Samad and our Cycle Loan scheme
Samad, aged 65, has lived in Sheffield for over 40 years.
He has paraplegia from a T2–3 spinal injury and uses a wheelchair. He also manages diabetes and high blood pressure.
Samad’s hobbies are varied—he enjoys knitting carpets, woodwork, metalwork, and developing practical equipment. Notably, he created a prototype exercise machine for Disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.
Samad has enjoyed Laser cutting and made some art work with laser engrave and cut on different materials such as wood or acrylic sheets. Photos below.
“When I was younger, I used to do a lot of swimming, but it is cold. I would still go if someone was interested and could get me in and out.”
He loves being outdoors—camping, travelling, and visiting places like the Peaks and Lake District.
“Not cities – cities are all the same!”
Day to day, Samad uses a manual wheelchair, which causes discomfort and makes travel over long distances or uneven terrain difficult—especially in Sheffield’s hilly environment. This limits his ability to shop, socialise, or access green spaces, reducing his independence and opportunities for exercise.
With limited accessible equipment, he can only manage one gym visit per week, which isn’t enough to support his health. Without an adaptive device like a handcycle, regular physical activity remains out of reach. This impacts his diabetes, blood pressure, and muscle strength.
“I worked at the [Sheffield] university. My project was related to Disabled people and their health and movement. It was practical work – simulation and prototypes – not academic papers.”
Samad earned an MSc in Control Engineering after a BSc in Electronic Engineering at The University of Sheffield. He later became a project assistant at Leeds and Sheffield universities, helping students develop accessible equipment like rowing machines and sit/stand devices.
He also has a fluffy, “self-invited” cat named Negin, she now refuses to leave the house. Samad has two adult children—one studying linguistics, the other a medical surgeon.
He began coming to Sheffield Cycling 4 All (SC4A) in Hillsborough Park in 2017 or 2018. He saw SC4A advertised on Disability Sheffield’s website and saw it advertised at Zest community centre.
“I was looking for somewhere to cycle for exercise. I tried the gym – they had lots of cycling stuff but no adaptations like pedals with straps for me to use.”
Samad brought his own adapted pedals to SC4A and was pleased to find a box of further adaptations. He regularly cycled using the Berkel bike, which engages his whole body.
“Cycling is very good for me – it reduces my diabetic sugar levels, tones my legs, and reduces cramping in my arms.”
“When you are physically happy, you can be emotionally happy.”
“The volunteers are really good people, and helpful, and the staff are helpful.”
He’s also used SC4A’s Cycle Loan Scheme multiple times to ride outside the park and hopes to exercise every other day—when and where he chooses.
“Being able to just pop to Weston Park and cycle around when you have time, rather than having to wait until 10:30 to go to Hillsborough Park. It’s about freedom and choice.”
“For the period I had the trike [Tri-Ride] it was very useful for my daily exercise and activities which contribute a lot to my well-being and health.”
The Tri-Ride allows Samad to move with ease and integrate exercise into daily life—key for managing his health and maintaining strength. He’s used it in Manchester, around Ladybower, and even to get to Waitrose.
However, transport access is inconsistent. The Supertram scooter policy requires a CPT permit, and enforcement varies.
“The carriage of mobility scooters is covered by the Supertram Scooter Policy…”
Samad has been denied access before due to unclear rules and staff discretion, leaving him to ride back home. Being at the whim of people or how busy it is shouldn’t affect his right to move.
Even a single step blocks access. At Ponderosa park, he has to take long detours to avoid steps.
“Even one step needs to be made into a ramp.”
Samad also struggles with parking. Though the Tri-Ride can be detached in tight spaces, he’s hesitant to lock it outside, as parts could be easily removed. He advocates for secure indoor cycle parking in places like supermarkets, libraries, and universities. At the university, he swaps his Tri-Ride for a supplied wheelchair via an arrangement with the porters—a system that could benefit others too.
His next goal is to own a Tri-Ride, and he’s working with SC4A to apply for funding.
Ownership would mean reliable, independent access to exercise, errands, and social life—boosting both physical and mental health. Long-term, it would help manage his conditions by supporting cardiovascular fitness, reducing atrophy, and strengthening joints and muscles—especially in the upper body.
Its ergonomic design lowers strain on his shoulders and arms compared to a manual wheelchair. The hybrid manual-electric system helps him handle Sheffield’s hills and reach areas he otherwise couldn’t.
It also supports mental wellbeing through outdoor activity and connection with nature and community—essential for reducing anxiety and depression. In bad weather, he could use it indoors as a stationary cycle.
SC4A worked on funding applications with Samad so that he could buy his own Tri-ride . The majority of people who have loaned e-cycles through us are keen to purchase their own e-cycle, but the high cost of the equipment is a major barrier. In August 2025 we received the wonderful news that DTD charity decided to fund Samad’s Tri-ride!
Owning a Tri-Ride has given Samad lasting access to safe, effective, and enjoyable exercise, improving quality of life and reducing dependence on short-term loans.
“Cycling has improved my circulation, lessened my bed sores, reduced my diabetic sugar levels, toned my legs, and reduced cramping in my arms.”
“I forget the negative thoughts and become more hopeful.”
Further research-based evidence of the physical health benefits of hand cycling:
Enhanced Physical Activity
Hand cycling promotes cardiovascular health and upper-body strength. It significantly improves peak power output (POpeak) and oxygen uptake (VO2peak) (Valent et al., Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2009).
Biomechanical Advantages
The cyclical motion distributes force evenly across joints, reducing shoulder strain compared to manual wheelchairs (Arnet et al., Journal of Biomechanics, 2012). It also lowers the risk of shoulder impingement and rotator cuff injuries (Finley & Rodgers, Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development, 2007).
Musculoskeletal Health
Unlike the high-impact motion of manual wheelchair use, hand cycling is smooth and ergonomic. It improves upper-limb strength, especially in shoulder rotation and elbow extension (Hettinga et al., Clinical Rehabilitation, 2010).
Samad’s Publication and Annual Citation History
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Samad-Gharooni
https://scholargps.com/scholars/70604022643528/samad-c-gharooni
Making Tram & Tram train accessible – SuperTram – https://www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/getmedia/a789361a-8b72-464c-a921-944354f299ac/KC5569-Making-Tram-Train-Accessible-leaflet-v4.pdf
