Is the Batec Hybrid Handbike Wheelchair Attachment Any Good Offroad? | Pushing it to the Limit

Is this the ultimate off road wheelchair attachment?
Thank you to everyone who helped us get this handbike attachment for Craig's wheelchair. Special thanks to Chris Dines, the guys at GEO and Wheelpower and the Wheelwrights' 2020 fund, we were only able to get this thanks to your help so thank you very much. We're hoping this wheelchair attachment will vastly improve our access to the countryside as well as Craig's ability to exercise.
Do we think it's worth getting a Batec Wheelchair Attachment?
Since getting the batec hybrid electric wheelchair attachment and a pair of off road wheels, we wanted to push it to it's limits across all sorts of terrain to see just what the batec is capable of and how much freedom it can bring to wheelchair users. We tested out the handbike on the beach, gravel trails, mountain paths, off road cycle paths, mud, long grass and steep hills to see it can and can't do. In this video we aim to find out is the batec hybrid the ultimate wheelchair attachment?
Before deciding on the batec hybrid we tried out a variety of wheelchair handbike attachments from various companies and found this one the best. We chose Batec over the other wheelchair attachments because it seemed well made, more suited to going off road and more sturdy and less likely to break compared to other attachments we tried. Batec also have a range of completely electric and manual wheelchair attachments besides this one. batec-mobility.com/en/
We got ours from cyclone mobility - the UK distributor www.cyclonemobility.com/
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#wheelchair #paraplegic #spinalcordinjury

[@PARALIFE]

*This video was filmed in Dec 2019 and Jan 2020, right now we are not going out and about anywhere beyond walks or bike rides straight from home and we do not support anyone who does*

[@morgancalvi6675]

Are you guys still on quarantine? Is that why you won;t support anyone who does go where ever?

[@PARALIFE]

@@morgancalvi6675 yeah we are for at least another 3 weeks so that's why

[@ashstubbings2603]

When you said "I haven't seen him have this much fun for ages!" I had a huge grin on my face, because I know the feeling. I've had a handbike for 7 years and the freedom it gives me is unrivalled.

[@PARALIFE]

They truly do give so much freedom, it's just a shame that they are so expensive, not everyone can afford one.

[@ashstubbings2603]

@@PARALIFE That's so true. I cannot understand why anything to do with disability is so expensive! It's like the very mention of the word and manufacturers start adding noughts to their prices!

[@braxenbaggio]

@@PARALIFE ​ @Ash Stubbings as the production cannot be in large numbers so the products, especially all equipments related to wheelchairs, been groupped into medical equipment, which is under strict supervision by authorities and a lot of certificates( very expensive to accquire) is needed before products can be sold to users, yes they are expensive

[@Porshesmiles]

Yup … they are life changing!!

[@irenedavo3768]

@@PARALIFE fantastic

[@batecridetoowoomba4563]

I love my Batec I have been a T4 paraplegic for about 30 years. and having a batec it changed my life I can go to lots of places on my own again which I couldn't do before without the help of my beautiful wife of 45 + years.I only started KZbin after I got my batec to show you can get back out there

[@PARALIFE]

These attachments are amazing to give us the freedom to get out and about again! It's just a shame about the price tag 😊

[@batecridetoowoomba4563]

​@@PARALIFE for people with a disability for some reason it always cost 3 to 4 times as much. for instance I could not afford to buy a genuine battery for my ..... I bought a non genuine 1 for a third of the price and it's a much better one than the genuine one online from a bike store.the same with tyres and wheels

[@DerelictusAnima]

@@batecridetoowoomba4563 Because the manufacturers are soulless greedy bastards. It's beyond pathetic exploiting the disabled.

[@brin57]

@@DerelictusAnima Yes, and unfortunately many of the soulless greedy bastards exploiting us, are also disabled!! Batec for one!!! This technology is not that expensive.

[@Questor-ky2fv]

Thanks for the well done review video! I haven't been able to ride a regular bike in many years due to health issues, including 2 bad knees and a bad back. I have looked into hand pedals with power assist bikes, scooters, and even wheelchairs. Some years ago, when I found myself moving around my home by holding onto walls, counters, and furniture I bought 2 offset handled quad canes and was able to get around better. 3 or 4 years ago, my knees had gotten worse, so I bought a rolling walker that was the right size for me both vertically and horizontally. That matters, as you lean too far over if you can't walk between the back wheels of the walker. Fortunately, I did my homework before buying my new set of wheels. While I would prefer to not need a walker, since I do need it, I'm glad that I have it. There is a definite improvement in mobility, comfort, speed, and less pain when using the rolling walker instead of the canes. It also has a cargo basket and a built-in seat. It has definitely made my life better. I even gave it a name--Warp 9.😄 Even after owning it for several years I am still happy with how much better I get around with it. I sometimes even say vroom when using it, as it's help is such a mood booster.😊👍 When my knees were in better condition my sports were walking, hiking, and biking. Using my rolling walker gives me an echo of that. Having fun with your hand pedal, power assist wheelchair is like that too. We can't change or fix the past. However, it's not good to wallow in misery in one's misfortunes if there is anything you can do to improve your situation. My canes and rolling walker are definite improvements. I have also been making changes in my home life to make things more ergonomic, including a move to a handicapped accessible apartment. With no stairs it's easy to get around with my rolling walker.🤗 Your video reviews are going to help a lot of people. Even just seeing someone in a wheelchair getting exercise and having fun will be a big help.😃👍 Thanks again for the post!🤗

[@bluedeva]

I’m so happy for you, the batec really is fantastic and you really put it thru it’s paces. It is at the top of my wishlist 🦽👌🏻🤗

[@PARALIFE]

IT really was a game changer for Craig, I hope you get to enjoy one soon 😃

[@mikemoore7614]

GOOD WORK , EXCELLENT VIDEO .

[@abunadia5506]

Thank you very much for the video, quite informative! Cheers mate!🇦🇺

[@PARALIFE]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nathaliemayrand5776]

Great video! You two look so happy 😊 I want to get one so badly now, I hope you have many more rides ❤

[@WheelieGayJay]

How fortunate that you were able to get one of these. I have wanted one for so long. But we can’t afford one & I don’t know of any place like the one that you got your funding from. But that’s life. I’m so glad that you enjoy it. It was a lot of fun watching you smile & having fun with the device.

[@PARALIFE]

Funding can be tough to find. We'd been looking for a grant for a while unsuccessfully so I'm lucky that a few people wanted to fundraise for me after my accident which raised most of it and then this grant popped up for newly spinal cord injured around the same time! But actually even with the fundraising and the grant together we could still only afford it because it as an ex demo so about half normal price. It's a shame you're not in the UK because the dealer here is running a competition to give away a brand new one of these! Glad you liked the video :)

[@Vosara]

Looks like adventure👍👍👍 great

[@scoobydoostu3130]

Thanks for a great video, well edited with the drone footage, beautiful scenery and very informative. I have exactly the same Batec Hybrid and I was quickly disillusioned as to it's offroad capabilities,. I soon realised that aside from the obvious grip issues there is the ground clearance issue to contend with, also the additional weight the bracket added to my daily chair which I hadn't factored for. I now use the Batec with an offroad wheelchair which has a MTB shock acting on the axle and a welded bracket, this is a Mustang GT which is surprisingly light. I have a friend who has a Quickie Attitude and due to the geometry of that, more raked front wheel, battery positioned over the wheel axle and mounts to the frame, his has a much better hill climbing ability. Having said all that I still love my Batec and use it regularly to get to the shops and just for exercise.

[@PARALIFE]

Thanks for watching :) We agree, the Batec is great but there is definitely room for improvement. We've also had the same issues with ground clearance. Craig's new wheelchair also has suspension which works great. We've heard good things about the quickie attitude too but not tested it yet ourselves. Would be very keen to try it out and see how it compares to the batec. The pannier racks look a lot better positioned than the batec's one

[@FreddotheWheelchairGuy]

Great video guys, loved the cinematic drone shots and your lighting, editing and scripts have got noticeably better, I’m sure you’ll hit 1000 subscribers soon. Great to see your progression. Also, try letting some air out of the front tyre, that helps with traction as well as anticipating a hill with extra run up speed, oh and pretty obvious, but don’t corner too fast. Falling out ain’t fun!

[@PARALIFE]

We've been continually striving to improve our videos so we're glad it's getting noticeable! Thanks for the feedback! We did try letting some air out (and I still run it a but low) but it wasn't as effective as we hoped and made the rest of the riding worse. Speed definitely does help, I do that on the medium hills but I can't get enough speed to get up the steeper ones without losing traction and sometimes they start straight off a medium hill so there's no chance to get a run up. I actually find the most effective thing is moving the wheels of my chair back to adjust the centre of gravity but that's a pain to do everytime you want to go out for a ride! Haha you say it's obvious but I've been very close to tipping from taking corners too fast a few times - if I didn't have fat tyres I would have definitely gone over!

[@FreddotheWheelchairGuy]

@@PARALIFE Mate, I've done it three times! Only once was I on my own and it was such a ball ache to get back in from the floor, but luckily I did it. It's good to have a fall (at low speed) to know the limits of your bike so you don't push it too hard at a higher speed. Another thing that might help you is to adjust your seat back angle, you have a Quickie right? You can crank it forward a notch to adjust your centre of gravity, it also makes it easier to pedal too. But I guess you also have to just accept the limits of the equipment too. It's crazy to have the power and the brake just on the front wheel eh? I've had sketchy moments going up AND downhills, braking on steep downhill gravel is absolutely terrifying! Still, nice flat bike rides are awesome man, and I'm happy for you that you're getting out and about, especially as summer is here 😊

[@PARALIFE]

@@FreddotheWheelchairGuy I've actually tipped over once, it definitely wasn't fun to try and get back in but we managed it. Would have been worse if I was by myself! We will try anything to improve it so thanks for the tip! I think we just have to accept the limits of the equipment like you said. The downhills are almost as bad, you're right. It's quite terrifying when you lose grip and start sliding and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it! I'm so glad I have it this summer, as I was really wanting something like this last summer

[@irenedavo3768]

Amazing

[@nigelnightmare4160]

My late wife used a PDQ power trike wheelchair third wheel and losing traction on hills was the biggest drawback. With the Batec I believe they make (Bigger) weights that go on the front forks to give extra grip/traction. You can move the wheelchair wheels further to the rear to help, my wife's chair had two positions for the wheels the front most ones for 'normal' wheelchair use and rear ones for use with the powered front/third wheel. This puts more weight on the front wheel without having to put excessive weight on the front wheel which makes it harder to cycle/uses more battery power. HTH

[@gazpen1978]

that looks like a great piece of kit and will give you both especially craig so much more freedom and independence will have to look at those myself as could be something I would use

[@PARALIFE]

we'd definitely recommend it. Are you in the UK? Cyclone mobility (where we got it from) are currently doing a competition to win one of these so you might want to look at that - think the closing date is end of May. Here's the link if you are www.cyclonemobility.com/landing/win-batec-hybrid/?Facebook&Cyclone%20Mobility&Win%20A%20Hybrid

[@gazpen1978]

@@PARALIFE yes I'm in Wigan so not too far from yourselves I'll have to check out their website

[@PARALIFE]

@@gazpen1978 cyclone are really close to you then, they are based in Widnes. You should come ride in North Wales if you get one

[@gazpen1978]

@@PARALIFE definitely something to think about

[@Turbo352Gville]

God I've been in a wheelchair for 23 year's now I'm 53 and it's getting so hard this tool would help me so much

[@ashstubbings2603]

I've commented before on this video about a month ago, but I've ended up watching it time and time again, because the more I watch it, the more I'm picking up on! You really did some very thorough tests on this thing didn't you? I definitely think I'm going to end up with either the Batec or something similar, because my handcycle (Top End Excelerator) is becoming so difficult for me to manage with, especially on hills and rough terrain, I'm actually giving myself Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or Ulnar Tunnel syndrome, neither of which have actually been diagnosed as yet, but I've certainly got symptoms of one, if not both of them! If you would like to do an even more in depth review of it, I'd certainly appreciate it.

[@PARALIFE]

We spent a lot of time on this video so we're glad at least someone is getting use out of it - thanks for letting us know :) It's definitely easier than a manual handcycle, especially on hills (although it loose grip if it's too steep)! You've actually commented at a really good time as we've been talking about doing an updated review now that it's coming up to a year with it. We're thinking about going into further details on things such as battery life and ease of docking on and off as well as an update on performance but if there's anything specific that you'd like us to cover then let us know in the next week or so and we'll do our best to include it!

[@ashstubbings2603]

@@PARALIFE Sounds great! I think you've thought of everything! The'y're a hell of a price though!

[@paulgustafson7012]

Great review. I've watch this a few times now. Looking at the Batec compared to the Stricker. I like them both and do not know which would be the best. The Stricker looks like a great option as well.

[@PARALIFE]

Thanks! It's a tough decision. The batec has been a game changer for us. Not tried the stricker personally but we've heard good things about it. Sure either of them will be a great option! We'll be posting a 1 year update on the batec soon

[@paulgustafson7012]

@@PARALIFE it is a tough decision. Thanks for the reply. Looking forward to an update video on the Batec :-)

[@HelenaMikas]

a fascinating video Well done .I'm approaching this need as my limbs deteriorate so was good to watch .My prob is being alone and minus car will be my issue ,How long does it last and is there a distance limit ? The buses here are very good as is underground and take wheelchairs .One may have to detack the front feature which could be an issue alone .. Keep your wagon rolling .Thanks for the trip to Aber Falls .When in UK not all that long ago went there and it was very hard going on my legs & spine ...Glad you made it the rain was celebration :) 👍

[@PARALIFE]

Thanks! Distance varies quite a lot depending on which battery you have, how hilly the terrain is, which power setting you use and the temperature outside. With the small battery we tend to get between 15-30km, haven't tried the big battery but we think it's about double. It is very heavy so moving it when detached is quite difficult but ok if you can find someone to help. Sounds like your visit to Aber Falls was as challenging as ours but very rewarding when you make it 😀

[@HelenaMikas]

@@PARALIFE Since I live in Berlin now ( for years actually ) all is like pancake land so not a huge issue .Have seen the Batecmini2 . I come over to UK Last time was just before the Pandemic began .Live on the 5th floor but there is a lift .Many thanks for your answer .and enjoy a good Easter :) walking with a stick is now painful and decreasing .Battle on until I try a Batex :) Greetings from Berlin ... Helena

[@muratcelik9241]

Mükemmel bir eser 👌👌👍👍

[@PARALIFE]

Thanks 😁

[@ConnyNordlicht]

Very ell, but it was not only the bike, th wheels of the Wheelchair are a lot larger /brighter?! than normal chairs are!

[@PARALIFE]

Yeah you're right we do have some off road wheels as well that I use quite often with the batec. I find they help with stability and sink less in deep sand/mud and they do work quite well in combination with the handbike but if I used them without the batec it's really difficult to push

[@DerelictusAnima]

I'm a Quickie Attitude Hybrid user. I'd love a more in depth, technical video about your Batec Hybrid :)

[@PARALIFE]

Noted :)

[@jno5]

I have a Batec Electric and to help with grip up hill there’s a couple of extra things to try (if you haven’t already), the first is to reduce the psi in the Batec wheel (I think I have 20psi in my tyre) you need to play with the pressure, but to low and you could roll the tyre off the rim. Secondly you need your wheelchair wheel axle as far back as possible, which with your chair isn’t going to be easy; if you can get your axle behind your bum it moves your weight forwards and therefore over your front wheel.

[@PARALIFE]

Thanks for the tips 👍 We already run the tyre at a very low pressure (10-20 PSI, we can't remember exactly either 😂). We have tried moving the wheel axle back and it definitely does help put more weight over the front wheel! Unfortunately this isn't ideal for everyday wheeling around so we had to find a middle-ground. Maybe one day we can have a spare wheelchair that we only use with the Batec, and then we can leave the wheel axle very far back 😃

[@brin57]

@@PARALIFE I have seen an attachment which gives you an extra cross bar for temporarily mounting you wheels behind the backrest, specifically for this purpose. I'm sorry I don't know what it is called or where to get it, but it appears to work very well.

[@l199hbf]

@@brin57 I have this attachment, it was made by Cyclone Mobility in around 2005

[@morgancalvi6675]

That's a shame...as son as you got to the waterfall, it started raining. I wonder if it was because there were more humid conditions at the waterfall area. What gorgeous scenery!!! Remember when going up hill...go as much at a zig zag when possible.

[@PARALIFE]

Quite possibly, it probably affected how heavy the rain was at least because it was still raining on us after we left the waterfall area but it was much heavier rain right next the waterfall. Yes zig zagging definitely helps, sometimes the trails are so narrow it's hard to zig zag though

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@PARALIFE yeah, I went to a rain forest in Forks, Washington and it was soooo humid, I had to get out. With my level of injury (C4 Incomplete), I don't sweat.

[@PARALIFE]

@@morgancalvi6675 shame it can ruin experiences like that. I struggle with extreme heat and humidity too, I can sweat on my face, neck and top of my chest but the rest of my body doesn't sweat either

[@charlesdrums]

Hi guys! I know you filmed that a long time ago, do you know if this one or the new ones have a electric trigger as well? So you can use just the electric if you are tired? Greetings from Canada!

[@anouschka422]

Hi, I been using a batec for a few years now. I'd like to now .. the Tyres your using, are they Off road or Fat Wheels -?

[@Konstantin-ne7fx]

Прикольно, вот бы тоже такую установку.

[@irenedavo3768]

Wow

[@mariashehan1733]

Can it be used in any manual 🦽 inside and outdoors

[@markcowley1963]

Hi, I’m purchasing a Baltic mini 2, live in London suburbs and need more freedom. Will the Baltic 2 be good enough I only weight 62 k. Also I have lung fibrosis from long covid 3 yrs ago so pushing my self is very difficult and require oxygen.

[@popeyerubi1981]

How is the reliability/durability of the product? Do you still have it now and works still?

[@maadfarhat8112]

How much is it my brother would benefit from this on his Wheelchair I can't find the prices

[@Queenmania2007]

Hi, what wheels are you using here? I'm currently still in hospital with a similar injury after a cycling accident, but looking at the various handbike attachments and can already see myself getting one - but those thick tyres look like they make the world of difference.

[@PARALIFE]

Hey Danny, these are called crazy bob wheels, don't use them all the time as they are hard to push when you detach the handbike but they're great on off road terrain like sand and mud and they also help with stability. We definitely advocate for getting an attachment and as we said to Laura the offer to try this one is always open.

[@braxenbaggio]

indeed the fat tires makeing the trips so comfortable conparing to indoor thin tires.

[@otactrpotije]

Which model of wheelchair Craig use with that big tires, I'm in wheelchair too paraplegic, I'm considering to buy that wheelchair and that handbike

[@PARALIFE]

The tyres are called "fat boy" tyres and they are compatible with any wheelchair, so you shouldn't need to change yours. The wheelchair in this video is a Quickie Argon 2, but I've since upgraded to a custom wheelchair from Hand on Concepts which you can see in our more recent videos 😀

[@otactrpotije]

@@PARALIFE OK thanks a lot 🤗❤️

[@david.5273]

Go checkout hand bikes from Stricker.. I have one and you don't have that big massive battery on the front.. Mine has 2 batteries either side of wheel and you can get 60km easily from the combined batteries. Plus because the batteries are alot lower it help to keep the weight on the front wheel which inturn gives better traction.

[@bernadettecaberte2591]

Wow! Great device! What is the name of that? How did u acquire that?

[@PARALIFE]

This is called a 'Batec Hybrid', if you look in the description of this video I have put a link to the UK distributor which is where I got it from and also a link to the company who makes it - they have links on their website for all the distributors in ever country so you can find the right one. Hope that helps

[@bernadettecaberte2591]

@@PARALIFE okay but we are in the philippines! How much is this? Does this work if your upper limbs are not that strong?

[@PARALIFE]

@@bernadettecaberte2591 I'm not sure about the Philippines, check the manufacturers website (1st link) and it will tell you if there's a local distributor or if not you could ask them if they ship from Spain. The brand new price is around £5,500 I think but I got this one second hand and the price for that is around £1,500-£3,500 depending on age and condition. Yes this one is ok if your arms are not strong, it has an electric motor to help you. You can also get a completely manual one which would be hard (I have quite strong arms still find it hard) and a completely electric versions which you only need enough arm strength to hold on and turn. Hope that helps

[@lj8902]

Yes, I was curious about battery life and range from both lowest setting and highest setting. Does it accept perhaps a larger/fatter tire for better traction like you have on your WC? (I totally understand about power applied pulling versus pushing and the addition of weight over the front.) Does it go in reverse? For example, steeper environmental challenge. Going backwards so that the power applied is pushing instead of pulling.

[@PARALIFE]

I'm not sure about the battery life for different settings because I often flick between in one outing but I tend to get around 13 miles in this area with moderate use of power. Happy to test it more specifically for you if you want? We put a tyre on that's about half a cm bigger than it's supposed to take but that seems to be about as big as is possible to fit on it. Unfortunately it doesn't go backwards, some of the purely electric models do but I guess this one can't for the same reason that you reverse on a regular bike?

[@lj8902]

@@PARALIFE Ok then, thank you your answer. I'm not familiar with these but have only used this motion on an UB ergometer when doing physical therapy a while ago. I understand this one is a hybrid and it didn't cause extreme fatigue for you. Could an accurate comparison be like comparing (in a car) manual steering versus power-assist steering versus power steering? Meaning, it doesn't do all of the workload but then neither do you.

[@PARALIFE]

@@lj8902 Yeah I think that's a pretty good analogy. It has 5 different settings for how much power it gives so you can do more or less of the workload depending on how tired you are. You can also turn off the power completely and do it all by yourself if you want to. I find it helps a lot with being able to go long distances because my arms always give in before I get tired cardio wise without it

[@lj8902]

@@PARALIFE I understand how it works better now. How heavy or awkward is it to set up on your WC?

[@PARALIFE]

@@lj8902 it's quite heavy, so it would be difficult for me to get in and out of the car by myself for example. However once it is out it is very easy to clip on and off the chair (just a few seconds once you get the hang of it)

[@MichaelGhysels]

How is the connection during offroad trips like this? Is the connection still sollide after a dozen of those offroad trips? Do those fat tires give you more comfort?

[@PARALIFE]

We've taken the Batec out now on quite a few trips, mostly on offroad like this and have had no issues with the connection at all. The fat tyres definitely add some comfort, and they also make the chair a bit more stable (harder to tip over). We're in the process of getting a wheelchair with suspension that will make the ride even more comfortable!

[@MichaelGhysels]

@@PARALIFE thanks! I'm a quadriplegic and bought myself a Tracker handbike, i tested the stricker, batec and Tracker and was doubting the durability of the stricker and batec, i Found the tracker more solid connected to the wheelchair, also easier for pushing the bike up. But the E-support is not what it should be with this tracker. In the ideal world i would combine those 3 bikes. Maybe one small remark, it seems like your cranks are to far away from your chest, could be wrong.

[@PARALIFE]

We agree, each bike does something better than the others but none of them are quite perfect - a combination of all their strengths would be ideal! We chose the batec because it seemed the most well made and robust and least likely to break out of the e-bikes we tested but we didn't try the tracker. Yeah, that is something we've considered as well but unfortunately we can't bring it in any closer to my chest because my knees are almost touching the front. I think there is a way to change it and we might do it eventually but it involves changing the chain and everything so we're sticking with this for now

[@howtomeetwomen-]

Oh my god, I'm so happy for you. That's.. such a big deal. (Sounds sarcastic; isn't)

[@PARALIFE]

Thanks! Glad you put the brackets, it does sound a bit sarcastic haha

[@morgancalvi6675]

If I may ask...how did you go about getting this? They are quite spendy.

[@PARALIFE]

We bought it through the UK distributor (cyclone Mobility). I had known what I wanted for quite a while and we have been fundraising. I applied for a charity grant and they part funded it luckily and a few friends ours did some fundraising on our behalf. This got us about half way there, then, cyclone were selling an ex demo version for a decent discount (£3000 vs £5500 new) that we could afford!

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@PARALIFE thank you very much for that information. I will look into this in Nova Scotia, Canada. Surely they have similar programs here. I will do a Google search and see what comes up for programs that aid with buying wheelchairs and such. It gets super expensive for people on disability.

[@PARALIFE]

@@morgancalvi6675 I've seen quite a few programs for North America so you should be eligible for them, can't remember the names unfortunately but they should come up with a quick google search

[@DerelictusAnima]

Also you need way more speed when going up hill, you will always get stuck if you go so slow uphill. Peddle faster, gain speed and maintain it, I can climb steeper hills with my Quickie Attitude Hybrid, which has slick tires and a lower powered motor.

[@PARALIFE]

I don't think the video accurately shows how steep the road is, even cars struggle up it so if you could climb something steeper than that I'd be seriously impressed!! :) I have tried that with a good fast run up and it definitely helps on less steep hills or short steep hills but a lot of the hills round here are just too steep and long regardless of speed. Claire has tried it out on some of the hills and annoyingly is able to climb them better than me because she's a lot lighter and is able to lean forward to get more weight over the front wheel but she does still loses grip on the steeper ones. The most effective thing I have found has been moving my wheelchair wheels further back to change the centre of gravity but that's a pain to adjust everytime you want to ride. I'd be very interested in doing a direct comparison between the batec and the quickie attitude. Looking at specs I was drawn to batec but everyone says the motor is excessive because it always looses grip before it runs out of power! They might be a lot more comparable in terms of performance than the specs would suggest! I also wonder whether the battery placement on the quickie is a better designed for putting more weight over the front wheel? Not sure either way but it would be very interesting to test them on an equal ground :)

[@DerelictusAnima]

@@PARALIFE Indeed it would be interesting to test them side by side, I have only experience with my Quickie Hybrid and some other handful of manuals, but that's it. The battery over the top of the wheel helps, but the batter itself doesn't weigh a lot, 3-4 kg as far as I remember. You can also add a single piece of 5kg extra weight under the fork near the front wheel, helps a lot. My Quickie also has bag racks on each side of the front wheel which you can add even more weigh on (haven't tested that myself yet). You mentioned your own weight and I remember I only weigh around 45 kg myself so it definitely helps climb the hills. The axle being further back also helps, depending on your wheelchair model and how customizable it is I suggest adding an extra axle (if there's space) so you wouldn't have to adjust the only one you have each time you go for a ride.. The way I ride in Scotland (which as everyone knows has LOTS of hills) with mostly 2/3 lvl of assist ouf of 5 I climb most hills no problem (paved ones at least), off road is a whole different story, getting new tires also (Maxxis Holy Roller). I can do around 80-90km on 2-3 / 5 assist lvl the way I ride from one charge on my battery.

[@PARALIFE]

@@DerelictusAnima that sounds pretty similar to the batec then, the battery is a similar weight and it has 2 detachable weights (can't remember if they're 5kg each or together). I do like the idea of the panniers on the the quickie, the batec only has one rack over the battery which helps but I think panniers over the wheel would be better. We're trying to find a way to attach some onto the batec for weight plus to be able to go bike packing. Oh wow, I'm about 90kg so you will probably blitz me on hills! I'm planning to get a new wheelchair soon and we've been debating whether it's worth getting a second axle on that vs the extra weight it would add for day to day pushing. Have you tried it yourself? (and if so how do you find it) Nice, whereabouts in Scotland? Do you know what sort of gradient the hills are? I changed mine to the Holy Roller, it seems to be fairly good off road but I don't have much to compare to. Now that is very impressive! Is that typical for the quickie or due to the way you ride? I don't think I'd get more than 20-30km out of mine at the most but typically I only get around 13 miles per charge.

[@PARALIFE]

@@DerelictusAnima p.s don't know if this reads like I'm trying to be competitive? - I'm not just genuinely interested in what different attachments can do :)

[@DerelictusAnima]

@@PARALIFE I'm in Dunfermline. I've ridden quite a fair bit (to my lvl of fitness) around Fife and a bit towards Edinburgh area. My record was 65 km in around 3+ hours at night. The gradient varies, all kinds of terrain, I'm mostly a road rider, but I like some moderate off road (that my bike can handle) and there's LOTS and LOTS of hills, think the night I did my record 65km I did over 600m in altitude gained (as far as I can remember) that's why I need to switch to a better tire like the one you have and I have ordered Maxxis Holy Roller. I guess the fact that I'm light lets my battery and motor do a high mileage. I also don't use the extra 5kg weight. Even though it helps uphill a lot, I feel in a straight line it adds more weight (obviously) and makes it harder for you to peddle in the long term (stamina wise).

[@ilovebrean]

Is there anything you can do to help with grip ? On the gravel

[@ilovebrean]

Beautiful views

[@PARALIFE]

Adding more weight over the front wheel helps, the more you add the better but it's hard to find much that's heavy enough to make a difference. Dropping the tyre pressure can also help with grip but too much can increase the risk of punctures, the tyre falling off the rim or can damage the rim. Adjusting the centre of gravity of the wheelchair would also help but it's not something we do because it's too much hassle to change single everytime and would be in completely the wrong position for daily use

[@ilovebrean]

PARALIFE I’ll try a heavy backpack or something it’s so annoying that they have the capability of going places till you get a hill I have a Chinese cheaply trike as trying to fundraiser for a batec or similar and it’s useless does no incline at all :(

[@PARALIFE]

Hopefully that'll help a bit - things like full water bottles, heavy books and the big metal bike locks are what we've found best so far. Yeah it really is! Such a massive limitation from all of these clip on handbikes! What we find the most annoying about the batec is that the motor easily has enough power for the hills but the grip just fails! At least you've got something to use while waiting for the fundraising I guess, even if it's not great

[@ilovebrean]

PARALIFE can you reverse with the hand bike one ? I know a lot of people reverse up Hills if I do get one it will be a used one so most likely won’t have the reverse function

[@alisonleach1552]

It looks good, maybe let some air out of tyres on off road

[@PARALIFE]

That is something we have tried, it does help a bit but still not perfect, thanks.

[@scoobydoostu3130]

@@PARALIFE Yes I've tried exactly the same with limited success

[@SS-Teebie]

G’day, do you still have your following Batec Hybrid tyre change clip available to watch - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHrGknyHeM99gJY??

[@rogelioaliganga9001]

Please extent help,for me to own that kind of wheelchair.im willing to pay within my limited finamcial capacity.

[@PARALIFE]

Where are you based? Cyclone mobility - the UK distributor are currently running a competition where you could win one of these

[@rogelioaliganga9001]

@@PARALIFEim from phillippines.a country which is very difficult o purchase or find a wheelchair that suits the needs of a SCI

[@PARALIFE]

@@rogelioaliganga9001 it must be very difficult to not have a suitable wheelchair. We are very lucky in this country that we are provided with a wheelchair and rehab and physio when we have a SCI. We hope you will be able to find a way to get yourself something like this. If this channel ever grows enough that we can have a big enough impact or the financial means we would love to give back by helping other people globally to be able to get mobility equipment that would improve their lives

[@rogelioaliganga9001]

@@PARALIFE your generosity an kind heart well go beyond borders.thanks for the thoughts an inspirational reply.