FAQ


Can my Mom who has Parkinson's use an Alinker?

Over the first few years we have already had experience with hundreds of people with all different abilities and challenges. It is very hard to say who will be successful with the Alinker based on just the physical condition.

In general, we can say that people who have always been quite active and then get confronted with the diagnosis of MS or Parkinson’s for example are likely to be successful with, and enjoy, riding the Alinker.

We know that the Alinker is used by people with Parkinson’s, MS, RA, SCI, arthritis, diabetes, and neuropathy, as well as people going through stroke recovery, or post-surgery rehabilitation, amputees and so on.

It is not so much the physical abilities but rather the mindset of wanting to be active and engaged, wanting to be healthy and active, knowing that it will take effort, but that the effort is worth the benefits and well-feeling.

Based on our experience, we can say that people need to be at least able to do the following:
• Have some command over their legs.
• Be able to lift one leg while standing on the other.
• Be aware and cognizant of their surroundings.
• Know their limitations in order not to overdo it or be unsafe.

What size am I?

The Alinker comes in three frame sizes so far. The inseam is the most important measurement to determine which Alinker suits you best. Each Alinker has an adjustable seat height, giving you a range. First you need to measure your inseam. NOTE: the inseam for the Alinker is to the ground, not the seam of your pants! (Please refer to the product page for instructions on how to measure).

You need a Small when your inseam measures between 27 and 31.5 inches or 68 and 80 cm.

You need a Medium when your inseam measures between 31.5 and 35 inches or 80 and 89 cm.

You need a Large: when your inseam measures between 35 and 39 inches or 89 and 99 cm.

Note that if you are in between sizes, please select the smaller frame size. These measurements are based on a saddle pen with suspension which comes standard on the Alinker. A fixed saddle pen can be fitted, whereby the saddle height will come down by around 1.5 inches or 4 cm.

Is there a parking brake?

Yes! There is a brake on the rear wheel and a parking lock on the brake handle. Once the parking lock is engaged the Alinker R-volution will not roll away. This is our standard hand brake, suitable for most people. It can be replaced by adaptive hand brakes. For example, push-down, weight-activated brakes are preferred for users with impaired memory or hand dexterity when squeezing a hand brake is too difficult.

Alinker currently doesn’t sell parts, so when other brakes are required, you can consult with a local dealer involved with adaptive technologies.

How heavy is it?

The Alinker weighs 12 kg (26 lb.) and is foldable. When you fold it you can take off the quick-release wheels and the saddle, making it weigh less. The total weight of the front wheels, the steering and the saddle is just over 2 kg (5 lb.) so when lifting the disassembled Alinker in the car, it is less than 10 kg / 21 lb. (the Large is a bit heavier, the Small a bit lighter).

What is the maximum weight bearing capacity?

The maximum capacity of the Alinker is 120Kg / 265Lbs

Is the Alinker covered by medical insurance?

It is very likely that the positive effects of using the Alinker such as:

  • Independent mobility, ability to go out by yourself
  • Functioning/moving at eye level once again
  • Building muscle strength
  • Increasing periods of activity with reduced fatigue
  • Reduced strain on lower limbs
  • Feeling socially engaged
  • Increased confidence

can reduce Dr. and hospital visits as well as the onset of other conditions that are known to be caused by inactivity.

The Alinker is not a medical device. It is a walking bike, a walk assist. We encourage you to speak to your insurance company about the benefits that the Alinker has for you. Since the Alinker is a new device, it needs to be introduced to insurance companies as a possible way to prevent higher medical costs due to loss of muscle mass and mobility by using an electric scooter for example. To be at eye level again, be able to go out by yourself, build your muscle strength, your condition, go further with less fatigue, have no strain on your legs, be engaged again, feel happier might actually prevent other costs. Some insurance companies cover walking aids, so it is worth it to check with yours.

What about going downhill?

The Alinker is designed to make walking easier and is best suited for flat and relatively flat areas. Going up and downhill is more challenging, as going uphill in a wheelchair or on a bike would be. It is hard to speak in general but some people will see slight hills as a good challenge to practise their muscles and gain strength, and for other people slight hills might be too challenging. The standard rear brake is adequate for everyday use and can be held when going down a slight sloping area in order not to speed up.

When going down hills, do not pick up speed, stay under 5 km (3 miles) per hour. The Alinker R-volution should not be used to race downhill for example. The suggested speed should not exceed 5 km per hour, so Alinker users going down sloping areas are suggested to go slower, and to stay safe and in control.

Is yellow the only color?

Currently yellow is the only color but look for that to change in the future! We would love to hear your thoughts on which colors you would like us to add in the future!

Are there any videos to see how it all works?

Yes! We made many very short videos for you to see. We named them according to the activity in the video, so it is easier to find exactly what you need.

Assembly videos can be viewed here: Assembly videos

How to videos can be viewed here: How-to videos

 Are they available and where can I buy one?

Yes, you can buy them right here on our website. The Alinker comes in three frame sizes (Small, Medium and Large), depending on your measurements. Please see “How to measure” on the product page.

We try to always have them in stock but keeping the balance between sufficient stock and demand is challenging so at times one size might be on backorder. In that case we will let you know the estimated waiting time before you check out.

Shipping and estimated delivery times are always estimates and subject to circumstances we not necessarily control.

What is the price of an Alinker?

In Canada the Alinker is sold for CAD $2,630 including taxes, in the United States for USD $1,977, in the Netherlands for €1,790 EUR, in New Zealand for $2,900 NZD, and in Australia for $2,600 AUD.

We do not compromise on quality. Our goal is to help more people to stay active, so we work day and night to find that sweet spot between quality and fair prices. Alinker’s are not the cheapest, because we believe it should be built to last. That's why we use the best materials, hire the best people, and give you more bike for your buck.

The benefits of using the Alinker to your health and overall well-being outweigh the detriments of being passive and sedentary on a scooter for example. There is a cost to your health when you start losing muscle mass and, start gaining weight while living a less active and sedentary lifestyle.

The Alinker is in fact a one-time investment with added benefits to overall health and well-being. We like to call it ‘well-feeling’.

Does it fit a basket, other accessories?

The Alinker can be equipped with some accessories like, for example, the klickfix.com system for small bags and possibly a basket, though we caution against hanging too much weight on the steering bar, as it makes steering less comfortable and might compromise the steering mechanism.

We are developing Alinker specific bags to be strapped around the frame with velcro.

In general, all the accessories that can be fitted on bicycles (cup holders, bells, phone mounts, lights, reflectors, etc.) can likely be fitted on the Alinker.

Keep an eye on the shop for new Alinker specific products we will add to our line of products over time.

We always welcome suggestions from Alinker users as to which accessories they would like or are looking for. So let us know!

Is the Alinker available for children?

Not yet, but it is one of our most urgent product developments. We are receiving regular requests from parents for Alinker bikes for their children. Especially children with cerebral palsy often suffer rather than benefit from the contraptions currently available to them. Funding is always a great challenge for new product developments, as it is intensive and costly.

Keep an eye out for the new announcements via our Alinker Insider newsletter. If you do not receive this yet, subscribe to it now on our website.

Can I adjust or exchange the steering bar and saddle?

Yes, the steering and saddle are standard bicycle parts and can be exchanged for any steering bar or saddle you might prefer over the parts that come standard on the Alinker. Because the Alinker is not a bicycle, the movement is different and bicycle saddles are not perfect for an Alinker.

So… We are in the process of developing an Alinker specific saddle. We have very positive experiences with the first prototypes and it promises to be a great improvement. We work with the largest saddle manufacturer in the world and soon hope to announce a true saddle revolution!

Keep an eye out for the new announcements via our Alinker Insider newsletter. If you do not receive this yet, subscribe to it now on our website.

Does it fit in my car?

Most probably yes. The Alinker folds up and with easy quick release systems the wheels and saddle can be removed. With the use of an Allen key, the steering bar is also easily removed.

We have fitted Alinker bikes in the back of a Toyota Yaris and Echo, a Suzuki Swift, and a Smart car to name a few small cars. When you have a larger car and/or put the rear seats down, you can simply fold the Alinker up and roll it into the car altogether.

Can I travel with it?

The Alinker can indeed accompany you on your travels. We have experience with city buses, trams, trains and flights, and Alinker users have often shared their experiences with us.

The Alinker is new and thus not well known to many people yet. Because it is considered a ‘cool bike’ you may, for example, hear from a bus driver: "ma'am, you cannot take a bike in here". Some education is necessary to inform people what the Alinker is.

You can address this situation by explaining that it is your walk assist. It is not a medical device, but it allows you to walk and be out and about. It also fits within the footprint of a wheel chair, so the size should not be an objection.

When taking a plane, it is advisable to inform the airway company of your flight, that you are traveling with your walk assist, and explain what it is and that you like to take it right up to the plane. If needed you can explain the experience of being pushed around in one of the airline’s wheelchairs. Experiences have been very positive and personnel has been very helpful and interested in that cool thing you are travelling with!

Can I lock it?

In general, you would not need to lock the Alinker up because you can take it with you into shops, museums and shopping malls. But if need be, use a chain, U-lock or cable, just like you would for any bike. It would also be prudent to take the quick-release wheels off and lock them up.

Is there a warranty?

The warranty can be viewed here: Warranty information

This warranty is limited to the first two years and is extended to the original purchaser ONLY provided that they register their Alinker® bike on the website. Register together with its unique serial number which can be located on the back of the fork of each Alinker, and is illustrated on the registration page, together with the owner’s name and the address. Only when this registration is completed is the warranty valid. This warranty is not transferable and is limited to 24 months from date of purchase.

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