Posted on Jan 28, 2014

Whether you suffer from a physical impairment that you’ve had since birth, you were permanently disabled in a motorcycle accident, or you have special physical needs for another reason you may still be able to ride a motorcycle. You may begin to, or continue to, enjoy the freedom of motorcycle riding and you may experience the joy that comes with riding a bike.

Here are Some Resources to Help You

Before you get on a bike, we encourage you to:

  • Talk to your doctors. Before you start anything new – whether it is a sport such as swimming or a motor sport such as motorcycling – it is important to talk to your doctors and to make sure that you have the medical clearance necessary to take part in the activity.

  • Think about what modifications you may need. People with leg amputations, arm amputations and other physical challenges may still be able to ride a motorcycle safely. Adaptions such as button operated electric shifter systems and changing gears without a clutch are available.

  • Read inspirational stories about other riders who have continued to ride after a disability. The website of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) includes true stories about people with disabilities who are successful motorcyclists. You may find that there is someone with a physical condition similar to yours who is out enjoying his or her time on a bike.

  • Get support from other riders. Consider joining in biking events and becoming part of the active motorcycling community. The friends that you make and the experiences that you share may be ones that you cherish.

Your life isn’t over. The time to have fun and enjoy motorcycling is now. Accordingly, we encourage you to take some time to figure out what modifications your bike might need and to take the steps necessary to get out on the road.