A letter to the spinal cord injuries department
Here you can read a copy of an email that Paul sent to a staff member of the spinal cord injuries department; they have never met each other.
Hello Craig. Dr. XXXX asked me to provide you with some information about FES bikes. After researching FES in more detail, I chose the BerkelBike for the following reasons:
It is the only bike in the world that combines arm and leg movement at the same time. You can also ride it outdoors, and I met the owner of the company (Rik Berkelmans), who really knows what he is talking about!
The products are well made and well researched. The FES system works very well for indoor use when combined with the rolling road and PC software. It is the only one I could find where the electrodes are built into shorts (the others all require separate adhesive electrodes!).
You also receive your own training programme (approved by BerkelBike).
Why do I want to use FES?
To stay in shape and keep my weight under control. To help prevent pressure sores (so I would have some muscle and tissue to sit on!). To improve bone density. To reduce spasms. And to be able to go cycling with my children.
The downside of the BerkelBike
It is not cheap! The shorts are a good idea, but they are still not easy to put on (although much better than adhesive electrodes!). They are expensive, and I am not sure how long they will last!
BerkelBike is a Dutch company. I was able to have a consultation with the owner (a very impressive man). To order the bikes in England, you need to use UK dealers who still have to become familiar with the products. I should also add that the support I received from Da Vinci was very good.
I have now been using this product for about six weeks and it is amazing! I can set up and use the BerkelBike myself, I have lost weight, and from my training schedule I can see that I am getting fitter every day. In addition, my spasms are decreasing. The hardest part is sticking to my training schedule (I always want to do more!).
Update from Paul on 17 June 2017:
“Cycling is going well, it is finally summer and I can now cycle outdoors, it is fantastic! I cycle through the village and absolutely love it.”