For many of us, cycling is more than just a hobby – it's freedom, adventure, and a way of feeling truly alive. For Martin, a lifelong mountain biker, receiving a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) threatened to take that freedom away. Determined not to let his condition define what he could still enjoy, he began searching for a way to keep riding.

We first met Martin at the York Cycle Festival, where he shared his story with our team. His passion for cycling was unmistakable, and it was clear that every opportunity to get out on the trails mattered. Knowing that MND is a progressive condition and that time is incredibly precious, we made it a priority to build and deliver his ICE trike as quickly as possible, giving him as much time as possible to continue doing what he loves.

Today, his ICE trike has become far more than a new bike. It's a way to reconnect with the outdoors, maintain his independence, and continue creating memories.

Martin Ashburn

Before my diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease I was a keen mountain biker enjoying the thrills, the exercise, fresh air and  the social aspect when cycing with my sons and my friends. MND has made cycling more of a challenge as strength and movement diminishes. In October 2025, I did the coast to coast ride with friends and family on a modified bike and raised over £5000 for MND charity. I did have several crashes and falls and as the disease has progressed I no longer feel able to safely ride a two wheel bicycle and I haven’t been on a bike since.

I first came across Ice Trikes when I visited Get Cycling in York. I tested out a few models and
loved the sense of fun and freedom that I’d missed. While I felt much safer riding a three wheeler I had problems using the traditional pull lever brakes. While I was weighing up my options ICE Trikes launched a new model - the PERS chainless electric Trike. I tested this as soon as I could and instantly felt this was the one for me, the electric assist and automatic gears supported my weakened leg strength but even better was the ability to brake by pedalling backwards. We placed an order and expected a frustrating 2 month wait for it to be delivered. How much would MND have progressed? Would my arms and legs be too weak?

But then, just over two weeks since testing it, I had a call saying my trike would be delivered in a few days time. It arrived and I’m loving it, going out most days with friends. It’s brilliant to be able to get outand about, feel the fresh air and move a lot faster than my wheelchair goes!

I’d like to say a huge thank you to the team at ICE for working so quickly and efficiently to get me riding again so soon. With a progressive disease like MND every day really matters and I can now look forward to a summer of biking adventures and making memories.

To find out more about the PERS Chainless Pedalling  System - click below.