The Alinker is a non-motorized walking trike that is specially designed for everyone who wants to maintain an active lifestyle. The trike is designed to be suitable for everyone regardless of their movement abilities or disabilities. As long as you are able to walk to some degree and briefly bear your weight on one leg, the Alinker could be a useful commuting tool for you.
The inspiration
The Alinker was designed and developed in the Netherlands by Barabara Alink. The revolutionary walking trike was inspired by her mom’s insistence that she would never use a walker even as her health status deteriorated. Her mum loathed the idea of using a walker because of the stigma that is attached to people using such devices. Barbara then set herself on a mission to design a walking aid that would be cool on the eye and useful for everyone. The result is the uber-functional and attractive Alinker.
Design and features
The Alinker sports two wheels at the front and one at the rear. The elevated seat means the users can look straight ahead while walking, unlike traditional walking aids that often have them looking down. When sitting on this curvy vessel, the weight is shifted off the lower limbs. This reduces the strain on the legs while still allowing the users to move under their own steam. There are about three trike sizes available. Even with the varied sizes, the seats remain adjustable such that users can set it to a comfortable height. The Alinker weighs a little over 26 lbs.
The Alinker is designed to work with standard bicycle accessories. You do not need to search frantically before getting a replacement for damaged parts. Assembly takes about 5 minutes or less and most of the essential parts of the vehicle can be detached just as fast. This becomes pretty useful when you want to fit the Alinker into your trunk. The trike can fit into the trunk of SUVs, hatchbacks, Minivans, and most cars. However, you should try to test the trike with your vehicle if you plan to move it around a lot.
Riding experience
Perhaps the most enjoyable thing about riding the Alinker is that it allows you to maintain eye contact with everyone. While riding, you’ll notice that the focus is not on you but the cool trike you’re commuting with. People stare and point at your trike and for once, they would not care about your inability to walk well. This brings a much-needed relief to people suffering from disabilities – especially those who find the stigma or sympathy uncomfortable. The fact that healthy people can also ride on the Alinker makes it the most inclusive walking aid around.
Pricing info
You can place your order on the official Alinker website. The trike costs $1,977. If you need an Alinker but cannot afford one, you can start a mini crowdfunding campaign on the website.
