Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about FES cycling. If your question isn't here, please get in touch.
About FES Cycling
- Does FES cycling hurt?
- Most people describe the sensation as a strong tingling or pulsing feeling—unusual at first, but not painful. The intensity is always set to a level you can tolerate, and many people come to find it quite pleasant. If it's ever uncomfortable, we adjust the settings.
- How often do I need to use it?
- For best results, we typically recommend 3-5 sessions per week, with each session lasting 30-60 minutes. However, this varies depending on your condition, goals, and schedule. Even 2 sessions per week can provide benefits. We'll help you find a sustainable routine.
- Can I use FES cycling if I have some leg movement?
- Yes, absolutely. FES cycling can benefit people across the spectrum—from those with no voluntary leg movement to those who can walk but want additional exercise. If you have some movement, the FES supplements your own effort rather than replacing it.
- Will FES cycling help me walk again?
- We want to be honest about this. FES cycling is primarily about maintaining health and fitness—muscle mass, cardiovascular health, circulation, and bone density. For most people, it won't lead to walking recovery. That said, maintaining muscle health is valuable in its own right, and for some people with incomplete injuries, it may support whatever recovery is possible.
- How long before I see results?
- This varies considerably depending on your condition and what you're measuring. Some people notice improved leg appearance (reduced atrophy) within weeks. Cardiovascular improvements typically take 6-8 weeks of regular use. Other benefits may take longer. We help you set realistic expectations based on your situation.
Costs & Practicalities
- How much does FES cycling equipment cost?
- Complete FES cycling systems (Stim2Go paired with a cycle ergometer) start from around £10,166 for the Stim2Go + Mobi and range up to around £13,670 for the Stim2Go + Tigo632 with upper and lower limb support. The standalone Stim2Go Solo stimulator, for use with your own equipment, starts from £7,484. All prices include assessment, setup, training, and ongoing support. We provide detailed quotes after assessment so you know exactly what you're paying for.
- Is there funding available?
- FES cycling isn't typically funded by the NHS, but there are potential sources of funding depending on your circumstances. These might include personal injury settlements, charitable grants, or Access to Work (if cycling helps you work). We can discuss options relevant to your situation.
- Can I try FES cycling before committing?
- The assessment process includes testing how your muscles respond to stimulation, which gives you a sense of what FES feels like. For some clients, we can arrange trial sessions with equipment before purchase, though this depends on logistics and equipment availability.
- What ongoing costs are there?
- The main ongoing costs are electrode pads (the self-adhesive patches that deliver stimulation), which need replacing periodically depending on use. These typically last 15 to 20 sessions, depending on how well they are cared for. These are available from our web store. Servicing and repairs may also be needed occasionally, but many issues can be resolved remotely.
- How much space do I need?
- A complete FES cycling system typically needs a floor space of about 1.5m x 1m (roughly 5ft x 3ft), plus room to transfer on and off safely. The equipment can usually be moved if needed, though most people find a permanent setup more convenient. We'll discuss space requirements during assessment.
Getting Started
- How do I know if FES cycling is right for me?
- The best way is to have a conversation with us. We can discuss your condition, goals, and circumstances, and give you an honest opinion about whether FES cycling might help. If it doesn't seem suitable, we'll tell you—there's no point pursuing something that won't work for you.
- Do I need a referral from my doctor?
- No, you don't need a referral to contact us or arrange an assessment. However, we may recommend discussing FES cycling with your medical team, especially if you have other health conditions. For some funding routes, medical support may be helpful.
- Can I use FES cycling alongside physiotherapy?
- Yes, FES cycling often complements physiotherapy well. Many of our clients use it as part of a broader exercise programme. We're happy to liaise with your physiotherapist if that would be helpful.
- I'm not very technical—will I be able to use the equipment?
- We design our training to ensure you can use the equipment independently, regardless of technical ability. Modern FES systems are controlled through straightforward apps, and once set up, daily use is quite simple. We don't leave until you're confident, and we're always available for support.
- What if I have problems with the equipment?
- We provide ongoing support for as long as you use the equipment. Many issues can be resolved over the phone or through remote access to the system. If a visit is needed, we arrange it promptly. Equipment problems shouldn't leave you unable to cycle for long.
Suitability & Safety
- Are there conditions that make FES cycling unsuitable?
- There are some situations where FES cycling isn't appropriate, including certain cardiac conditions (especially with pacemakers or defibrillators), pregnancy, active cancer, severe osteoporosis, and some skin conditions. We screen for these carefully during assessment. Having one of these conditions doesn't automatically rule you out—we assess individually.
- Can FES cycling be used with a catheter?
- Yes, many of our clients use catheters. This isn't a barrier to FES cycling. We take account of catheter management when setting up and training.
- What about pressure sores?
- If you have active pressure sores, we'd typically wait until they're healed before starting FES cycling, as the seating position could affect healing. Once healed, FES cycling may actually help prevent future pressure sores by improving circulation and muscle bulk.
- Is FES cycling safe if I have severe spasticity?
- Spasticity doesn't necessarily rule out FES cycling, but severe or unpredictable spasticity needs careful assessment. For some people, FES cycling actually helps reduce spasticity. We assess this during your initial evaluation and can often manage spasticity concerns with appropriate setup.
Still Have Questions?
These FAQs cover the most common questions, but every situation is unique. If there's something we haven't addressed, please get in touch—we're happy to help.