New Wheelchair E-Bike Boosts Accessibility for Gisborne’s Community.

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded a $22,000 grant to Te Hapori Disability Trust to purchase a wheelchair e-bike, improving the quality of life for individuals in wheelchairs by offering greater freedom and access to community activities in the Gisborne region, while also aligning with the Trust’s commitment to sustainability.

Bev Spraggs, Secretary/Treasurer of Te Hapori Disability Trust, expressed her enthusiasm for the new e-bike: “Many of our participants have been unable to enjoy cycling due to physical limitations. This wheelchair e-bike will not only offer them exciting new experiences but also allow our carers to integrate participants more easily into community activities.”

Founded in 2018, Te Hapori Disability Trust supports adults with high intellectual disabilities through its Opening Doors Programme. This initiative offers personalised 1:1 care for each participant throughout the day. By providing this dedicated support, the programme also helps their whanau manage their own lives more effectively. Participants live at home with their whanau or carers and require 24/7 care. Attending the programme during the week allows their whanau to work, pursue other interests, and recharge, knowing their loved ones are in a nurturing environment.

Parents and caregivers have expressed their excitement about the positive impact of the e-bike. Bev, a parent, added, “Our daughter loves going out on electric bikes. This wheelchair e-bike will provide her with safety, ease, and the joy of feeling the wind on her face. It will also offer carers without a full driver’s license more flexibility.”

Caregivers Paul and Maria shared their enthusiasm: “We’ve always wanted something like this for family bike rides. The new e-bike will offer Jayden thrilling new experiences, connecting him with nature in ways he’s never experienced before. Ka mau te wehi!”

NZCT’s GM Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, adds “People with disabilities should be able to enjoy the same fun activities that everyone else gets to enjoy – such as cycling This e-bike is a wonderful way to make that happen. NZCT is grateful for the responsible gaming fundraising partnerships we have with Bar 59 and Bollywood Stars that made this grant possible.”