In 1983 Scott Tyson lost the use of his legs in a motorcycle accident. Sixteen years later, five students from the University of Minnesota gave him the ability to ride again.

"It was spectacular," said Tyson. "It's hard to explain, but it was almost like I could walk again.”

The motorcycle that the students created has a modified kickstand that works like the landing gear of an airplane. When the bike slows down, a kickstand with wheels lowers to the ground, enabling the bike to stand upright. When the bike speeds up again, the kickstand retracts under the bike.

The bike was designed by Andrew Hightower, Tyson’s best friend, and five students for their senior project.

The kickstand was attached to a 1986 Suzuki GSX-R 750, the same model that left Tyson paralyzed. The modification only took four months and $750.

When the bike was finished, it was brought up to Calgary so Tyson could take his first ride in 16 years through the Kanasakis.

“When you drive your car or me sitting in my wheelchair, it's rigid, but on a motorcycle, because you can lean and you're fluid, it's like I had movement back.”

The motorcycle is one of the first designed specifically for a paraplegic rider, and gives hope to anyone who thought that they would never ride again.

Comments (3)

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Landing gear
written by Julian Taylor , December 17, 2009

I have a buddy that would love to use this, and he has been in a wheelchair for 13 years. When will it be available?

Re: landing gear
written by Dan Evon , December 17, 2009

As far as I know, there isn't anything in production like that. There was a company in New Orleans that made them, but they haven't been around since Katrina. You can buy modifications kits that can help, and the dreamfit foundation have something built, but no money to produce it. The technology is there, but no ones making them yet. Here are some links you can check out.

http://www.impactlab.com/2008/05/15/dreamfit-the-motorcycle-for-paraplegics/
http://www.landingear.com/home.php
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwB7I92BXCM

Landing gear
written by Julian Taylor , December 18, 2009

Thank you for the heads up, I will check out the links.