Grace's Story
We recently spoke with Grace’s Dad about how Jorvik Tricycles have helped Grace and her family.
Grace was diagnosed with autism, a learning delay and epilepsy at the age of 5. Prior to her diagnosis, Grace was a happy young girl who had a love for books and enjoyed reading. However, Grace’s life is different now; her learning up until this point is paused and she lives with some other complex problems, such as sensory and balance issues. Because of this she enjoys feeling paper or the pages of books between her fingers. Whether she’s walking, scootering or cycling, Grace will not leave the house without a book or piece of paper!
As Grace struggles with her balance her family found it difficult to find a bike that suited her needs. Previously they tried an adult bike with stabilisers but this was very unstable and not safe. Inspired by Grace’s three wheeled scooter, Grace’s family began looking into purchasing a tricycle. They knew a tricycle would offer her the additional support she needed and enable her to be more independent, but it would also help carry the extra weight of her books!
They looked for a while at lots of different tricycle options but never managed to find one suitable. They struggled to find a tricycle that had the build quality they were looking for, was aesthetically pleasing and was within their budget.
‘’Jorvik was recommended to us, by a friend, we then found them online and saw not only did they have great reviews but the trikes looked great and really stood out’’
Purchasing a tricycle allowed Grace to be more independent and made her much happier. She particularly enjoyed riding alongside her family while they ran. It meant they could spend more time together outside and there was always an extra hand to push Grace up the steeper hills. They recently completed the Cynthia Spencer ‘Cycle4Cynthia’ 25 mile cycle as a family, with her family taking it in turns to push her up the bigger hills. The adjustable saddle was also perfect for a teenager like Grace, as it is able to adapt as she grows.
As Jorvik’s classic adult tricycle was such a hit with Grace, they have since gone on to buy Grace a second one. This time they went with an electric tricycle, which has allowed her to travel further more comfortably and without getting so exhausted. She also no longer needs the extra boost from her family when going uphill! As her new electric tricycle enables her to go longer and further, they plan to complete the ‘Cycle4Cynthia’ 25 mile cycle again this September.
Grace’s family also found that additional features on Jorvik Tricycles, such as their off road-capabilities and puncture proof tyres, really made them stand out.
‘’Both styles of trike from Jorvik Tricycles are fantastic, however the electric tricycle in particular has given Grace a new lease of life! We’d like to thank Jorvik Tricycles for a fantastic tricycle, it’s really made our young girl, now 20, have a new and more positive outlook on life’’
Grace loved her first Jorvik Tricycle but is even more excited by the additional freedom and independence that she has gained from her new electric tricycle. Now, as soon as they return from their family cycles, Grace can’t wait to get back out. She’s even started looking at maps to see where she can ride to on her next adventure with her electric tricycle.
Jorvik Tricycles was founded after James struggled to find a good quality tricycle for his father, following his Parkinson’s diagnosis, that would allow him to continue cycling. Having been able to create a tricycle that’s enabled his father to continue doing what he loves, at Jorvik Tricycles we love hearing how we’ve been able to also rekindle the joy of cycling for so many others.