Adult Trike

Challenge:	Sarah is a teenager with limited use of the right side of her body. Her parents obtained an adult tricycle for her so that she could have some fun and get some exercise. She was having difficultly using it, however, and several modifications were required before she could use it.
Solution:	Volunteers Brian Gillcash and Felix Boudreau got to work making the necessary modifications. Brian has a background in industrial mechanics and carpentry, while Felix is a welder, machinist and stationary engineer. First they acquired an office chair and used the back of it to replace the existing seat so that Sarah would have greater back support. They had obtained some tires from Goodyear, but were unable to use them so they filled the original tires with foam to give her an easier ride. The braking system was moved to the left side – her strongest side -- for easier use. The existing handlebars were replaced with new ones which were bent, also making it easier to use. Brian and Felix put Velcro tape on both pedals to keep her feet in place while the left foot carried most of the pedaling load. A seat belt was installed for additional support, although she may not need this modification. Felix also welded extra support to the seat and made the seat and the carrier adjustable. All the gears and bearings were cleaned and greased and the bike was sanded and painted blue, at her request. Finally, Felix hand-polished all the chrome surfaces so that the bike sparkled like new.
Chapter:	Fredericton, New Brunswick