Motorcycles offer real freedom to riders. They can feel the wind in their face and really enjoy the adventurous spirit of the road. But, finding a viable wheelchair accessible motorcycle can be difficult.  British company Conquest International, however, now offers wheelchair motorcycle riders a practical, high performance machine that's available in the States. 

Conquest Wheelchair Accessible Motorcycle
To pilot the Conquest 1200, riders simply roll their wheelchair onto the motorized access ramp at the back of the wheelchair accessible motorcycle.  The chair is then locked in place, and the riders can direct the chair with hand controls.

What sets this machine apart from its competitors is that it uses real motorcycle parts.  The front end of the machine is comprised of standard BMW R 1200 R motorcycle, including an aluminum frame and rear alloy wheels.  The rest of the body is made of fiberglass, giving the motorcycle a sleek, eye-catching appearance. It's available in a variety of colors, including metallics, although you may want to go with the basic black version pictured above, for a classic look.

Handlebar Control
Modified handlebars provide all the control that drivers need to be in command of the vehicle.  The steering, limited slip rear wheel differential and reverse gear are all located on the handlebars. 

Alan Martin, the founder of Conquest International, came up with the idea for the wheelchair accessible motorcycle after his son was paralyzed from the waist down in an accident. Meticulous testing on two continents resulted in the Conquest 1200  being awarded US Homologation and EU Type approval.

The bike is now sold throughout Europe, the UK and North America.  Currently, there are less than 30 wheelchair accessible motorcycles in the United States. So what are you waiting for?!

Wheelchair Accessible Events
The company promotes wheelchair accessible motorcycle events for its customers.  Some annual events include the following:

•    2010 National Veterans Wheelchair Games: July 4-9, 2010

•    Chicagoland Abilities Expo: July 9-11, 2010

•    Sturgis Motorcycle Rally: August 9-15, 2010

•    Houston Abilities Expo : August 27-29, 2010

•    Atlanta Abilities Expo: October 15-17, 2010

Photo depicts the Conquest out on the road.