I am a new poster, thank you for your interest in my post.
Short background. My very petite 11 y.o. daughter has an undiagnosed developmental disability that includes general muscle weakness. Try as she may (and her determination will get her far), she does not have the strength, balance, coordination to ride a two-wheeler. With training wheels she can participate if mom (me) or dad is there to help with a push or two. The co-pilot (tandem like trailer bike) we use is fantastic for family bike outings on the trails, but we want something she can independently enjoy around the neighborhood.
My thought is a pedal assist trike. The "medical" options I've found are cost prohibitive (+$2k), and we love to do projects. Having this for her for summer would be fabulous. I'm thinking of starting with a Worksman Port-O-Trike PTJR ($420 or better if I can find something used) and adding something to the front-hub that utilizes pedal sensors. I'd prefer that to a throttle so that there is one less thing for her to coordinate. She has the coordination and ability to pedal, just lacks the strength to get up slight hills.
However, I am a complete novice when it comes to the conversion. I would welcome suggestions on kits, frames, as well as past experiences. My husband and I are very creative and do lots of DIY. Electrical and mechanical doesn't concern us, we can handle that. Neither of us have welding experience.
Thank you again. -jd
Short background. My very petite 11 y.o. daughter has an undiagnosed developmental disability that includes general muscle weakness. Try as she may (and her determination will get her far), she does not have the strength, balance, coordination to ride a two-wheeler. With training wheels she can participate if mom (me) or dad is there to help with a push or two. The co-pilot (tandem like trailer bike) we use is fantastic for family bike outings on the trails, but we want something she can independently enjoy around the neighborhood.
My thought is a pedal assist trike. The "medical" options I've found are cost prohibitive (+$2k), and we love to do projects. Having this for her for summer would be fabulous. I'm thinking of starting with a Worksman Port-O-Trike PTJR ($420 or better if I can find something used) and adding something to the front-hub that utilizes pedal sensors. I'd prefer that to a throttle so that there is one less thing for her to coordinate. She has the coordination and ability to pedal, just lacks the strength to get up slight hills.
However, I am a complete novice when it comes to the conversion. I would welcome suggestions on kits, frames, as well as past experiences. My husband and I are very creative and do lots of DIY. Electrical and mechanical doesn't concern us, we can handle that. Neither of us have welding experience.
Thank you again. -jd