Adaptive Mountain Biking

How to Ride 

Once you have suitable equipment and a sanctioned location to ride (through state Parks and Wildlife Departments), you simply pedal! Steering will vary depending on the type of equipment but is typically achieved through standard handlebars or hand cranks that manoeuvre the front wheels.

Stay on the designated trails, don't litter, respect other riders and pedestrians on shared trails, be sun smart, and keep hydrated. 

When it comes to competition, Adaptive MTB adopts standard National Mountain Biking rules. Rules, riding etiquette, riders insurance and membership is available through Mountain Bike Australia. 

Who can Ride

Impairment Type

A person’s impairment doesn't necessarily dictate the equipment used since they may be able to ride a range of adaptive equipment. For a brief description of popular types of adaptive mountain bikes, see Break the Boundary. 

As a rough guide, you need a moderate level of hand dexterity to ride a hand-powered cycle – adaptations are available for quadriplegics or people with impaired upper-body strength.

Leg-powered cycles cater for people with limited upper-body strength but have partial or full use of the lower limbs. 

Tandem mountain bikes cater for riders who are vision impaired or blind. 

People without disabilities or impairments can participate and ride a range of adaptive mountain bikes. 

Classification

Since the sport is emerging, a fair and equal classification system is being established. 

Due to the challenges in event trails and terrain, there is room for electronic assist units on the cycles. There is likely to be a power-assist category and a non-powered category, and within those categories a basic breakdown of abilities.

How Do I Get Classified?

There is no classification process at this stage.

Where can you participate?

Australia 

Resources