Cycling for knee pain or amputation - the rehabilitation bike

How long have you been riding a Varibike?

I've been riding the Varibike for 4 years.

How did you come up with the idea of buying a Varibike?

There were two main reasons that motivated me to do this:
1. I wanted to train not just my legs, but my whole body without having to go to a gym. I had been looking for alternatives to the classic bicycle for many years.
2. I've had osteoarthritis of the kneecap in my right knee for several years and could no longer pedal with that leg – not even with an e-bike, so I had to stop cycling 5 years ago. I really missed the sport itself and being active outdoors.
I searched for a long time for a bicycle like this, but couldn't find one that convinced me and suited my needs; until I came across Varibike. The excellent advice from Martin Kraiss and his great effort to customize the Varibike to my individual requirements ultimately won me over. Furthermore, I was thrilled with the top quality of the bicycle and its design. I haven't found anything even remotely comparable anywhere else.

Does your Varibike have any special features because of your knee osteoarthritis?

I have a pendulum crank for my right leg that allows me to move my knee, but I don't have to bend it nearly as much as with a normal crank. The crank means my leg only moves half as far upwards as with a standard crank. This leg now moves almost passively, without me exerting any force. To be able to cover longer distances and inclines with one leg and two arms, I also had an electric motor installed.

What do you use the Varibike for?

I regularly use it to commute to work, about 37 kilometers a day, and often on weekends for excursions and tours.

And that will also get you up hills?

I can manage smaller inclines without the motor, but larger ones only with its assistance. If I could pedal with both legs in addition to using my arms, the motor wouldn't be necessary.

The Varibike lets you switch between different drive styles. For example, you can pedal synchronously with your arms, asynchronously, or only with your legs, etc. Do you often switch between drive styles on the Varibike?

I switch between them regularly. Sometimes I pedal with just one leg or legs, sometimes I only pedal with my arms (mostly asynchronously). Especially uphill, I use my arms and legs simultaneously, which is the most fun.

What do you like about Varibiking?

Arms, legs, abdominal and back muscles are all trained. The sheer power with which I can climb hills or practically float along at 45 kilometers per hour on flat terrain when I briefly use both legs is incredibly fun.

Wouldn't a regular e-bike have sufficed?

This is no comparison, because the upper body training is missing and the coordination training with all 4 limbs simultaneously, virtually "hands-free" without holding onto the steering wheel, is a great feeling.

Do you have training or rehabilitation goals when you're doing Varibiken, or is it more just for fun?

Initially, the goal was to be able to continue playing sports. Furthermore, it allowed me to move my knee without putting stress on it, which provided long-term pain relief. Thanks to Varibiking, I was able to postpone a knee replacement for four years and even go on short hikes again for a considerable time.

What have you been able to achieve for yourself through Varibiking?

I was able to postpone the surgery for several years, maintaining and even improving my physical fitness despite limitations. My quality of life has increased significantly thanks to Varibiking.
Three months ago I had a knee replacement and have been able to use the Varibike for my rehabilitation ever since, initially on a stationary bike, and now also on the road. This has helped my recovery enormously and accelerated it. I'm looking forward to the coming months when I can use the Varibike for enjoyable and longer rides without any motor assistance. I wouldn't want to be without the Varibike again.

Did it take you a long time to learn how to ride a Varibike?

Thanks to your one-hour instruction, I was able to ride it safely after another 3-4 hours of practice on my own, initially only using the hand cranks on bike paths. After 2 to 3 weeks of practice, I could ride it in traffic and around curves just as easily as any other bicycle.

Do you feel safe there?

Yes. Switching arms and legs, as well as moving from the arm cranks to the steering wheel, gearshift, and brake levers, became second nature after a short time – like using the clutch and shifting gears in a car.

Even in the city?

Even in the city. However, I use the hand cranks somewhat less there, as you often need to be ready to brake quickly and have your hands on the brake levers rapidly.

Do people stare when you ride the Varibike?

Many people stare at me with wide eyes as I approach, and often watch me follow. Almost every time I ride, I'm approached, either by other cyclists while I'm riding or by pedestrians at traffic lights and intersections. People are fascinated and ask lots of questions.

Do you have any tips for Varibike beginners?

The first two to three hours are not easy in terms of coordination and are also physically demanding, but after that, the Varibike becomes more enjoyable every day. So: just show some perseverance at the beginning…

Michel from Ganac /France - Rehabilitation tricycle type Varibike Trike

After five months of using the Varibike Trike, I'm still very happy with my purchase. With one leg unusable since an accident when I was 16, being able to enjoy cycling again is a true rebirth. Using the power of one leg and both arms, I manage to achieve remarkable average speeds. And this recumbent position is well-designed and comfortable. I can wholeheartedly recommend this Varibike to anyone who, like me, suffers from a disability affecting one of their four limbs: the other three compensate through their cooperation. The materials are of very good quality, and the quick removal of the rear wheels makes it easy to transport in a car with a folding back seat. I'd also like to add that my trip to Laichingen allowed me to meet the designer and manufacturer of the Varibike, Martin Kraiß. He's very friendly and goes to great lengths to find the perfect solution for each customer's needs.

Tom from San Luis Obispo / USA

Rehabilitation tricycle type Varibike Trike - Review.

The Varibike Trike rehabilitation tricycle is a versatile and well-built device. It can be powered by hand, foot, motor, or any combination of these. It can be steered by hand or foot. It's solidly built. I only have one leg and wanted a recumbent tricycle that I could propel not only with hand cranks but also with my remaining leg. The Varibike Trike was the only device I could find that offered this option. Because it's robustly built and heavy, and I have to navigate many hills in California, I opted for the addition of the battery and motor. I've found that I primarily need the electric assist on hills or long rides. Since the steering mechanism is different from a regular bicycle or tricycle, it takes some getting used to, but it becomes second nature over time. From the beginning, the staff at Varibike were extremely helpful and assisted with my numerous questions.

Karin from Lewedorp / Netherlands

Rehabilitation tricycle - review.

I've been using a Varibike-Trike rehabilitation tricycle for a few months now. Because I have a partial spinal cord injury, I can no longer ride a regular bicycle. The rehabilitation tricycle is a fantastic solution for me. Every day I go out on my trike and do rides of about 30 km. If my right leg falls out, it simply keeps turning thanks to the locking system on my pedals. And later, I take over with my arms; eventually, I'm riding with just my left arm. You can imagine how my left arm is becoming quite muscular again. It's a brilliant invention that has given me back some freedom!