An innovative British-made motorbike called The Conquest launches in August that is suitable for people without the use of their legs but with good upper body mobility. Based on the BMW 850 and 1150 bikes, it has been designed to be driven from the rider's wheelchair. It has been developed with assistance from the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD) and the Manchester Business School.

The idea is the brainchild of Alan Martin after his son became disabled following an accident. The bike will be priced at £18,500 and he hopes to sell 100 in the first year: "My son's now walking again so he doesn't need it but I've built this beautiful machine which I feel will enhance the lives of so many disabled people. I have to admit I'm so proud of it because it's come out just as I visualised it."

The manufacturers are Martin Conquest Ltd and they are in negotiations currently with Motability to make it available to thousands of disabled people who are eligible for assistance from the scheme.