Riding a bike - OK if you have balance issues standing or walkng?

Welcome @oldflathead, That tandem bike roadtrip sounds like fun and I'll bet you have a lot of great memories from the trip.

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I am curious about being ever able to ride a bike again. I have had 3 femur breaks, titanium rod in each femur, plus a trapped nerve at the perineal. 3 surgeons have told me the risk to try and untrap the nerve could result in paralysis of my left leg. Also this leg has stainless steel cable ties holding the rod plus a pin in the hip. If you are wondering about 3 femur breaks, the left leg suffered a spiral break, along with two shoulder bones on the left. Dropped in Rehab and another break in femur on same leg. Five years in July. After 3 doses of the vaccine for COVID, I have pain everywhere.

There are tricycles for adults and some of them have electrical assists.

I envy all of you who can ride bikes and go for walks. I can’t do either. I thank God I can drive or I’d never be able to leave the house. Neuropathy has gotten worse over 17 years but my knees are the big problem. One bad surgery and the other needs surgery but I’m too afraid after the first to pursue it and can’t find a good orthopedic doctor. 😟

If balance is a challenge, as it is with me, I would not risk bike-riding. We don’t need to add a broken knee or hip to our challenges.

No. Can’t ride. Legs can’t bend to pedal.

Bonnie,
Like you, it's in my legs too. from the waist down. I can bend my legs but no strenght. My PT gal tells me my quads are too week from months of little use. My spinchner mussel is week which has been a problem too. l blame my ED on this too.
Dan

I’ve had multiple hip surgeries resulting in nerve damage that initially created a severe foot drop. There has been some healing but I still have a weak foot and balance issues. I began riding my bike and do 10-12 miles, 3 times a week. It is the only time I feel “normal” and not only does it help me physically, it is very helpful emotionally! There’s many types of bikes out there . I have a bike that resembles a beach cruiser with multiple gears.

There are 3 wheel bikes that might work out 🙂

@riverlover
Yes, they tried to sell me one. They probably took one look at me and thought I was too old and decrepit to ride a bike and I suppose they wouldn’t of been too far off. I did ride my bike to my Pilates class today and went back to the bike store and got fenders and lights so I rode probably at least 10 miles. I asked my Pilates teacher if riding a bike would make my legs stronger more than walking and she said walking and biking together so I guess the answer is no, I’ll ask my Physical Therapist.
I’ve only fallen off the bike twice and both times were when I was stopped trying to get off. My leg doesn’t swing like it used to 60 years ago, imagine that.
Jake