A man who was left paralysed following a devastating dirt bike accident has opened up about how he maintains physical intimacy with his partner, sharing a demonstration that has attracted considerable attention online.
Neven Hart, from Southern California, suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury in 2022 that left him unable to feel or move his body below his mid-torso.
Since the accident, Neven and his partner Amber Cogbill have used social media to document their experiences, challenge misconceptions about disability and answer questions about their relationship.
One of their most discussed videos addresses a subject that many people are curious about but rarely see explained openly: how someone living with paralysis can adapt physical intimacy to suit their needs.
How does Neven Hart use a chair to be intimate with his partner?
Neven uses a specially designed swinging chair, which he calls his "deed chair", to create movement using his upper body rather than relying on his hips or legs.
The chair has a suspended seat that can swing backwards and forwards when Neven shifts his upper body weight.
This allows him to participate in intimate activities without needing the lower-body movement that his spinal cord injury prevents.
In a Facebook demonstration, Neven explained that he sits on the moving seat while his partner positions herself nearby, usually on the floor or at a suitable height.
He also explained that the chair's height can be adjusted using accessories, allowing couples to find a setup that works for their bodies and mobility requirements.
However, Neven stressed that using the equipment takes practice, particularly when transferring between his wheelchair and the suspended seat.
Why does Neven need a specialised chair?
Neven sustained a spinal cord injury around the T6 level, which is located in the middle portion of the spine.
According to Amber, the injury left him without voluntary movement or sensation below the affected area.
As a result, movements involving his hips and legs are severely restricted.
Although paralysis changes how someone can move and experience physical sensations, it does not necessarily eliminate their desire for intimacy or their ability to maintain a fulfilling relationship.
Adaptive equipment can help some people with spinal cord injuries participate in activities that would otherwise be difficult.
For Neven, the swinging chair provides a way to use the upper-body strength and movement he retains.
He explained that the device works through the motion of the suspended seat, rather than requiring him to move his hips independently.
Neven admits getting onto the chair can be difficult
Although the equipment may appear relatively simple, Neven explained that transferring onto it is one of the biggest challenges.
Unlike a stationary seat, the chair moves freely when weight is applied.
That movement can make positioning difficult, particularly for someone who cannot use their legs to stabilise themselves.
Neven admitted that getting onto the chair requires practice, even if it appears easy during a demonstration.
He also revealed that transferring back into his wheelchair can be more challenging.
Because the seat swings as he attempts to move forward, he must carefully coordinate his upper-body movements.
One viewer suggested that a locking mechanism could make the equipment safer during transfers.
Neven acknowledged the practical challenges while explaining that experience had helped him become more comfortable using the chair.
For anyone considering similar adaptive equipment, individual mobility, balance, skin protection and transfer safety are important considerations. Advice from a rehabilitation professional or occupational therapist may help determine whether a particular device is suitable.
What happened in Neven Hart's dirt bike accident?
Neven's life changed during a Thanksgiving trip with his parents and Amber's family in 2022.
He had gone riding on a dirt bike when he suffered a serious accident shortly after setting off.
According to the couple, nobody witnessed the precise moment of the crash.
Neven was knocked unconscious and has no memory of exactly how the accident occurred.
He later explained that he had been riding for less than a minute before the incident.
The crash resulted in a spinal cord injury at the T6 level, leaving him paralysed below his mid-torso.
Following the accident, Neven began adapting to life with a wheelchair and learning new ways to approach everyday activities.
Amber has remained alongside him throughout his recovery and their subsequent life together.
Why does Neven share such personal details online?
Neven and Amber have built an online following by documenting their relationship and answering questions about life with a spinal cord injury.
Their videos cover everything from mobility and accessibility to relationships and family life.
Although some of their content attracts attention because of its personal subject matter, Neven has explained that he hopes it can also serve an educational purpose.
In his demonstration of the chair, he acknowledged that viewers might find the topic entertaining or unusual.
However, he emphasised that the information could be particularly useful to someone living with paralysis who was considering purchasing similar equipment.
By showing how the device works and discussing its practical limitations, he hopes to help others understand what adaptive intimacy can look like.
How did viewers react to his explanation?
The video prompted supportive responses from people who appreciated Neven's willingness to discuss a subject that is often overlooked.
Some viewers thanked him for demonstrating equipment they had never previously encountered.
Others said the explanation had helped them better understand how people with spinal cord injuries can maintain physical relationships.
Several commenters also discussed the potential usefulness of adaptive equipment for people living with other physical disabilities.
One person raised concerns about the moving seat and suggested that a mechanism to hold it still during transfers could improve safety.
The discussion highlighted both the value of accessible equipment and the importance of considering the individual needs of its users.
Neven and Amber have since married and welcomed a baby
Beyond their discussions about disability and intimacy, the couple have celebrated major milestones in their personal lives.
On February 26, 2026, Neven and Amber married in California.
During the ceremony, Neven walked down the aisle using a walker and leg braces, marking a particularly meaningful moment for the couple.
Reflecting on the celebration afterwards, he said the day had gone smoothly and that they were delighted with how everything turned out.
Less than two weeks before the wedding, the couple had announced that they were expecting their first child.
They shared the pregnancy news on Valentine's Day with a photograph featuring Amber holding a baby outfit bearing the words "Baby Hart".
In August, Neven announced that their baby had arrived, sharing the exciting news with his followers and celebrating becoming a father.
Can people with spinal cord injuries maintain intimate relationships?
Spinal cord injuries can affect mobility, sensation and sexual function, but their effects vary considerably depending on the location and severity of the injury.
Many people with spinal cord injuries continue to have fulfilling romantic and intimate relationships, although they may need to explore different approaches to physical activity and communication.
Adaptive equipment, changes in positioning and guidance from healthcare professionals can help address some of the practical challenges.
Importantly, no single device or technique will be appropriate for everyone.
Neven's experience illustrates how one couple has adapted to their particular circumstances, rather than providing a universal solution for people with paralysis.
By sharing his experience openly, he hopes to make information about relationships and disability more accessible to others.
And for Neven and Amber, their journey now includes a new chapter as husband and wife raising their first child.
Source: VT, October 27, 2026, reporting on Neven Hart and Amber Cogbill's social media videos and statements to BuzzFeed.
