The advent of e-bike technology has opened up new possibilities for those with mobility challenges, but acquiring the specialized equipment is expensive.

A GoFundMe has been started by the caregiver and friend of a Moose Jaw man to raise the $25,000 needed to purchase a specialized e-bike that allows quadriplegics to operate the device.

On August 9, 2010, Dustin Fleischhaker was injured in a motor vehicle accident that crushed his C6 vertebrae, leaving him a quadriplegic with limited hand function.

Over the past few years, he was able to rent and trial an e-bike that has hand controls for quadriplegics to operate the device. The capabilities of the bike returned his mobility and independence to him.

Fleischhaker’s occupational therapist recognized the value the e-bike has as a rehabilitative tool, being operated entirely with his hands and arms, which are a focus of his rehabilitation.

Although the benefits were outlined, he was denied insurance coverage, which would help him purchase his own e-bike.

Fleischhaker said that the ability to become more independent again is crucial to recovery including the mental health aspect and ability to interact and socialize. ” It would mean the world to me.”

(Discover Moose Jaw)