Mehta:
Being physically challenged doesn't mean the end of all wishes, dreams and aspirations. Even if you are physically handicapped and can not ride a normal cycle, you can certainly fulfill your wish of riding a cycle with handcycles that are specially designed to facilitate physically challenged people. Out of the many models available in handcycles currently, we are enlisting eight which are very innovative in design and efficient performance wise:
1. Modern Race Handcycle Design Concept
RACER T-10 is a race handcycle created by the Peruvian designer Ernesto Rosales Ramirez for the physically challenged racers. The design of this racing handcysle is creative which doesn't involve complicated machinery or mechanism in the construction of the cycle. To run this cycle movement of the upper body of the rider is stressed on and the design of the handcycle is planned accordingly. Bright colors adorning the cycle increases the enthusiasm and motivation of the racer.
2. Forzer off-road handcycle
Marius Hjelmervik wanted to create an off-road handcycle that was of high quality, gave a superior riding experience, looked up-to-date and was affordable too. He also took advice from handcycle racers like Seth Arseneau, Jake O'Coner and Ebbe Blichfelt and finally created "Forzer". Forzer, which means force, uses aluminum to construct the structure and weighs around 29.3lbs or 39.3kg. The cycle has three wheels, two at the front with independent suspension and one rear wheel that has a single pivot design in it. The designer of the handcycle is now planning to produce the handcycle in mass numbers and keeping the option of modifying the cycle open for users.
3. Top End Force Handcycle
This cycle can run super-fast. The sleek design of the handcycle allows the rider to ride while being in a reclining, recumbent or lie-down position. While the rider is comfortably positioned, the use of his arm, shoulder and chest muscles ensure fast movement of the cycle. The system in the cycle allows for a fast and smooth ride through the turns while maintaining full control on the cycle. The design assures of a fast and smooth brake delivery and shifting. The concept of the handcycle includes high performance wheels with various appealing and efficient features. The entire design surrounds around giving maximum performance through an easy-to-operate system.
4. Top End XLT PRO Racing Handcycle
The Top End XLT PRO Racing Handcycle comes with features like adjustable seats with adjusting height, flexible back, hands-on shifting, 27 speed, pivot steering, etc. This three-wheeled handcycle is capable of carrying a weight capacity of up to 250 pounds and can reach a speed of 30 m.p.h. These handcycles provide full power in a recumbent position and come with a great stability feature along with a superior turning control. The foot-rest comes with safety straps. Apart from these, the cycle comes with various other safety measures. Available in 21 interesting colors, these cycles make great vehicles for exercising and riding for fun apart from being too good for racing.
5. Top End XLT Handcycle
This low seat cycle in aluminum is lightweight and supports a recumbent position. Comes with great stability and a number of safety measures for a safe ride. The cycle can reach a speed of 20 mph and includes a range of other features such as road crown compensator, pivot steering, 7 speed, parking brake, and adjustable seat, footrests, back and crank. These cycles are well designed and efficient performance wise. The features included in the cycle make exercising easy and rides joyful.
6. Velo race handcycle
To make life easier for physically challenged people, Peruvian designer Gerardo Leon created "Velo" a race handcycle. This handcycle not only comes with attractive looks but also is an efficient performer. This extremely low-seat cycle is made of fiberglass which is a light material. Thus, the final result that came out is a handcycle that is incredibly light-weight and therefore easy to control and easy to gain speed with. This cycle is a good choice for people who have weak or immobile limbs or lower body.
7. Intrepid Tourer
This lightweight handcycle can bear a weight of up to 250lbs or 110 kg. This tough cycle is flooded with features like flag mount, parking brake, steering that is self centering, adjustable seat, crank and footrest, etc. The cycle's structure is built of high grade materials such as cromoly and aluminum. 700C road wheels are used in this cycle for a good performance. The seating arrangement designed for this cycle assures maximum comfort to the rider. All this you get at a very reasonable price.
8. Varna Hybrid Tandem Handcycle/ Cycle
This is a great design that allows two riders to ride at a time. While the front end is geared like a normal cycle with the facility to drive with leg power, the rear end allows driving by hand through hand-pedals. Designed by Varna Innovation and Research Corporation, the Varna Hybrid Tandem comes with 24 speed and drum brakes both at the front and read end. So now you can enjoy a ride with your kid or partner without letting your being physically impaired stand as an obstacle.
