Jim was told he'd never be able to ride again. But there's no way he was leaving it at that! After grueling surgeries and rehab, he set out on a mission to get back on the bike. Now, he's able to climb hills and ride in constant comfort without the need for aggressive pedaling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGlTHVQnte4&t=12s
Recently, Vanpowers had the honor of partnering with a very special rider, Jim Wilkes. Jim is an amputee cyclist whose story is both moving and inspiring, filled with courage and perseverance. Despite facing significant challenges, he has never given up his love for cycling.
Jim has been riding bikes his entire life, starting as a young child and continuing into adulthood. After a severe accident, he underwent nine knee surgeries in under two years. During that time, doctors told him he would never be able to ride again. Jim spent several years adjusting to his immobilized leg. Then one day, his knee suddenly collapsed. After five more unsuccessful interventions, doctors concluded that the only option left was to amputate Jim's knee. Jim became an amputee.
The doctor said, "What do you want to do when you have your amputation?"
Jim said, "I want to do the same things I already do. I swim, I ride a bike."
The doctor said: "Oh no, no, no, no, you'll never be able to ride a bike again."
And Jim said, "That's sorry, that's not me. I'm going to ride a bike again."
The doctor said, “No, you won't be able to.”
But, incredibly, Jim did it.
Jim got fitted with a prosthetic leg. He adjusted the knee so it could respond to the activities he was engaged in. Soon after, he started riding a regular bike again. About seven months later, Jim rode his bike back to the doctor's office to show that he could ride again. He wasn't trying to prove the doctors wrong; he just wanted to keep doing what he loved.
However, active cycling became increasingly difficult over time. By chance, Jim came across our UrbanGlide Pro model and was immediately drawn to its design and performance. The UrbanGlide not only offers an exceptional riding experience but also features a unique step-through frame design, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of riders, including seniors and those with mobility issues.
“It is just absolutely amazing. It's the UrbanGlide Pro and that particular bike is quite smooth. I've not ridden a bike, and I've ridden a lot of bikes, as smooth as this bike.”
“I think the thing that is most interesting about this bike is that even though it has a small 500W motor, it is very powerful. I had concerns in the beginning when I started looking around. But when I saw and looked at the history of how this bike came about, it was clear to me that they care.”
“For me to ride a bike that only has pedal assist, without having a throttle, if I'm on any kind of incline, it's very difficult without having the throttle to get moving. But boy, Vanpowers thought about everything on this.”
"There is a nice display. It's comfortable, it's easy. When you're riding a bike, it's nice to see color. I like the cheerful Remy Green color! And I never thought how close of a match it was to my jacket. And now I get on it and everybody's going, 'Wow, this is great.' "
With UrbanGlide Pro, Jim can now freely navigate the rolling hills of his small Californian town and fully enjoy his outings. He says, "As a volunteer and advocate for the amputee community, I want people to know that bicycle riding, if you're an amputee or if you have some sort of limb difference, is totally possible."
Yes! Everything is possible if you work hard for it. We are incredibly grateful for Jim's trust in our brand and UrbanGlide. To share Jim's inspiring story and spread positive energy and spirit, Vanpowers created a short documentary about him. In this video, Jim shares his life story and passion for cycling, while also showcasing the exceptional performance of the UrbanGlide in real-world use. This is not only a tribute to Jim but also an encouragement to all those who bravely chase their dreams.
Through Jim's story, Vanpowers hopes to inspire more people to pursue their dreams fearlessly and will continue to work hard to provide every rider with a better cycling companion.
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