Wheelchair bikes are popular in care homes and with associations — some clubs lend them out for free for a single outing.
Duo bike
A duo bike is a two-seater bike where two people sit side by side and pedal together (or one pedals and the other doesn't, since electric assistance can make the difference). This type is ideal for people who can still sit independently and pedal a bit, but can no longer cycle alone due to balance, strength or vision issues.
Duo bikes are widely used in dementia care, for seniors with balance problems, and for those who never want to cycle alone.
Tricycle
A classic adult tricycle solves the balance problem. Two wheels at the back, one at the front (or vice versa). Suitable for those who can pedal but sit unsteadily on a regular bike. Increasingly available in an electric version with strong assistance. Practical detail: a tricycle doesn't always fit in a regular garage — measure the width (average 80-90 cm).
Where do you buy an adapted bike in Belgium?
Bike Republic (Flanders)
Bike Republic has several sales points in Flanders for adapted bikes, including the shop in Diest (Diestsebaan 12, 3290 Diest). They guide you through the choice between handbike, duo bike and tricycle, and organise test rides. For those who want to know which type physically suits what you can still do, a visit to a sales point is by far the most useful starting point.
Other sales channels
- Specific handbike brands such as Stricker, Tracker and Top End have Belgian dealers — ask for a comparative quote.
- Wezo Aangepast Fietsen and Velo+ Tielt are among the better-known Belgian addresses for specialist models.
- Online: adapted bikes are generally not bought online without testing first — a standard riding position may not suit your mobility profile.
Rental — try first, decide later
For those who want to test first or for a one-off outing, rental is the solution.
- Domein Bokrijk (Genk) rents out e-bikes and adapted bikes, with guidance on request.
- Domein Kiewit (Hasselt) rents wheelchair platform bikes and duo bikes from the visitor centre.
- Herkenrode Abbey (Hasselt) rents a wheelchair platform bike or duo bike for 30 euros per day.
- Many care homes and volunteer groups lend out duo bikes or wheelchair platform bikes for a single outing — ask your municipality or the adapted-sports coordinator in your region.
Financial support
A handbike or wheelchair bike quickly costs between €3,000 and €8,000. Good news: financial support is available.
- VAPH (Flemish Agency for People with a Disability) recognises adapted bikes as an aid under certain conditions. The application file goes through your multidisciplinary team.
- Health insurance fund: some funds provide additional support of a few hundred euros for adapted bikes.
- Federal tax deduction: adapted bikes fall under deductible aids.
- Municipal grants: a growing number of municipalities offer a small grant for the purchase of adapted bikes.
Ask your sales point about financial guidance — a good sales point knows the paperwork side.
Which bike for which route?
| Bike | Suitable route | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Handbike | RAVeL, coastal promenade, flat node networks | Meuse Valley Dinant, Coast and Sea |
| Wheelchair bike | City loops and short outings | Brussels Museums, Ghent Museums |
| Duo bike | Flat node networks, care-home trips | Limburg cycle nodes, local estates |
| Tricycle | Short flat rides and errands | City centre, residential area |
Our in-depth guide Adapted cycling routes and handbike paths in Belgium contains 8 routes with distance indicator and difficulty level — the next step after your purchase.
Practical tips for buyers
- Ask for a test ride — no sales point will sell you a handbike without a test ride, and you don't want to buy one without having ridden it first. Plan time for an extensive trial.
- Test in your context — a test ride on a flat car park is not the same as 5 km on a RAVeL route with a headwind. Ask if you can try the bike out for a whole day.
- Combine with a wheelchair trailer (for handbike): handy for taking your everyday wheelchair to the cycling spot at your destination.
- Maintenance of an adapted bike often requires specific tools — preferably choose a sales point that also offers maintenance.
- Second-hand is an option, but have the bike checked first by a specialised sales point.
Finally
Belgium has developed a much richer offering of adapted bikes in recent years than is often thought — sales, rental and lending via associations or care homes. Anyone wanting to start would do well to first plan a test ride at a specialised sales point such as Bike Republic or a local specialist. That's always more sensible than buying online.
Do you have experience with an adapted bike that could help other readers — a sales point, a financial support scheme, or simply a tip you wish you'd known before buying your first bike? Let us know.