Here’s a guide on how to fund a bicycle (including specialised bikes or e-bikes) through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia — including what’s eligible, how to make the case and practical steps to secure funding:
Yes — but with conditions.
A standard off-the-shelf bicycle or tricycle that anyone could buy at a store is not automatically funded. What the NDIS is more likely to fund is a bike or e-bike that:
Disability-specific bikes can include:
These types of bikes usually fall under:
To include a bike in your NDIS plan, it must meet the NDIS’s Reasonable and Necessary funding rules. That means the support must be:
✔ Related to your disability
✔ Helping you pursue your goals
✔ Good value for money
✔ Safe and effective
✔ Not funded by another system (e.g., Medicare)
Examples of goals that might justify a bike include:
Increased community participation
Improved physical activity or health
Greater independence
More opportunities for social inclusion
Simply wanting a bike for leisure isn’t usually enough — you must connect it to how it will help you personally.
One of the most important parts of a successful funding request is evidence. You’ll typically need:
A report or letter from an allied health professional, like an Occupational Therapist (OT) or physiotherapist, that explains:
An Assistive Technology Assessment Form from your OT.
Obtain quotes from a supplier for the model and any required modifications.
Include maintenance and servicing cost estimates to demonstrate ongoing need.
Having this documentation strengthens your request when submitting to the NDIS planner.
There are a few ways to get the funding in your plan:
If your current plan is due for review, you can ask your planner to include funding for the bike when your new plan is written.
If you already have a plan, you can request a plan review or a change (s.42 review) to add the bike if your needs have changed.
When submitting, attach:
OT/professional reports
Quotes
Goal statements
Any trial or assessment notes
The NDIS will then decide whether to include the item in your plan.
If you’re self-managed, the funds are allocated to you and you can buy the bike directly from the supplier.
If you’re plan-managed, the plan manager pays the supplier on your behalf.
Always check on how the payment process works with your plan manager or the NDIA.
Not all bikes will be fully funded by the NDIS. If your request is partially funded or declined, you might explore:
Pay for the bike yourself if it’s not deemed reasonable and necessary for NDIS.
Some organisations offer grants specifically for adaptive equipment — for example, disability-focused charities.
Programs like Freedom Wheels (operated through some disability organisations) provide bike trials, assessments, and quotes that can help you make a stronger case for NDIS funding.
Funding a bicycle through the NDIS is possible if the bike is directly linked to your disability needs and goals, and you provide strong supporting evidence, professional assessments, and appropriate quotes.
It’s not simply about wanting a bike — it’s about showing why it’s essential for your participation, independence, or health. With the right preparation and documentation, you significantly improve your chances of getting NDIS funding for a bike that works for you.
vanRaam produces unique special needs bicycles and disability bikes. vanRaam specialises in tricycles, scooter bikes, wheelchair bikes, tandem bikes, double rider bikes, and low step-through bikes. Each model is also available as an electric bike (Pedelec). Many of the electric models can reverse under motor power when you spin the pedals backwards.
vanRaam has been producing its unique range for over a decade. Produced in their factory with about 130 employees, vanRaam produces Dutch quality bicycles, meant for adults and children with a physical disability, mobility or balance issues or for people who want more stability while cycling.
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