Can Disabled People Ride Motorcycles?

Riding a motorcycle offers a sense of freedom and adventure that many people seek. While it may be difficult or even impossible for some people with disabilities to ride a motorcycle, innovative solutions can make motorcycle riding possible for some people with disabilities.

Motorcycle Licensing and Parking Laws

Licensing and parking laws remain the same for drivers with disabilities as they do for drivers without disabilities. We'll use the state of Indiana as an example, since that's where BraunAbility is based:

Can a Person in a Wheelchair Get a Driver's License?

Disabled people can be licensed to drive both traditional cars and a motorcycles, as long as they pass necessary driving tests. In Indiana, and many other states, a driver's license can have both restrictions and endorsements, signified by various letters on a license. Restrictions place limits on driving, while endorsements signify what kind of vehicle a person can drive. A driver can have both restrictions and endorsements on their license at the same time.

For example, imagine Jonah, a 30-year-old man who has a disability. Jonah is already licensed to drive a car, but he also wants to drive a motorcycle. In order to drive a motorcycle, Jonah must pass a motorcycle driving test at his local DMV first. Once he passes, Jonah will not hold separate licenses for his car and his motorcycle. Instead, restrictions and/or endorsements would be placed on Jonah's current license.

If Jonah's disability impacts his ability to see the road when driving at night, he may have a restriction on his license that mandates he only drive in daylight (Typically signified by the letter "G"). At the same time, Jonah can still receive a motorcycle endorsement (typically signified by the letter "M"), as long as he passes his motorcycle driving test. For Jonah, his combination of restrictions and endorsements signify that he can drive both a motorcycle and a standard vehicle, but he must only drive in daylight.

Various restrictions and endorsements can be placed on a license. Often, these allow people with disabilities the freedom to drive or ride a motorcycle, while still mitigating their disability.

Can a Motorcycle Have a Handicap Placard?

A person's need for a handicap parking is based on their disability, not the vehicle they drive. Even if someone drives a motorcycle, they may still need accessible parking due to a medical condition. Motorcyclists with disabilities are more likely to be issued a license plate rather than a placard. This is often due to practicality. For motorcyclists, keeping a placard safe and secure would generally be more challenging in comparrison to having a license plate that signifies legal uses of accessible parking.

Motorcycle Design and Features

Whether or not a person with a mobility disability can ride a motorcycle depends on their individual needs. Riding a motorcycle typically requires balance and the use of both hands and feet. However, this doesn't mean it's impossible for someone with a disability to ride a motorcycle.

For instance, if balance and seating support are the primary concerns, a three-wheeled motorcycle (trike) could be a viable option. Adding back support to the motorcycle seat is another adaptation that can be installed on many motorcycles.

Additionally, motorcycles, like cars, can be automatic or manual. While most motorcycles are manual, automatic options are available. Automatic motorcycles eliminate the foot-operated gear shifter seen in manual motorcycles. However, even automatic motorcycles still have foot-operated rear brakes, which may not be ideal for those with lower limb mobility disabilities.

What is the Best Motorcycle for Disabled People?

The motorcycle a person chooses will depend on individual wants and needs, but well known brands like Harley Davidson and Honda, as well as newer brands like Trident Motorcycles, could provide suitable options. Motorcycles to consider include

• Harley-Davidson Trike: This three wheeled motorcycle can provide riders with greater balance support than two wheeled models, and add-ons can be installed, including seat backrests so motorcyclists can experience a more comfortable ride
• Honda: A popular US car manufacturer, Honda also manufactures motorcycles with dual clutch transmission (DCT) technology. This technology makes some Honda motorcycles semi-automatic or fully automatic, which may be idea for some disabled motorcyclists.
• Trident Motorcycles: One of the few wheelchair accessible motorcycles on the market, Trident Motorcycles makes a Limited Mobility Model starting at around $35,000. These motorcycles feature a reverse trike design with two front wheels and one back wheel. The swing-away back wheel allows riders to enter in their wheelchair, and each model can be customized for the rider and their wheelchair 

Motorcycles Versus Cars

For those who cannot ride a motorcycle, a wheelchair accessible vehicle may be ideal, as accessible vehicles can be modified in ways motorcycles cannot. Some vehicle modifications for disabled drivers include:

• Hand Controls: While traditional motorcycles have a hand-operated throttle and front brake, the rear brake and gear shifter are typically foot-operated. Unlike traditional vehicles, hand controls cannot be added to motorcycles.
• Transfer Seats: Cars can often have transfer seats installed, depending on the vehicle make and model, to help individuals with getting in and out of the vehicle. Seats like the Turny Evo swivel, raise, and lower to help a person get in and out of a car. Transfer seats cannot be installed on a traditional motorcycle.
• Ramps: All wheelchair accessible vehicles manufactured by BraunAbility have wheelchair ramps, which help people with mobility disabilities get in and out of the car. Ramps can only be installed on compatible vehicles, which does not include motorcycles.
• Wheelchair Securement and Storage: Traditional motorcycles lack securement and wheelchair storage options. In contrast, wheelchair accessible vehicles can be adapted with securement systems to safely secure both manual and power wheelchairs. 

Most people who own motorcycles also own traditional vehicles. If you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle or other mobility products, contact your local BraunAbility dealer.