Temporary Suspension of the NABD Adaptation Grants System – 14th July 2026

Temporary Suspension of the NABD Adaptation Grants System – 14^th July 2026

At a meeting on the 17^th of June 2026, the National Committee and Trustees of the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD) made the difficult but necessary decision to temporarily suspend the processing of all adaptation grant applications, (effective from the date of this public announcement).

This action has become unavoidable due to the steady and significant reduction in income experienced by the NABD over recent years, which has now reached a level that directly threatens our ability to continue providing essential services and support for motorcyclists with disabilities.

Why This Suspension Is Necessary

Like many UK charities, the NABD has experienced a significant and sustained decline in public donations. This trend has affected the entire charitable sector, particularly since the 2020 pandemic when:

• Many fundraising events were cancelled nationwide.
• Face‑to‑face community engagement dropped sharply and has never recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
• The ongoing shift toward a cashless society has severely reduced spontaneous giving.

• The ongoing cost‑of‑living crisis continues to place further pressure on the household budgets of members, supporters and possible donors.

Recent studies show that most UK charities have seen year‑on‑year reductions in donations since 2020, with many organisations reporting their lowest income levels in over a decade. Unfortunately, the NABD has not been immune to these challenges.

In addition to the reduction in general donations the NABD is currently facing several other challenging issues, including:

• The constantly increasing cost of living.
• The loss of regular annual sponsorship from events that no longer exist.
• The catastrophic failure of the NABD online membership system in 2025*.
• The imminent sale of the industrial unit that has served as the NABD headquarters for the past 20-years.
• An under strength National Committee (currently five vacant posts).

• Health issues being faced by several of the remaining National Committee members.

Each of these issues have a tangible negative effect on the income of the NABD.

As a charity that relies greatly on public support, this decline has had a direct impact on our ability to continue offering financial assistance for motorcycle, scooter, trike and quadbike adaptations.

For the past two years, the NABD’s annual expenditure has been increasingly greater than its income. This situation could not be allowed to continue. Even after implementing cost-cutting measures wherever possible, the Trustees were left with no choice but to suspend the Adaptation Grants system until the financial situation can be improved.

* Existing/remaining members and affiliates are currently being migrated into a new, much improved and more dependable online system.

What This Means for Adaptation Grant Applicants

• Adaptation grants that have already been awarded will continue to be honoured and these will be paid on completion of the adaptation work as usual.
• Applications that have been received after 14^th July 2026 will be held in a queue but cannot be processed until such time as funding levels recover.
• New applications may still be submitted, but they will not be presented to the National Committee for consideration until we have sufficient funds to reopen the grants system.
• This suspension is temporary, and the Trustees will review the situation regularly.

This is only the second time in its proud 35-year history that the NABD has had to suspend its Adaptation Grants system, the first occasion was in 2012, and the suspension lasted for five months.

We understand the frustration and disappointment this may cause, especially for riders who are eager to regain independence and mobility.

NB. Applications to purchase adaptation kits at significantly discounted prices via the NABD Adaptation Grants system will continue to be processed as usual.

Also, a limited number of adaptation grant applications for ex-services personnel will continue to be processed while enough funds remain in the ring-fenced endowment that is sponsored by the Armed Forces Bikers group.

How You Can Help

The Adaptation Grant Fund exists solely because of the generosity of the biking community and supporters across the UK. If you are able to help us rebuild the fund, donations of any size will make a meaningful difference.

Supporters can make donations to the NABD at: https://nabd.org.uk/donate/

Our Commitment

For 35 years, the NABD has been dedicated to supporting disabled people in accessing and enjoying the freedom and independence of motorcycling. The organisation provides technical advice, advocacy, assistance with training and financial assistance for adaptations to motorcycles, scooters, trikes and quadbikes, ensuring that motorcycling remains inclusive and accessible.

That commitment has not changed. All other services provided by the NABD remain available and we are determined to restore the Adaptation Grant scheme as soon as financially it is practical to do so. We will keep members and supporters updated as the situation evolves.

For more information about the NABD, see the new, much improved, website at: https://nabd.org.uk/

Rick Hulse

NABD Chairman, for and on behalf of the NABD Trustees