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Michael is a bright 9-year-old who is social and outgoing, always wanting to play with everyone. He is so active, his mother, Michelle is always trying to keep up with his but as she said, “he likes to go fast”. Michael had been involved in a lot of sports but always had an interest in riding bikes.

Michael is currently living with Autism, ADHD and anxiety. Due to his gross motor skill challenges and balancing issues, Michael had struggled to find the right bike that would suit his needs. As a result, Michael would wound up riding children’s bikes with training wheels but unfortunately, Michelle found it had “no support as they were too small for him”.

Michelle tried to look for the appropriate bike for him but found there were no bigger bikes that had training wheels. Michelle didn’t know what else to do for her son, she wanted him to have a bike.

“We wanted him to ride a bike, he deserves to ride a bike!” she says.

As a temporary fix, Michelle bought a scooter for Michael, but it wasn’t the same feeling.

Michelle found Freedom Wheels and thought the custom bikes could be the solution for Michael to get riding. During an assessment at the TAD Assistive Technology Centre Michael started riding instantly and riding really well and Michelle was thrilled for him.

After a while, Michelle received a call from the team at Freedom Wheels, with some great news about a special man named Reg who wanted to donate a Freedom Wheels bike to Michael. Michelle was in awe, she could not believe her son was finally going to get a bike just before Christmas.

Watching her son riding the bike with so much excitement has been such a great moment for Michelle. She is so happy her son is finally getting the bike he deserves.

For Michelle and Michael, they can now catch up with their friends through group bike rides knowing everyone is safe, having fun. Michelle has not only witnessed her friend’s children enjoy Freedom Wheels bikes but she herself has experienced her own son enjoy the bike himself.

Freedom Wheels bikes are definitely a good, educational tool that boosts kids’ confidence and allowing them to join in on the fun,” she says.