This is a project I just finished for a bike shop customer and I am so proud of it. This all terrain walker is made with bike parts so this customer brings it to us for service. This time she was frustrated that the manufacturer had already replaced this strap once and then it broke again. So I came up with a new one!
I used rock climbers’ tubular webbing, plumbers tape for a rigid metal insert that is still flexible, grommets and there’s a little tab to keep it upright.
I know nothing about bike building/repair but I think you did a good job.Are there any official mobility repair shops in your community? Your shop could become the go to. There is a locally owned auto body shop in my neighborhood that does mobility aid servicing as a secondary because there is no official shop here.
It seems to be a huge problem getting mobility device service in New Mexico unless you’re in Albuquerque. We’ve done a lot of it over the years. I am really hoping this strap holds up better. We love making mobility devices work better. I’ve never had a great walker all the times I’ve needed one and now I think I’d just build one from scratch if I needed one again.
As stupid as it sounds, I think a lot of devices that are supposed to make life easier for people with a disability, don’t really work. I think there’s a huge market potential for improved devices so they actually work, like you’ve done here. I think a lot of users of those devices aren’t really aware they could get them improved.
I happen to know that this is already one of the better brands for walkers, but their seat strap clearly isn’t strong enough. Your design looks a lot sturdier!
This particular walker has been in for service 3 times already this year. I had to look it up online when the first strap broke and it costs enough that it should be made a little better! That said, it also has some really great features. As available walkers go, it’s awesome.
We have replaced the brakes on so many walkers over the years because the cheap ones rarely work well. By the time people end up at the bike shop with their medical device, they have stories to tell about what their insurance won’t pay for and how hard it is to get ahold of a DME (durable medical equipment) service center. Many are willing to pay good money to make it work right.
At least here in the US, society seems to have a mindset that disabled people don’t actually go anywhere or do anything. Even a non traditional bike that accommodates someone’s disability is either made badly or has to be custom made. (That’s why we are building my cargo trike from scratch.)
It helps me navigate conversations with these customers that I have used walkers and wheelchairs and I have dealt with the same insurance and DME service issues they have.
Every time My Love services a badly made walker, he mumbles to himself “It doesn’t have to suck…” We already have some loose designs about how we’d make better mobility devices for me if my walking issues ever get worse again.
It’s much the same here, unfortunately. We have mandatory health insurance and people can apply for necessary medical devices at their local government, so you’d think everyone would have access to proper medical devices that support their needs. But a lot of those standard issue devices are low quality or just not fit for purpose. Walkers with wheels only really suitable for indoor use are very common here, while a lot of people have less need for them at home. They need walkers to go grocery shopping safely (and remain independent). Bureaucrats will say groceries can be delivered, but it’s not about the food, it’s about being able to go places on your own. People usually lose their ability to drive long before they need a walker.
One thing that really annoys me a lot is that medical devices are tax deductible in my country when you pay out of pocket (instead of applying for a free, low-quality device) but not “if a healthy person would need a similar device”. So a lightweight bike or a trike, or an accessible shower with a bench and grab bars (that we installed a few years ago) are not deductible because healthy people also need bathrooms. But obviously, the healthy-people-version of the item is always much cheaper.
What an awesome repair! I own a rollator, but not any brand I’ve ever heard of, so I’ll be getting creative if something breaks! Insurance will provide me with one, with a doctor’s order, but actually going to the supply store isn’t possible for me. It’s all the way on the other end of the city, and I don’t drive. In any case, I’m planning on decorating what I did get, and going to a local park! I’ve already swapped out the storage bag it came with, and I’ll be doing something with the backrest. I may need it, but it doesn’t have to look bad! 🩷
AIMR
(Linda -In the year 2025, I am happy to be alive! :us:)
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What an interesting process! Looks like you and your partner are very clever in finding solutions!
I swear each time I see someone struggling with those horrid walkers that aren’t meant to be outside, I want to scream at anybody who thinks we don’t need better health services for the elderly and disabled.
I am looking for a good, generic pattern for making those walker baskets. The kind that can hold a few items. I would like to make a few and carry them in my car to give out when I see someone who could use a bit of help!
