Vienna's first wheelchair load wheel: Freedom for everyone available now!

Vienna's first wheelchair load wheel: Freedom for everyone available now!

Leopoldstadt, Wien, Österreich - Vienna's first wheelchair load wheel fleet has been available since April 2025 and can be loaned free of charge. This innovative initiative of the Radbande bicycle business in Leopoldstadt enables the barrier -free transport of wheelchairs and their users. The three -wheel bicycles are designed to safely transport wheelchairs with a width of up to 73 cm and have a deep transport surface and an integrated rear ramp. A belt system ensures additional safety while driving.

A total of four Grätzlades are now available in the 2nd district. The Grätzlrad project, which has existed since 2017, now comprises 44 such transport options. The standard rental time is about a day, with shorter and longer loan times possible. The booking is made via a user -friendly web platform.

investments in the cycling infrastructure

The city of Vienna has undertaken to expand the cycling infrastructure. Over 250 projects and almost 100 km in the main bike path network are to be realized by the end of the legislative period. So far, around 130 million euros have been invested in the improvement of the cycling infrastructure, with more than 50 km of cycling infrastructure being implemented in the district network. The proportion of bike paths rose from 7 % in 2019 to 11 % in 2024.

funding opportunities for special bikes

For the purchase of "special bicycles", which also include the new wheelchair load wheels, there are various funding opportunities. Adult private individuals with main residence in Vienna as well as non -profit associations and companies can submit applications. The funding height can be up to 100 % of the purchase price, but a maximum of 4,000 euros for Grätzladen. Companies have to prove their non -profit nature, and registration is required for funding.

The funding supports the purchase of new transport bikes and e-transport bikes that are suitable for transporting larger loads. Among other things, cost estimates and evidence of non -profit organization are required for applications. The funding applications can be submitted from October 3, 2022 to the end of 2026, but they cannot be combined with other urban funding.

The right to mobility

The efforts in Vienna are in the context of the right to mobility, which is considered a fundamental human right, especially for people with disabilities. According to Dr. Valentin Aichele, head of the monitoring office UN Convention on the Rights of Disabilities, is essential for self-determined mobility for social participation. The UN Convention on the Rights of Disabilities obliges the state to create framework conditions that enable such mobility. Despite existing legal requirements, however, there are challenges that affect complete accessibility.

Overall, Vienna's initiative for the introduction of wheelchair cargo bikes is an important step towards accessibility and inclusive mobility in the city. These measures actively pursue the goal of making the transport infrastructure accessible to everyone.