Trike for adults with disabilities – Ralf and his Kettwiesel ONE PLUS

Ralf Kolender lives with tetraspasticity—a form of spastic paralysis that affects both the arms and legs. Many movements can only be controlled to a limited extent, and the muscles are often under tension. A standard bicycle was therefore never an option for him.

For many years, he used a saddle-based tricycle. But over time, the upright seating position became increasingly burdensome. His shoulders and arms cramped up more and more, and longer rides became painful. Eventually, Ralf stopped cycling altogether. He began to wonder if cycling with tetraspasticity was even possible anymore—and what kind of therapy bike or tricycle for adults with disabilities would truly suit his needs.

The road back to cycling

In 2010, Ralf began training regularly on a recumbent ergometer—twice a week, step by step back into movement. This sparked an idea: perhaps cycling outdoors could be possible again, too.

A colleague eventually introduced him to Hase Bikes. At a trade fair, he had seen special bikes that were significantly different from classic tricycles: tricycles for adults, not with a conventional saddle, but with a comfortable recumbent seat. Ralf took a test ride on a Lepus—and immediately felt the difference.

The lower seating position in the comfortable chair relieved the strain on his upper body, and the adult tricycle rode smoothly and stably. Movements could be performed with more control, and the cramping was significantly reduced. In this way, the special bike became a disability-friendly bicycle for Ralf, making cycling possible again despite his spasticity.

“I realized immediately that it worked,” Ralf recalls of his first test ride on the tricycle from Hase Bikes.

With the Lepus, he regained something he had long been missing: independent mobility.

More confidence, more distance

From then on, Ralf was regularly out and about on his tricycle—alone, with his family, or together with colleagues. The distances he covered on the tricycle grew longer, and his confidence in his own body increased.

Last year, he planned a multi-day bike tour with his brother. Everything went well for four days. Then, however, the strain on his knees became too great, and the tour had to be cut short.

For Ralf, this was not a setback, but an important realization: for longer distances, he needs additional support. And that is how he came to the Kettwiesel ONE PLUS, another tricycle for adults from Hase Bikes – a therapy trike for adults that can be individually adapted to their physical capabilities.

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Individually adapted for more possibilities

Today, Ralf rides a Kettwiesel ONE PLUS – customized to his specific needs.

He operates the trike’s motor control, brakes, and steering entirely with his left hand. The gear shifting is automatic. A special pedal provides additional stabilization for his right leg, ensuring better control while pedaling. This creates a cycling solution that doesn't rely on standard movements, but rather on what is actually possible for Ralf.

Especially on longer rides, the technology on the Kettwiesel ONE PLUS supports him exactly where the strain would otherwise be too great: on inclines, against headwinds, or over long distances. This allows Ralf to pace himself better and enjoy a more relaxed ride. The motor-assisted trike gives him extra range without taking away the physical activity.

New goals in sight

The Kettwiesel ONE PLUS hasn't just changed Ralf's daily life; it has opened up new perspectives. His next multi-day trike tour is already planned: he and his brother are going to explore the Ruhr region.

For him, it’s not about athletic performance, but about the ability to get out and about – independently, actively, and with the joy of movement. With the right trike, Ralf finds new paths every day!

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