Bunbury residents and lifelong bike riders Maureen and Tony Cremin are keeping the joy of riding in their lives thanks to their trusty new NDIS-subsidised e-trikes.

When Tony was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and walking itself became challenging, the couple who are both in their later 70s sought other ways to stay active. 

They discovered they could be 100% reimbursed for the cost of buying e-trikes under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or through Home Aged Care plans.

“My husband has Parkinson’s so we have both got e-trikes and can cycle for several kilometres on the great cycle paths around here and getting the exercise we both need and enjoying nature,” Maureen said.

“Bunbury and Eaton have extensive networks of cycle/pedestrian paths many along well landscaped public open spaces. There are several retirement villages and residential aged care facilities in these suburbs and I would love to see more senior citizens out cycling on electric bikes or trikes.” 

“We decided semi-recumbent e-trikes were the best option because they enable us to exercise longer,” Maureen said. “They’ve been so great for us and Tony in particular and we typically ride 10km loops 2-3 times per week around Bunbury.”

“Tony is getting valuable exercise and we have baskets on the trikes and can do things like shopping as well.”

Expanded horizons

The couple sometimes venture into nearby retirement villages on their rides and have been encouraging other seniors and disabled seniors to join them on 2 or 3-wheeled excursions. “We are contemplating forming a seniors trike group.”

With Tony getting so much from their local outings, Maureen said they have begun to expand their horizons.

“We’re looking at buying a trailer and heading to other places too.”

NDIS reimbursements for mobility devices like e-trikes can reach 100%, depending on the disability. The NDIS classifies them as ‘assistive devices’. Find out more about that here.