A Bike That Brings the Whole Family Along

By Lindsey Watson

For Families Raising Children with Complex Medical Needs

For families raising children with complex medical needs, even something as simple as a bike ride can feel impossible. Oftentimes, one parent stays behind with a child while the rest of the family pedals away. A solo parent has to keep an eye on other able-bodied siblings as well as their child who has a disability, which can be a difficult task.

Packing up the necessary medical gear, along with snacks, water, and siblings, can leave parents exhausted before they’ve even left the driveway. Errands feel mundane and the kids get bored and complain. Outings that should be joyful become logistical marathons.

That’s where the Bunch Bike rolls in. This electric-assist cargo bike features a roomy front compartment designed to carry multiple kids, gear, and even specialized medical equipment, making it possible for the entire family to ride together.

From Europe to Shark Tank

The Bunch Bike company began when owner Aaron Powell visited Europe and fell in love with cargo bike culture. He found that North America lacked any similar products, and launched Bunch Bikes in 2017. He later appeared on Shark Tank in 2021, which quickly accelerated the growth of the cargo bike company.

Today, the bikes come in three configurations with the largest model able to carry up to six children (or 600 pounds). The battery lasts 20–30 miles per charge depending on load and incline. Bringing an optional spare battery extends the adventure.

Custom Comfort for Every Rider

Families can tailor the Bunch Bike to fit unique needs. Benches can be added or removed, and accessories range from shoulder straps and ride-safe vests to nap nets, front entry doors, sunshades, and locking buckles to keep riders secure.

What sets Bunch apart? Inclusion is built into their mission. The company’s Director of Community & Inclusion, Lelac Almagor, explained that families never pay for adaptive equipment. If a child needs a special seat, safety harness, or other medically necessary modification, Bunch covers it—no doctor’s note required.

Through their Inclusion Program, the team works with each family to determine what’s needed and installs it at no extra charge. Some popular options include a Firefly or Special Tomato seat for extra support. Every year, Bunch even gifts a fully customized bike to a family in need.

Real Families, Real Rides

Rachael Linford, mom of four, says the bike has transformed family outings. Her five-year-old daughter Clara, who has Rett syndrome, loves the movement and fresh air. “What I love most is that we can do the same thing all at once,” Rachael says.

The family uses the Bunch Bike as a way for everyone to get outside. Their bike is tricked out with a sunshade, speaker, and phone mount for playing music. The younger twins ride in toddler seats, while Clara prefers just a lap belt so she can feel the turns. And because they live in California, it’s easy for the family to ride year-round.

Rachael said the bike is stable, safe, and the brakes work great. The family uses it daily for school drop-off and pick-up.

Brittlyn Riley-Meade is also a mom of four whose children are all under the age of 8. The family lives in Bloomington, Indiana, and speaks very highly of the bike. Brittlyn’s son, August, who is 2 and has Down syndrome, uses a foam seat with a slight incline to keep him comfortable inside the cart.

In his early life, August was also using oxygen, and Bunch Bike incorporated bags for his oxygen tanks. His mom says he enjoys napping in the cart while his siblings play next to him at the park. His sister also enthusiastically shared her love for going “super fast” while riding down hills and watching her little brother’s cheeks shake as they rolled over a bridge with slats.

The family has August’s seat positioned facing the bike rider so that a parent can keep an eye on him. Their bike also includes the sunshade, which offers a double benefit by blocking the sun and keeping August from throwing out his bottles.

More on Adaptability

When comparing the Bunch Bike to other adaptive outdoor equipment, one perk of the bike is that just about anyone can use it. Users don’t have to depend on their strength or ability to push or pull anything. Power comes from the rear wheel, and the bike pilot can control how much assistance the bike is providing.

Brittany Fisher Frank is a mom of two and a once-avid runner who became paralyzed at the age of 21. Brittany, who uses a wheelchair, said on social media, “Even though I don’t have leg strength I’m still able to cycle my legs and use the throttle. All of this improves my circulation, calms my spastic muscles. And bonus -- it’s so fun to sit up high!” (@brittanyfisherfrank)

There are many ways that the Bunch Bike can accommodate families with varying challenges. Individuals who are a flight risk can safely be contained. Loved ones who use a wheelchair can bring along their equipment in the cargo hold to use at their destination. Seating can be modified to accommodate different ages of riders, including a parent alongside them if necessary.

Test Before You Buy

Ready for a ride? Curious riders can rent Bunch Bikes for parties, park trips, or trial runs. Bunch Bike has a “Bunch Squad Map” on their website where you can search your area for bike owners. Potential buyers can easily ask questions, test ride the bike, or even rent it in some locations.

And thanks to a new partnership with Pedego Electric Bikes, the largest e-bike network in North America, test rides are easier than ever.

In Indianapolis, for example, Pedego offers free trials right on the scenic Monon Trail. You can visit a local Pedego shop in downtown Indy or Carmel.

Whether for fun, function or freedom, the Bunch Bike is more than just a ride. It is a way to bring everyone along for the journey. Siblings, friends and even pets can be included in a whole new way.

Visit bunchbike.com/inclusion to connect directly with support for medical and adaptive needs and to see how you can get the adventure rolling.