Hand Cycle

Typical Bicycles which are comparable to Hand Cycle 

Cycling is used in many different kind of ways such as a transportation, exercising and leisure. It is controlled by our legs for it to move. In New Zealand there are about 4,300 people who suffers from limb loss. This invention is very effective for amputees who wants to experience cycling. 

What is a Hand Cycle?

Retrieved from http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/showthread.php?113993-handcycle-vs-racing-chair

Hand Cycle is a vehicle that is powered by a user which utilizes the arms instead of the legs. This is designed for amputees that are ardent with cycling.

What are the different types of hand cycles?

Hand cycle has a variety of styles depending on user’s disability.

Fork Hand Cycles

The most common hand cycle is a fork steer hand cycle which is extremely effective whether its low or high level of injuries. It offers diversity in term of gearing, wheel and tyres arrangement depending on the use. It could be used for racing, leisure or touring. Fork cycles also offers changeable footrests and seat angle.

Lean Hand Cycles

Unlike the Fork Steer Cycle which relies on a steering system, lean cycles require riders to lean into their desired direction to enable the bike to turn. This is quite similar to motor cyclists who leans into turns when racing to stop themselves from slowing down. Lean cycles are typically used by people who have low level injuries.  

How much does it cost?

According to one website they can be pretty expensive, with the more basic models selling for $2299 and on the opposite side of the spectrum there are models that go up to $10000+. This high price for the cycles makes them quite a high end product for the wealthy.

Where to buy?

Hand cycles are quite popular on the internet so they can be easily found on sites such as eBay and other secondhand websites.

What is the impact of it?

Leg amputees are the ones who mostly benefit from this technology as they have gone from not being able to walk completely to having the ability to be mobile and independent again, also giving them a mode of recreation.