TandemKate
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tandemkate.bsky.social
TandemKate
@tandemkate.bsky.social
4.3K followers 2.9K following 850 posts
Active travel enthusiast, mobility impaired, enjoy outdoors, making stuff, reading, games, music
I work for Wheels for Wellbeing - all views here are my own
Posts Replies Media Videos
Reposted by TandemKate
wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk
How slow can you go!

Did you know that powered mobility aid users are only allowed to go up to 4mph on traffic-free cycle routes?

Find out more about weird restrictions and grey areas in UK mobility aid laws in our detailed resources!

wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk/wp-content/u...
A table with top line device max permitted powered speed (mph) and below it two columns, e-cycle and class 3 invalid carriage. Left column is route type, from top footpath/footway, bridleway, cycle track, cycle lane, bus lane., carriageway. Table shows with road speed limit and prohibition signs that e-cycles are not allowed on footpaths or footways, but can go up to 15.5mph powered on bridleways, cycle tracks, cycle lanes, bus lanes and on road carriageways. Class 3 "invalid carriages" (mobility scooters and powerchairs) are allowed at 4mph on footpaths and footways, but still only at 4mph on bridleways, and only 4mph if allowed at all on cycle tracks, cycle lanes and bus lanes. Class 3 "invalid carriages" are allowed to go at up to 8mph on road carriageways.
February 16, 2026 at 12:42 PM
tandemkate.bsky.social
Ah, 1930. The first “invalid carriage” law passed, eugenics on the rise, routine lifelong institutionalisation of Disabled children and any girl or woman who go pregnant outside marriage while poor…

We have equality laws not eugenics laws now.

It’s time for new mobility aid laws too.
wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk Wheels for Wellbeing @wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk · 5d
UK mobility aid laws were written in the 1920s, when people used devices like this Argson motor trike. The rules have just been tweaked a few times since then.

A century on, it’s long past time for Disabled people to have equal pedestrian, cycling and cycling-equivalent mobility rights.
Graphic reads "UK mobility aid laws weren't written for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. It's long past time for an update. Photo of a 1939 advert for Argson Invalid Tricycles (right, credit Egham Museum Trust) and a photo of a 1940s Argson Invalid Motor Trike (left, credit Science Museum). These were very popular devices and are near identical to devices available from the beginning of the 20th century through to the 1970s.
February 11, 2026 at 5:23 PM
Reposted by TandemKate
wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk
UK mobility aid laws were written in the 1920s, when people used devices like this Argson motor trike. The rules have just been tweaked a few times since then.

A century on, it’s long past time for Disabled people to have equal pedestrian, cycling and cycling-equivalent mobility rights.
Graphic reads "UK mobility aid laws weren't written for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. It's long past time for an update. Photo of a 1939 advert for Argson Invalid Tricycles (right, credit Egham Museum Trust) and a photo of a 1940s Argson Invalid Motor Trike (left, credit Science Museum). These were very popular devices and are near identical to devices available from the beginning of the 20th century through to the 1970s.
February 11, 2026 at 12:45 PM
Reposted by TandemKate
wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk
Looking for something to do this half-term? Then come along to one of our inclusive cycle sessions at the Ladywell Centre in Lewisham.

Open to Disabled people of all ages and impairments, the sessions take place on Fridays at 10:30am, 11:30am or 12:30pm.
Photo of people cycling indoors in a hall. In the front of the image is a white girl with blonde hair on a red tricycle. To her right is a white woman with dark hair and wearing a high vis orange vest. She is also on a tricycle and is smiling. Next to her is a black man with a blue top and blue flat cap on a tricycle. In the background are a couple of people in high vis vests and some more cyclists.
February 11, 2026 at 3:18 PM
tandemkate.bsky.social
Government mobility consultation update: Deadline now 22nd April, BSL and audio versions of the consultation document available.
Check out the Wheels for Wellbeing resources for more!
wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk Wheels for Wellbeing @wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk · 19d
Government mobility devices consultation update:

BSL and audio versions now available as well as Easy Read and large print - link below.

Consultation deadline moved from 31st March to 22nd April.

www.gov.uk/government/c...
Graphic titled Disabled people need mobility equality has pictures of different Disabled people using wheeled mobility aids, some of which are presently legal to use in some ways, and some of which are not presently legal. The pictures are surrounding the words “Rights to pedestrian mobility” and “Rights to cycling and cycling-equivalent mobility”. From left and top to bottom in columns, a child using a powerchair, an adult using a powerchair with a pram attached, an adult using a mobility scooter towing two children in a cycle-type trailer, an adult using a manual wheelchair and long cane, an adult on a mobility scooter assisting a small child who is walking, an adult on a recumbent trike, an adult using a manual wheelchair with an e-assist handcycle attachment, an older child on a bicycle, an adult and child using a side-by-side tandem. At the bottom is hashtag MobilityJustice and the Wheels for Wellbeing logo.
January 28, 2026 at 3:35 PM
Reposted by TandemKate
wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk
Helen got cycling!

Helen tried out our Van Raam Midi; a comfortable and compact, up-right trike with e-assist and a great look.

Just one of many on our scheme!

Want to find out if a cycle might suit you and loan one for free?!

Get in touch today to find out more. www.wheels4me.co.uk
A dark green graphic with the words Helen Got Cycling! at the top. The Wheels4Me logo is in the top right-hand corner. Underneath is the text “Helen tried out our Van Raam Midi; a comfortable and compact, up-right trike with e-assist and a great look. Just one of many on our scheme! Want to find out if we have a cycle might suit you? In a grey box are the words “loan for FREE!” and underneath that a white box with the words “Enquire Now”. To the right is a yellow circle with a photo inside of a white woman sat on a Van Raam Midi. She is wearing a cycle helmet, a white jacket and pale blue trousers. In the background you can see brickwork and black railings. At the bottom of the graphic in a yellow box are the words “contact us 020 7346 8482”, email info@wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk , Visit our website, wheels4me.co.uk
January 26, 2026 at 1:59 PM
Reposted by TandemKate
nashishereforit.bsky.social
A message from his parents.
January 25, 2026 at 2:54 AM
tandemkate.bsky.social
I tried a tramper scooter today!

It was great, even with top speed set to 2-3mph - “promenade” not “brisk walk”. Handled very muddy ground.

Didn’t handle the kissing gate, though.

Would be lovely if the places that hire these things made the walks they tell you you can go on #accessible …
Me, trying to see if I reversed and positioned a tramper scooter really carefully it would be possible to get through a kissing gate. So, I’m kind of stuck on a mobility scooter in a wooden kissing gate on the middle of a field.
January 24, 2026 at 3:27 PM
Reposted by TandemKate
wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk
After sustaining a stroke that affected his mobility, barrister Jon was looking for a tricycle to see if it could help in his rehabilitation with the end goal of being able to cycle to work as he once used to.
John's story John works as a barrister and was regularly commuting to work until a stroke compromised his health. He got in touch with us with a concrete goal in mind: to be able to improve his fitness and work towards commuting to work again by wheels. There is a photo of John on the right-hand side. He is a white man with a beard wearing glasses, a tan jacket, brown and white checked shirt and a brown checked cravat. There is a smaller photo of him from the back on his electric tricycle. The Wheels4Me logo is at the bottom. John's Story After several phone calls to ascertain his needs and a trial trip to Wheels for Wellbeing’s HHV session we supplied him with an electric tricycle. When the time came to return the cycle, John got back in contact to request an extension as he was seeing such a huge improvement in his health and fitness. He said the loan has been illuminating in showing him that he does not need e-assist and loved the exercise and challenge. There is a photo of John on the right-hand side. He is a white man with a beard wearing glasses, a tan jacket, brown and white checked shirt and a brown checked cravat. There is a smaller photo of him from the back on his electric tricycle. The Wheels4Me logo is at the bottom. John's Story After considering an application through Access to Work he ultimately found and purchased his dream, light-weight, vintage tricycle which he now enjoys riding all around North London. He tells us he wouldn’t have known what he was capable of or had the fitness or confidence to find or cycle it if it hadn’t been for the loan scheme and could not be more impressed by what we offer, a service he considers incredibly important. There is a photo of John on the right-hand side. He is a white man with a beard wearing glasses, a tan jacket, brown and white checked shirt and a brown checked cravat. There is a smaller photo of him from the back on his electric tricycle. The Wheels4Me logo is at the bottom.
January 23, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Reposted by TandemKate
wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk
Julian got cycling!!

Julian tried out our Van Raam Easy Rider Compact, with e-assist, comfortable seat and semi-recumbent riding position.
Just one of many on our scheme!

Want to find out if a cycle might suit you and loan one for free?!

Get in touch today to find out more. www.wheels4me.co.uk
A dark green graphic with the words Julian Got Cycling! at the top. The Wheels4Me logo is in the top right-hand corner. Underneath is the text “Julian tried out our Van Raam Easy Rider Compact, with e-assist, comfortable seat and semi-recumbent riding position. Just one of many on our scheme! Want to find out if a cycle might suit you?” In a grey box are the words “loan for FREE!” and underneath that a white box with the words “Enquire Now”. To the right is a yellow circle with a photo inside of a white man sat on a Van Raam Easy Rider Compact. He is wearing a cycle helmet, a bright blue jacket and black trousers. In the background are shrubs and a road with a white car going by. At the bottom of the graphic in a yellow box are the words “contact us 020 7346 8482”, email info@wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk , Visit our website, wheels4me.co.uk
January 22, 2026 at 12:18 PM
Reposted by TandemKate
wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk
At the moment, the law means Disabled children and young people who use mobility aids can't run, scoot or cycle with their friends.

Find out more about what you can do to help give Disabled people the same journey-making choices as non-disabled people at wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk/disabled-chi...
Graphic titled “We think Disabled children should be allowed powered aids that let them run, cycle and explore with their friends”. Drawings of children using different aids smiling towards the reader, from left to right, a using a kick scooter, a manual wheelchair with power attachment, a standard bicycle which could be an e-cycle and a powerchair. At the bottom, hashtag MobilityJustice and the Wheels for Wellbeing logo.
January 19, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Reposted by TandemKate
wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk
Current rules about mobility aids are complicated, confusing & don't make much sense.

These two resources look at existing rules, the consequences they have for Disabled people, & options for possible changes.

wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk/consideratio...

wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Titled "Careless laws cost rights", has "Ghostbusters" logo-style pictures of people using different mobility aids coming through "banned" (general prohibition) signs. From left, a child using a manual wheelchair with power attachment, two adults on a tandem mobility scooter, a person using a powerchair with a pram attached to the front, a person using a manual wheelchair with an e-assist handcycle attachment, a child using a powerchair. Subtitle "New mobility aid laws must provide equal mobility rights for all" and hashtag MobilityJustice.
January 21, 2026 at 1:02 PM
tandemkate.bsky.social
Ooh look, presentations on the really important mobility aids regulations changes consultation! The consultation, despite its name, covers all powered and unpowered aids, including all cycles and e-cycles - come along to find out more!
wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk Wheels for Wellbeing @wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk · 26d
To help with your responses to the DfT’s consultation on powered mobility aids, we are hosting a series of free webinars to discuss mobility aid regulations and how we can ensure Disabled people have the same journey-making choices as non-disabled people
Graphic titled "mobility aid regulations are out of date. Disabled people need future-proofed laws that enable us to choose the mobility aids that work best for us." There are three mobility aids shown - a recumbent e-trike with one rider, an in-line tandem mobility scooter with two riders, and an invented robot dog based on a Boston Dynamics walking robot combined with a powerchair, with one rider. The people using these devices are saying: "My e-trike is my mobility aid" "Our tandem mobility scooter is our mobility aid" "My robo-dog is my mobility aid". A man standing on the left is holding a scroll which reads "Ye olde invalid carriage regulations 1988" and saying "Er..."
January 21, 2026 at 5:19 PM
Reposted by TandemKate
wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk
To help with your responses to the DfT’s consultation on powered mobility aids, we are hosting a series of free webinars to discuss mobility aid regulations and how we can ensure Disabled people have the same journey-making choices as non-disabled people
Graphic titled "mobility aid regulations are out of date. Disabled people need future-proofed laws that enable us to choose the mobility aids that work best for us." There are three mobility aids shown - a recumbent e-trike with one rider, an in-line tandem mobility scooter with two riders, and an invented robot dog based on a Boston Dynamics walking robot combined with a powerchair, with one rider. The people using these devices are saying: "My e-trike is my mobility aid" "Our tandem mobility scooter is our mobility aid" "My robo-dog is my mobility aid". A man standing on the left is holding a scroll which reads "Ye olde invalid carriage regulations 1988" and saying "Er..."
January 21, 2026 at 4:02 PM
tandemkate.bsky.social
Ivan the Invacar!
I’ve just splashed £2.22 on “Ivan the Invacar and the Cave”
The question is, does this count as work, and should I therefore not be reading it on Saturday?
Also, is that £2.22 legitimate expenses?!
#Accessibilty #disability
Cover of Ivan the Invacar and the cave has a cartoon picture of a little blue one-person Invacar with a white top, big expressive headlight eyes and a big fluffy brown dog leaning out of the window.
January 17, 2026 at 8:56 AM
Reposted by TandemKate
wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk
At the moment, the law means Disabled people who use mobility aids can't carry friends or family members on our devices.

Find out more about what you can do to help give Disabled people the same journey-making choices as non-disabled people at wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk/our-campaign...
Graphic titled “We think people who use mobility scooters should be allowed to carry friends and family”. Centre, drawing of a couple riding an in-line tandem mobility scooter, left, drawing of two people riding a tandem trike, right, a person using an assistant-propelled wheelchair. At the bottom, hashtag MobilityJustice and the Wheels for Wellbeing logo.
January 15, 2026 at 10:52 AM
Reposted by TandemKate
misshap.bsky.social
So, I just read "Life After Cars" by @thewaroncars.bsky.social. Great book, the section on care noise really struck me. I don't think we really realise how loud cars are. I recently had my second kids, so our stroller is now a twofer, with the infant near me, and my 2 year old out in front. 1/
January 13, 2026 at 3:16 PM
Reposted by TandemKate
andy-cox.bsky.social
Morning drivers, as you head to work this week, please use your speed limiter. It improves your safety and has a calming effect on surrounding traffic, reducing the impact of the irresponsible. In UK, over 15 people a week die in speed-related crashes. Guidance attached:

youtube.com/shorts/NwmD4...
Speed limiters. #driving
YouTube video by Conquer Driving
youtube.com
January 12, 2026 at 5:59 AM
Reposted by TandemKate
wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk
To support the DfT’s consultation into modernising the law for powered mobility devices in achieving the best possible outcome for Disabled people, we will be launching explainer information resources, webinars and carrying out consultation sessions.
Campaigning for inclusive cycling, Wheels for Wellbeing
Wheels for Wellbeing is an award-winning charity supporting disabled people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of cycling.
wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk
January 6, 2026 at 3:53 PM
tandemkate.bsky.social
Effective action against obstructive pavement parking is desperately needed. This was my daughter’s school run earlier this week!
A busy multi-lane road, and the pavement is totally blocked by a parked Jaguar car
January 9, 2026 at 10:48 AM
tandemkate.bsky.social
My favourite wheels are still our e-tandem. It brings joy - never mind ease and predictability - to the coldest, windiest and wettest of trips. I want everyone to have the option of using mobility aids they can enjoy as much as we enjoy ours!
#ActiveTravel #Accessibility
wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk Wheels for Wellbeing @wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk · Dec 15
There's no single mobility aid that works for everyone.

That's why we'll keep working to help make a world where all #Disabled people can use their ideal wheels to get around.

Wishing everyone their ideal wheels in 2026!
Drawing of a snowy scene with bike wheel and cog shaped snow falling across happy snow people riding six different wheeled mobility devices. From top left: Two snow people riding a tandem mobility scooter. The rear rider has tight fitting dark glasses; A snow person riding a sit-on e-scooter wearing a glamorous matching purple ball gown and fascinator, with a parasol; A snow person riding a recumbent tadpole trike, towing a child trailer with a small snow person inside; A snow person wearing punk clothes using a manual wheelchair and e-assist handcycle attachment; A snow person using a powerchair, smiling into a single-wheel pram clipped to the front of their chair; Two snow people in matching blue bobble hats and scarves riding a side-by-side tandem cycle and cuddling each other. Title reads "wishing everyone their ideal wheels in 2026" and has the Wheels for Wellbeing logo in the top right corner.
December 15, 2025 at 10:58 AM
tandemkate.bsky.social
Hmm. Looks like rail booking might have gone a bit loopy this weekend ahead of the new timetable tomorrow.
This was the only train Derby-B’ham this morning that wasn’t “full”. First class ticket only available. 8 carriages. Kid2 reported finding 3 other people on the train.
Oh dear!
A completely empty train carrriage
December 13, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Reposted by TandemKate
solveschoolrun.bsky.social
Wouldn't your festive run-up be more chilled with a cargo bike?

🎄 Ditch the car, wrap up (Santa hat optional) and feel the benefits!

📢 Our #StreetsForKids campaign is pushing councils to make #cargobikes accessible for all families.

👉 Share + follow us.

#londonparents
December 12, 2025 at 8:42 PM
tandemkate.bsky.social
New discovery!
I appear to have got away with fixing a puncture by filling the inner tube with sealant and pumping it back up again!
I’m ridiculously chuffed about this. Also still slightly nervous it might not hold the whole way across London this morning…
A part folded orange Brompton with a grey front bag and black crutches leaning on it on a train station platform
December 9, 2025 at 8:51 AM
tandemkate.bsky.social
Hoping the CWIS3 targets are altered to ones that will improve #access to #ActiveTravel for people who are presently excluded. Many of the present targets can probably be most easily achieved by worsening inclusion & scheme quality - which is not what I think the authors intend!
peterwalker99.bsky.social Peter Walker @peterwalker99.bsky.social · Dec 7
Exclusive: More than 50 groups connected to transport and public health have urged the transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, to set specific targets for levels of walking and cycling in England, warning that plans as they stand are too vague.

www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Active travel groups call for clear targets on walking and cycling in England
Exclusive: Groups including British Cycling call for active travel strategy to be put on equal footing with road and rail
www.theguardian.com
December 8, 2025 at 12:28 PM