1. < Neuropathy

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

Posted by jkay510 @jkay510, May 24, 2022

Anybody tried riding a bike although you have balance issues when standing/walking? (eg does balance problem translate to biking?)

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

jkay510 | @jkay510 | Jun 2, 2022
In reply to @jkay510 "Seriously looking to buy a 20” step-through ebike. Going to dealer Thursday to see if I..." + (show)
@jkay510

Seriously looking to buy a 20” step-through ebike. Going to dealer Thursday to see if I can ride a bike. Research tells me it is a different balance system so should hopefully be doable. Will update after trial.

Jump to this post

Finally tried to ride ebike after Covid bout.

GOOD NEWS: Found that I was able to ride the bike in spite of my severe balance issues when standing/walking.

If I do buy one I will practice on grass until fully stable.

REPLY
margyp | @margyp | Oct 24, 2023
In reply to @johnbishop "Hi @jkay510, You will notice that we changed your discussion title a little to better describe..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Hi @jkay510, You will notice that we changed your discussion title a little to better describe what the discussion is about and hopefully bring more members with some experience into the discussion. I used to ride a bike when I was a lot younger and have often thought it would be a fun activity even at my age except I too am concerned with my balance. I think Barry @user_che214927 may have some thoughts since I'm pretty sure he is an avid bicycle rider.

I did see an older study from 2013 that it may help to improve balance but I think it was pretty small --- Two Pilot Studies of the Effect of Bicycling on Balance and Leg Strength among Older Adults: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jeph/2013/686412/. Also saw this article on the topic which I thought was interesting.

"Does riding a bike require balance?
Steering is absolutely necessary to balance a bicycle, whereas body movements are not; there is no specific combination of the two to ensure balance. The basic strategy to balance a bicycle, as noted by Karl von Drais (inventor of the Draisine), is to steer into the undesired fall. Feb 24, 2016" --- The mysterious biomechanics of riding – and balancing – a bicycle: https://theconversation.com/the-mysterious-biomechanics-of-riding-and-balancing-a-bicycle-55093

Do you have a bike or are you considering getting one?

Jump to this post

Because of my Foot drop and balance issues I bought an adult tricycle used online (there are many of them). It gets me outside doing exercise other than walking which sometimes really tires me out.

REPLY
margyp | @margyp | Oct 24, 2023
In reply to @dbeshears1 "Like @rivermaya34 , I too wondered about a bike, it would be a burst of freedom!..." + (show)
@dbeshears1

Like @rivermaya34 , I too wondered about a bike, it would be a burst of freedom! Biking was a major activity, along with running, before I got struck by neuropathy. I ride a stationary bike at PT each session, and with my condition, and with resistance, 10 minutes is all I’ve been able to take.
My fear isn’t as much balancing while riding the bike as it is getting my bearings and land legs back when I dismount! But I’m honestly considering a tricycle bike: easy resistance and dismounting. Good, safe, fun exercise, and with baskets so I can ride to the store and shop. I don’t care if it looks funny to others, I got past that when I started using walkers and canes!

Jump to this post

I ride an adult tricycle and their are others in my neighborhood who ride. Even small kids think it looks fun. I bought it on Facebook marketplace (from kids of older gentleman who didn’t feel comfortable riding anymore). I can ride to a couple of places and put purchases (and cane) in my big basket. I could not drive for 8 months and this was a godsend. The trike has a little button to lock the trike in place that helps dismounting.

REPLY
rca | @rca | Oct 25, 2023

I have balance issues when walking due to numbness and to meningioma. I may try the tricycle. I am out of town with lovely bike paths everywhere. Frustrating. How do I get it to me though. I'll call one of the bike shops.

REPLY
1 reply
jesyka9 | @jesyka9 | Oct 25, 2023

I’ve been wondering this exact same thing. I haven’t dared to try my bike since the nerve injury.

REPLY
1 reply
solobeee1 | @solobeee1 | Oct 25, 2023

I’ve had severe neuropathy for years & I find walking difficult but I can ride a road bike for miles. I ride 20 miles 3 times a week & I use clips on the pedals which actually makes it better for balance. Don’t worry about the clips - once you learn how they work you should love it. I’m 79 looking forward to getting an EBike soon. It keeps me going in so many ways.

REPLY
jakesgram23 | @jakesgram23 | Oct 26, 2023
In reply to @rca "I have balance issues when walking due to numbness and to meningioma. I may try the..." + (show)
@rca

I have balance issues when walking due to numbness and to meningioma. I may try the tricycle. I am out of town with lovely bike paths everywhere. Frustrating. How do I get it to me though. I'll call one of the bike shops.

Jump to this post

I have an electric trike & it's been a lifesaver! I go miles & miles with & without power. My feet are just fine on it.

REPLY
mikaylar | @mikaylar | Oct 26, 2023
In reply to @jesyka9 "I’ve been wondering this exact same thing. I haven’t dared to try my bike since the..." + (show)
@jesyka9

I’ve been wondering this exact same thing. I haven’t dared to try my bike since the nerve injury.

Jump to this post

What about a stationery bike?

REPLY
2 replies
rca | @rca | Oct 26, 2023

I use a stationery bike every day. Prefer to be outdoors.

REPLY
captboat | @captboat | Oct 26, 2023
In reply to @mikaylar "What about a stationery bike?" + (show)
@mikaylar

What about a stationery bike?

Jump to this post

@mikaylar
I use the recumbent bike regularly and I love. It's in front of the TV and that helps me a lot. I’ll be 80 next month.

REPLY
1 reply
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.