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Date: 29 September 2026
Category: News
A new electrically assisted wheelchair accessible bike is now available at Girdwood Community Hub, supporting even more Belfast residents to enjoy the physical, social and wellbeing benefits of cycling.
The e-assist bike is the first of its kind in Belfast and can be used by wheelchair users, carers and family members to cycle and enjoy time outdoors together. Until now, residents wanting to access a similar electrically assisted bike had to travel outside the city.
The pilot initiative has been delivered by Belfast City Council, as part of the Active Belfast Partnership with Public Health Agency and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, with bookings managed by GLL, who operate the city’s leisure centres on behalf of the council.
The bike features a reinforced frame and a range of enhanced safety features, and has been developed in response to a growing demand for more inclusive leisure opportunities across Belfast.
Data from the census in 2021 shows that more than 5,600 Belfast residents use a wheelchair, including over 3,300 people aged 65 and over. Research undertaken by the Active Belfast Partnership highlights growing demand for accessible cycling opportunities. While wheelchair users regularly access programmes at Girdwood, there is currently no local provision of power-assisted adaptive bikes, creating a gap in accessible cycling opportunities for residents.
Launching the bike, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, said: “Belfast is proud to be a European City of Sport for 2026, with lots of work underway to ensure sport and physical activity can be enjoyed by everyone.
“Is ábhar bróid é do Bhéal Feirste bheith mar Chathair Eorpach an Spóirt 2026, tá neart oibre idir lámha againn le cinntiú go bhfuil gach duine ábalta leas a bhaint as spóirt agus aclaíocht."
"The introduction of the city’s first e-assist wheelchair accessible bike contributes to this goal, giving more people the chance to enjoy the benefits of cycling, while supporting families, carers and friends to be active together. It’s also free to use which reduces a further barrier.
“This is a great example of our ongoing commitment to creating more experiences which make everyone in our city feel welcome and involved, and make use of the great leisure facilities we have on our doorstep.”
Girdwood Community Hub provides an ideal location to try out the e-assist bike, with a dedicated cycling track around the 3G pitch offering a safe and accessible environment for users.
The bike is available to hire, but before making a booking, users must complete a Bike Safety Briefing and Induction. The next induction session will take place on Friday 16 October at Girdwood Community Hub, with additional sessions planned in the coming months.
To register or find out more, email [email protected]