In July 2021, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland announced details of an e-bike scheme for adults with cystic fibrosis.
The E-Bike Scheme will provide grant assistance to persons with CF living in the Republic of Ireland aged 18 and older towards the purchase of an electric battery assisted pedal bicycle (e-bike). This is a pilot scheme to help CFI evaluate if there are benefits of an e-bike to quality of life for persons with CF (PWCF).
The pilot involves CFI providing significant financial assistance to twenty adults with cystic fibrosis (18 years and over) for the purchase of e-bikes. Cystic Fibrosis Ireland invited applications to take part in the trial and research will be undertaken to measure their experience.
Exercise is proven to help as part of the treatment regime in cystic fibrosis. By keeping the airways working and active it helps move the thick sticky mucus that accumulates in the CF lung so that it can be cleared along with chest clearance physiotherapy. All the health benefits of regular exercise for the normal population help people with CF too.
Cycling is a great form of exercise. Any form of cycling encouraged as a regular activity will help increase fitness in people with CF which can help stabilise and reduce the rate of disease progression. Due to Ireland’s weather and landscape, terrain is undulating and winds can be a deterrent to regular cycling. Ordinary non-power assisted cycling can be more challenging for those with impaired lungs. People with CF may be forced to give up cycling or maybe never try to take up cycling in the first place. E-bikes have the potential to ‘level the playing field’ for a person with impaired lung function by providing power assistance while cycling, especially up inclines or hills or against a headwind or over a longer distance.
There are over 1,400 people with CF In Ireland. (Source CF Registry of Ireland Annual Report 2019)
An e-bike is a battery powered electric assisted bicycle.
E-bikes have the potential to address some of the following needs of people with CF:
E-bikes can play a significant role as a very viable and cost-effective transport alternative. A key barrier is the cost of a high quality of e-bike. Quality built e-bikes with reliable motors and high safety design specifications are expensive items retailing from approximately €2,000 upwards. In this context CFI are providing a grant of €1,500 to the 20 selected applicants.
Successful applicants will be surveyed at baseline, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month time points to evaluate the usefulness of their e-bike. The results of this trial will determine if CFI will roll out a grant scheme for the wider CF community in the longer term (dependent on finances).
We have highlighted some of the most frequently asked questions, but a broader FAQ document is available to download below.
For further information on the e-bike scheme please contact Rory Tallon, CF Advocate on email rtallon@cfireland.ie or phone 087 932 3930
Click below to view the full terms & conditions for the CFI e-bike scheme
Full terms and conditions of the e-bike scheme will be issued to all successful grant recipients.
At all times from purchase of the e-bike, the e-bike is your personal property and you assume full ownership and responsibility for security and safety of your e-bike. CFI is not responsible for any loss or damage through theft or neglect or through misuse of the e-bike. You are responsible for your own road safety and personal safety while using your e-bike.