Latest news with #JorvikTricycles
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I have invisible chronic condition that stole my balance and way of life'
Steve's life changed after he was diagnosed with a rare balance disorder - Bilateral Vestibular Failure. He was forced to give up his long-standing job and move out of London. However, he has since found hope and confidence again through Jorvik Tricycles. Balance disorders affect more than 1.8 million people - yet many have never heard of them. The 'invisible' condition remains largely unrecognised, both in society and by healthcare providers. For 54-year-old Steve Watkins, a rare disorder changed everything. Once a professional tennis coach and lifelong fitness enthusiast, Steve suddenly found his independence ripped away when his body began to fail him. 'Having been a keen cyclist and my job dependent on my active lifestyle, this change was a complete shock to me and my family both physically and mentally,' he said. It began with short dizzy spells. But within a few years, even walking in a straight line became impossible. 'From what started as short dizzy spells, within a few years I was unable to even walk in a straight line as I went from being an active 50-year-old to being unable to travel anywhere without assistance,' he added. Desperate for answers, Steve underwent tests in January 2020 and was told to begin daily exercises. But nothing seemed to help. Doctors eventually discovered that his vestibular system, which helps the body maintain balance, had dropped to zero out of 100 in both ears. It was then that Steve was diagnosed with Bilateral Vestibular Failure, a chronic and incurable condition that damages the inner ear and disrupts spatial orientation, movement, and balance. The vestibular system is a sensory system crucial for keeping us steady. It helps the brain detect head movements and maintain posture, and when it fails, the impact can be life-altering. Sport wasn't just a part of Steve's career; it was part of who he was, and the idea of losing that part of his identity hit him hard. After nearly four years of battling worsening symptoms and with no known cure, Steve was told he'd have to learn to manage the condition for life. 'When my doctors first told me that staying active was crucial, I had no idea how I'd manage. Struggling to walk in a straight line,' Steve said. Told that physical activity was key to managing the condition, but barely able to stay upright, Steve had to find another way. He was forced to quit his job, and he and his wife relocated from London to Worksop, Yorkshire, to be closer to family and adjust to their new normal. Then came a turning point. In a bid to regain some independence, Steve visited York-based Jorvik Tricycles to test ride an electric tricycle - and something clicked. His wife recalls it was the 'first time he's smiled like that in years.' Discovering Jorvik electric tricycles has been life-changing. Fitness and exercise were my life; losing the ability to be independent and work was devastating,' Steve said. 'This tricycle has given me my freedom back and has been incredible to me mentally to get back outside and boost my wellbeing.' What once seemed impossible has now become part of his routine. Steve regularly cycles along Chesterfield Canal, Clumber Park and the Monsal Trail near Worksop, and is now an active member of a local support group for people living with balance disorders. James Walker, Founder of Jorvik Tricycles, said: 'When we first met Steve, we were touched by his story and determined to help him. We're thrilled to hear that since discovering his Jorvik Tricycle, Steve has regained his freedom and independence and is now regularly exploring and enjoying the outdoors once again.' From feeling like his loss of balance stole his life, Steve has pedalled his way back to independence. 'For those struggling with balance and coordination on a traditional bike, Jorvik Tricycles can offer the chance to maintain freedom and movement without the worry. To date, the business has created tricycles for thousands of customers with mobility worries and additional needs,' James added.
Forbes
21-04-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Test-Riding The Jorvik JET-E16 Electric Tricycle
In the car world, three-wheeled vehicles are far from the most stable option but when it comes to bikes, tricycles are inherently much sturdier. While electric bikes have seen a massive boom in recent years, Jorvik Tricycles is planning to bring the benefits of electric bikes to all riders regardless of mobility or ability. The Jorvik JET-E16 electric tricycle is a folding model designed to be easy to mount with its low frame, compact enough for holiday makers, or easy to put in the car to drive to your riding destination. Speaking about the brand's goals, James Walker, founder and managing director of Jorvik Tricycles, said, 'The aim was simple: to supply reliable, supportive, and stylish British-designed tricycles, providing an option for people of all abilities to enjoy the freedom and independence of cycling. This meant adapting to the growing demand for e-bikes and affordable commuter options with payment plans, multiple colours, and a range of models, from mountain trikes to foldable options perfect for city cycling.' On any terrain the Jorvik is highly capable. Jorvik Tricycles At first, the sensation of riding a tricycle feels quite bizarre. Looking forward, you're at the same height and position as you might be on a folding commuter bike, albeit with a much more comfortable seat. Since you can't see the rear wheels, instinctively you want to lean as it turns but it only needs minimal input from moving the handlebars to go where you want it to. Once you build up the confidence in its stability and handling dynamics, it's easy to ride. Walker said, 'The typical Jorvik customer is aged 40+, with the oldest user of a Jorvik tricycle being 102! Those between the ages of 35–54 make up around 60% of our customer base. However, despite having a strong customer base among the over-40s, there is growing interest from younger riders, with around a quarter of customers aged between 18–34. Understanding the diverse needs of our riders, we offer a range of Jorvik Tricycles options to cater to different abilities. Choose a low-step frame for easy mounting, a folding frame for convenient storage, or dual batteries for an extended electric range.' The JET-E16 is surprisingly powerful and, unlike two-wheeled electric bikes, needs minimal pedaling input on smooth flat terrain. A few pedals here and there helps it to tick along nicely. You can control the amount of assistance using plus and minus buttons on the left handlebar and this can almost be used like a braking function as well, reducing the assistance as you come towards a junction for example. When you need to move away from a standstill, there's a handy button that gives you a boost of electric power to get you going. It will also do this in reverse which makes it easier to maneuver around a garage. As the JET-E16 is a folding tricycle, its handlebars and frame feature easy clips to make it more compact for travelling. The battery sits behind the seat post. Jorvik Tricycles With the click of one button, the JET-E16 has one of the easiest startup processes: press the on button and hop on. The LCD display screen lights up to show speed, battery charge and the level of electric assistance. It's easy to see on the go and the buttons are very responsive. To effectively manage the three-wheel configuration, the JET-E16 is fitted with a rear differential which makes cornering much easier. It comes with integrated front and rear lights with a rear brake light as well. As standard the tricycle comes with a rear storage basket which can be used to store all manner of things from shopping to a dog. Jorvik's mountain trike models feel like the ideal gardening companion for riders with large gardens who want to store a few pruning or planting tools in the rear compartment. The company even offers a mountain trike trailer with chunky tires for riders wanting to carry more. The Jorvik JET-E16 sits towards the lower end of Jorvik's model lineup priced at £2,999 ($4,000). Its entry level model features a similar low frame design with slightly bigger rear wheels and a front basket. In the UK, Jorvik has an indoor test track at its showroom or offers home visits for test rides and its models can be shipped worldwide. At the upper end of its range, the company has a number of different mountain trike variants. The Jorvik dual battery mid drive electric folding mountain trike JMT13 with 500W of power tops the range at £4,599 ($6,100). Walker added, 'Jorvik Tricycles is focused on expanding across the UK and the EU. With a growing customer base in the south of England, we've set our sights on opening a new bespoke showroom and indoor test track by summer 2025. Launching a new, expertly designed mobility range alongside a second showroom marks a huge milestone for Jorvik Tricycles.' Price as tested: £2,999 ($4,000) Drivetrain: Chain with Bafang 36v 250W rear motor Battery: 36V 16Ah Samsung Cell Lithium Battery Charge time: 5 to 6 hours Range: Up to 30 miles / 48km Weight: 31kg with battery
