HOT Trikes Evolving

The TelecomPioneers HOT (Hand-Operated Tricycle) Trike is

designed to be used by children who are unable to walk. By using

their arms to power the tricycle from the handlebars, disabled

children can enjoy the special thrill of riding a bike.

HOT Trikes are made and distributed by the New Outlook Crossroads

Chapter of the TelecomPioneers. The chapter has been making the

trikes since 1982 and in that time has delivered trikes to more than

10,000 children.

The HOT Trike project is evolving and for a limited time will offer a

choice of two different types of trikes to be provided directly to

physically disabled children upon request.

The West Suburban Pioneer Club in Chapter 135, which sponsors the

project, will donate the Therapy Oriented Tricycle (TOT trike)

and some HOT trikes to children’s hospitals and therapy institutions

in the Midwest. The TOT is specially designed for children who

have weak leg muscles, but are able to use the pedals.

The TOT has a supportive seat with a seatbelt, upright handle bars (if

needed) that are easy to grip, a broad base in the rear (so the bike

won't tip over), and broad pedals with straps. A physical therapist

recommendation is required before the TOT can be provided.

Many hospitals and therapists are already aware of this program and can

contact the West Suburban Pioneer Club directly. Anyone interested in
receiving a trike or making a donation can contact the New Outlook
Pioneers Trike Workshop.

The West Suburban Pioneer Club designed the TOT 20 years ago

with advice from physical therapists. A special, 3-person project

team separated from the HOT Trike project team to take over TOT

production.

Gordon Hankins (New Outlook Pioneer) and Connie

Hankins, with help from Lou Wegerer, have been building about 60

TOTs per year and delivering them directly to children primarily in

northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin and northern Indiana; the

Hankins deliver trikes personally to children in Illinois. If a trike is

requested from outside this area, shipping charges may apply.

The two trike project teams have worked together for years

and recently the HOT team donated 25 HOT Trikes to the TOT

team, for direct distribution to disabled children. Unfortunately,

HOT Trikes will no longer be produced after the last 25 are donated

to the TOT team, but the West Suburban Pioneer Club would like to

be able to bring the HOT Trike back into production in the future.

Connie Hankins, TOT Trike team Partner, commented, “it’s a very

rewarding way to spend my retirement. It’s a wonderful thing to

see happy parents and happy children!”

Please contact Gordon and Connie Hankins with any questions at

630-355-7211 or at ghankins99@aol.com The Hankins are located

in Naperville, Illinois. They will provide a therapist letter of

recommendation form.

Contact Info:

http://newoutlookpioneers.org/

http://www.telecompioneers.org/projects/default.aspx

HOT Trike Workshop: West Suburban Club President:

Lucent Technologies Mike Demyanovich

New Outlook Pioneers Trike Workshop Phone: 630-505-0784

2600 Warrenville Road, Room 414 E-mail: mik160@yahoo.com

Lisle, Il 60532

Shop fax is 630-713-6041