Build support — partners, funds, and a trishaw on the way
Getting your community on board before you order a trishaw gives your chapter real runway. Raise funds, line up partners, and build the maintenance plan that keeps you riding from day one.
Who to reach out to — and why
Partners help you find riders, schedule rides, and fundraise. When working with organizations that serve vulnerable populations, always approach through official channels rather than going directly to residents.
Senior living communities
- • Often have an activities director who's actively seeking programs like CWA.
- • Trishaws are cheaper than vans to get residents outside.
- • Piloting lets caregivers be seen and appreciated in the community.
Local government & parks
- • Often have a mandate to make public spaces accessible to all ages.
- • Can set up and publicize ride days at local parks and trails.
- • May have storage space near ideal ride locations.
Veteran services
- • Mandates to provide inclusive services.
- • Can help organize rides for specific local groups like veterans.
Disability services
- • Trishaw rides benefit all who can't ride themselves, regardless of age.
- • Partners can set up rides for children and adults in existing programs.
Nature & environmental non-profits
- • Local orgs designed to get people outside can be great allies.
- • Organize rides that include bird watching and historical interpretation.
Hospitals & hospice
- • Memory care, rehabilitation, palliative — rides support patients and families.
- • Often have patient-family funds that cover program partnerships.
Once funds and partners are in place
Reach out to Copenhagen Cycles to walk through the different models and get a quote. Trishaws ship from Denmark and typically take 8–12 weeks to arrive — plan your chapter rollout schedule accordingly.
Support kit
Stored in the rear rack pannier or under-bench compartment. Build yours with:
- • First aid kit
- • Safety vest for pilot
- • Emergency contact list
- • Ride log
- • Chapter fliers for curious members of the public
Storage
A single trishaw needs roughly 5' × 8' — smaller than a car, larger than a bike. Good options:
- • The garage of a core volunteer
- • A senior living facility you give rides at
- • The lobby of a sponsor business
- • Show floor of a local bike shop
Keep the wheels turning
A proper maintenance plan prevents the mechanical issues that could sideline your trishaw. Partner with a local bike shop or traveling mechanic — ideally one with ebike or cargo-bike experience. Offer logo placement on the trishaw in exchange for discounted service.
- • Tire pressure
- • Battery life
- • Brake feel
- • Spoke tension
- • Brake pad wear
- • Battery health
- • Motor health
- • Tire wear
Now for the heart of the chapter — the pilots
Finding, training, and retaining great pilots is what makes rides happen week after week.