Trishaw Modifications & Scheduling Upgrade
Cycling Without Age (CWA) is an international organization that connects volunteer cyclists with seniors (and others with mobility limitations) to enjoy a ride on an E-assist trishaw. The Lebanon chapter, supported by Lebanon Recreation, Arts, and Parks, is increasing access to our Rail Trails, building intergenerational relationships in our community, and getting people active in our community! The program was established in 2023. In 2025, we had 15 active pilots who gave a total of 212 trishaw rides to 90 passengers,
In 2024, the manufacturer of our trishaw drive train lowered the weight carrying capacity of their components. We lost passengers who were above the new limit, those who needed to ride with a caregiver as a second passenger and those who wanted to ride with a friend. We dislike asking about a person's weight before approving them as a passenger.
Purchasing a new trishaw with increased capacity would cost $18,000, but we can modify our trishaw for $2500. We are currently fundraising to allow us to upgrade our trishaw drive train, brakes and tires which will increase our weight capacity so that we can take two passengers at a time. The modifications could nearly double the number of passengers we are able to serve in 2026.
We also hope to adopt a new scheduling system with greater functionality for both our volunteer pilots and our passengers. The current free CWA international scheduling system is not pilot or passenger friendly and is being phased out. A new pay system is being rolled out in 2026 that will allow modifications to be made concerning how rides are scheduled and will also allow passengers from the community to request and schedule rides and to communicate directly with CWA pilots. The projected cost to our Chapter for that upgrade would be $900