Trikes and Trucks
Portland Wheelers’ trikes are OPair Wheelchair Bikes. These are multi-speed, two-seater tricycles with electric-assist pedaling manufactured in the Netherlands by Van Raam.
The trikes accommodate a wheeler weighing up to 225 pounds and a pilot weighing up to the same weight.
Trikes purchased by Portland Wheelers have additional safety features, including a 4-point chest harness, flip-up/down foot rests, and front wheel safety covers. When riding, volunteers wear a high-visibility vest, and the trikes are outfitted with a brightly colored flag and a mirror.
The OPair is no ordinary tricycle. The rear half of the frame detaches via quick-release hardware, allowing it to become a uniquely designed, stand-alone wheelchair. When the two sections are re-connected, the chair tilts slightly back, lifting the front guide wheels off the ground. This produces a relaxed, stable sitting position, and makes conversation easy between wheeler and pilot.
The trike has special suspension and hybrid tires that are excellent on various surfaces. Disc brakes control the two front wheels, while standard caliper brakes control the rear wheel.
The e-assist is engaged at all times, assisting pilots at start up and when going up hills. The e-assist enables volunteers of all ages and athletic abilities to pilot the trikes.
The pneumatic-assist steering means secure handling, while the twin brake systems ensure complete control at all times. The wheelchair’s low center of gravity and wide front wheelbase provide superior stability.
People of all abilities ride in comfort and security. Our program is designed to serve a wide range of people and abilities, young and old alike.
We transport our fleet of trikes to ride locations using our two Ford E-Transit all-electric cargo vans. We are pleased to have been fully electric since 2023. The vans allow us to securely transport our equipment and provide safe loading and unloading. Our vans, as well as our trike batteries, are charged at our South Portland location, where we have a garage and offices for our programming staff.