{"id":3969,"date":"2025-07-21T09:36:50","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T07:36:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/batec-dev.wwwarcelona.net\/en\/?p=3969"},"modified":"2025-07-21T09:36:50","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T07:36:50","slug":"changing-perceptions-of-disability-the-handbike-as-a-key-tool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/batec-dev.wwwarcelona.net\/en\/changing-perceptions-of-disability-the-handbike-as-a-key-tool\/","title":{"rendered":"Changing perceptions of disability: the handbike as a key tool"},"content":{"rendered":"

For a long time, the wheelchair has been associated with limitation. But that is changing. The <\/span>handbike<\/span> is transforming not only how people get around, but also how they feel about themselves \u2013 and how others see them.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

More than just getting around: feeling better<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Using a handbike not only takes you further \u2013 it also helps you feel better emotionally and psychologically. Why?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc49 <\/span><\/b>Total freedom:<\/strong> Getting around without relying on anyone, deciding where you\u2019re going and how \u2013 whether navigating the urban jungle or venturing beyond it \u2013 gives a real boost to autonomy and confidence. You may even go from needing help to being the one who offers it. Batec makes it easy.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc49 <\/span><\/b>Personal achievement:<\/strong> Simply accomplishing something that once felt difficult or out of reach creates a sense of euphoria that changes the way you see yourself. It drives you forward.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc49 <\/span><\/b>Your image changes:<\/strong> You\u2019re no longer \u201cthe person in the wheelchair\u201d \u2013 you\u2019re the one on the \u201cbike\u201d. You see yourself differently\u2026 and so does everyone else.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

And it changes the lives of those around you<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s not just for you. Those who accompany you notice the difference too.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc49<\/span><\/b> Less strain, better health:<\/strong> No more pushing the wheelchair. That\u2019s a major relief, especially on hills, uneven ground or long days.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc49 <\/span><\/b>Lighter relationships:<\/strong> When you need less help, the dynamic shifts. Your companions stop having to keep an eye on you and can relax and enjoy themselves.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc49 <\/span><\/b>More plans become possible:<\/strong> Outings, weekend getaways, trips without limits. What once seemed too complicated now becomes part of the plan.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc49<\/span><\/b> Peace of mind for everyone:<\/strong> Knowing that you can move around safely and independently takes a huge emotional weight off your loved ones\u2019 shoulders. That makes a difference too.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
Nina Wabra and Gal Jaki\u010d with their son Leo on a family holiday. No more prejudice! Fun guaranteed for the little one with his parents riding their Batecs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When others\u2019 <\/span>perceptions<\/span> shift<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Every time someone sees a person with a handbike, the impact is instant \u2013 wherever they are.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc49 <\/span><\/b>The focus shifts from the wheelchair to the handbike: <\/span><\/b>Before, people would focus on the limitations of using a wheelchair and ask questions like \u201cWhat happened to you?\u201d. Now, they\u2019re intrigued by the tech: \u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d, \u201cWhere can I get one?\u201d, \u201cThat\u2019s incredible!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc49 <\/span><\/b>No more pity: <\/span><\/b>The way people see you changes completely when you\u2019re using a handbike. Instead of being associated with fragility and sympathy, you\u2019re met with admiration \u2013 people see you as \u201ccool\u201d.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
Nicol\u00e1s Falanti, handbike user, at Japan Weekend in Madrid. Who\u2019s asking for a photo with whom?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Boosting self-esteem from childhood<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Instagram account <\/span>Discakids<\/span><\/a>, created by Manuel Corchado \u2013 promoter of the first low-cost handbike for children and father to a young user \u2013 dedicated one of its livestreams to how these electric devices support children from an early age.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The event featured Tomy Pi\u00f1as, Batec Mobility ambassador, Paralympian and wheelchair user since the age of 11; Martin Bollmann, CEO of BOOR-Lab; and Iv\u00e1n Fern\u00e1ndez, regional representative for southern Spain and the Canary Islands at Permobil.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

https:\/\/batec-dev.wwwarcelona.net\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/2025_handbike-autonomia-percepcion-social-1.mp4<\/a><\/video><\/div>\n

More than a vehicle: a shift in mindset<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

A handbike doesn\u2019t hide disability \u2013 but it does push it into the background. It <\/span>highlights what you can do and how far you can go<\/strong>, offering a new way of being seen by the world.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for something to give you freedom, independence and a more active life, the handbike is more than a mobility aid. It\u2019s a weapon against prejudice and a powerful ally for your self-esteem.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

For a long time, the wheelchair has been associated with limitation. But that is changing. The handbike is transforming not only how people get around, but also how they feel about themselves \u2013 and how others see them.\u00a0 More than just getting around: feeling better\u00a0 Using a handbike not only takes you further \u2013 it…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":3974,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[111,230],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3969","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-electric-handbikes","category-wheelchair-lifestyle"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nChanging perceptions of disability: the handbike as a key tool - Batec Mobility<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The handbike is transforming not only how people get around, but also how they feel about themselves \u2013 and how others see them.\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Changing perceptions of disability: the handbike as a key tool - 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