Paul Teutul Sr. and the crew from Orange County Choppers have built a wheelchair-accessible trike to raise funds for the Christopher & Dana Reeves Foundation. People can participate, the foundation said, by hosting a viewing party for the American Chopper episode scheduled to air on TLC on Thursday, Jan. 7.

The trike allows someone living with paraplegia to ride a motorcycle without having to transfer from his or her wheelchair. The bike includes a five-speed, hand-controlled transmission with reverse. A built-in electric ramp rises and declines at the touch of a button, allowing a wheelchair to roll into place, automatically lock in and then roll out. Top speed is 110 mph.

“Earlier this year, we approached the OCC team with the idea of creating a fully accessible, custom chopper, like only Paul’s team at OCC could design and produce,” the foundation’s Peter Wilderotter stated in a press release. “Not only did they jump at the opportunity, but they embraced it and took it to a level we could have only imagined.”

Teutul Sr. said, “This bike represents freedom and independence to someone living with paralysis. It provides a paralyzed individual the opportunity to partake in an activity they love doing, regardless of the chair. This chopper was by far the biggest challenge of any bike we've ever created; however, it was our honor and pleasure to participate.”

To spread awareness and raise funds, the Reeve Foundation encourages people to host viewing parties. “We are inviting people to gather their friends and make a small donation to join the party. Please check your local viewing times and tune in Jan. 7,” Wilderotter said.

As further incentive, the party that raises the most money will win a VIP tour of the OCC facility for four people. For more information, or to host or attend a viewing party, go to www.ChristopherReeve.org/OCC. The site also has a video previewing the episode.

Posted by Arlo Redwine