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“… for those who want to live despite mobility challenges .” BE set about designing a solution , knowing it would have to be something her mother would want to use . Enter the Alinker , a revolutionary non-motorized bike without pedals that enables the user to work leg muscles and be mobile while being seated . The device is built for 3 inseam ranges and is useful across a spectrum of activities : a young child with cerebral palsy stabilizes himself during a virtual exercise program , a lady with multiple sclerosis ( MS ) makes the short trip to the corner shop , and a Paralympian flies around a track in preparation for a marathon . The limits of the Alinker really are the limits of the user .
" A vehicle for change ." Beyond the obvious physical advantages of the Alinker , it addresses other deeper issues . On the surface , its value stems from the movement it allows users , because movement equals independence , which equals value , right ? Of course . Less visible , however , is the social divide between those who need mobility devices and those who don ’ t : if you see me in a wheelchair and have to approach me , you probably feel a twinge ( or more ) of discomfort . In your mind , my immobility promptly groups me in a category of person unlike and therefore inaccessible to you . This mental sorting process is automatic , natural , and convenient . Human nature pushes you to protect your comfort zone , so in order to deal with the awkwardness , you will either subtly ignore me or display patronizing behaviour towards me . The Alinker addresses this by placing the user at eye-level with others ( you ’ re perched on a seat as opposed to seated in a chair ), which subtly but very powerfully makes the user more “ accessible ” to non-mobility device users . Additionally , the innovative design of the Alinker so captivates people seeing it for the first time that their curiosity overrides any discomfort about the person ’ s disability . The device then becomes a conversation starter and therefore a “ bridge in the gap ” between the MD user and non-MD user .
“ A body is what we have , not who we are .” Alinker users the world over continues to bring this phrase to life in the way they “ bridge gaps ” and move through daily life . They fully embrace the idea that their immobility doesn ’ t define who they are ; rather , it simply has to be worked into active engagement in all areas of life .