Wheelchair User Inspires Others to Find Hope Through Riding

Brett Ladbrook, a passionate motorcycle enthusiast who uses a wheelchair, encourages others to find their “moment of hope” after life-altering injuries. Nearly forty years ago, a motorcycle accident in Ponsonby left him with a spinal injury, but he emphasizes the importance of focusing on what individuals can achieve rather than their limitations.

Ladbrook was just 16 years old when the accident occurred in 1985. He was riding his motorcycle, aiming to pursue an apprenticeship in mechanics, when a truck crossed into his lane. “I’ve got a blank space for 20 minutes, and I can’t remember anything,” recalls the now 56-year-old. His first clear memory was in the ambulance, where he learned the extent of his injuries.

Upon arrival at Auckland Hospital, doctors informed him that he would not walk again. “It was a pretty devastating moment and hard to take in at 16,” he states. Following three days in the hospital, he spent six additional weeks in the Spinal Unit, where he found inspiration in others living full lives despite their disabilities.

“Seeing other guys that had been using chairs for a while, they were getting on with their lives working, playing sport, driving cars and just enjoying themselves. It was like a light at the end of the tunnel… a moment of hope,” Ladbrook reflects. This realization propelled him to return to his passion for motorcycles. Within a year after his accident, he was back on the road.

Riding, for Ladbrook, represents freedom. “There are so many things I love about riding – the challenge of riding in all sorts of weather and the different roads, the sensory things you take in,” he expresses. He rides a three-wheeled motorcycle, equipped with a sidecar for his wheelchair, which allows him to enjoy the thrill of the open road while accommodating his needs.

Ladbrook attends events such as the annual Burt Munro Challenge in Bluff, where he often addresses the curiosity surrounding his unique situation as a motorcycle rider with a disability. “People are intrigued, but their interest is always genuine and supportive,” he notes.

The New Zealand motorcycle community faces challenges, especially as injury statistics highlight a troubling trend. In 2020, the active claims cost for motorcycle injuries reached $109 million, marking the highest number of injuries in five years. Ladbrook urges fellow riders to be prepared and vigilant when returning to riding after winter.

“You have to be ready. Check the condition of your bike, your tyre pressure,” he advises. His routine includes washing his bike to spot any loose parts and ensuring his safety gear is in good condition. James Whitaker, the injury prevention leader at ACC, emphasizes that spring is an ideal time for riders to ensure they are ready to safely enjoy the roads again. He recommends all riders complete a Ride Forever coaching programme to refresh their skills.

Ladbrook’s commitment to helping others extends beyond his own experiences. He currently works as a Peer Support worker at the NZ Spinal Trust, where he offers guidance to those beginning their journeys after similar injuries. He encourages them, saying, “Never give up. Give yourself time, time for your body to heal, your body to get fit and your mind to get around it.”

For Ladbrook, a life-altering accident has transformed his perspective. “What a life-changing accident like this does is makes you think outside the square,” he explains. “You can still have a great life.” His message resonates with many, proving that resilience and passion can lead to fulfilling experiences, even in the face of adversity.