Power Assisted Handcycles
Power Assisted Hand cycles
With limited arm strength, peddling a handcycle requires a lot of arm strength. For quadriplegics and others with limited arm strength who are able to peddle on flat level ground, even the smallest hill, curb, or gentle slope becomes an insurmountable mountain. A power assisted handcycle “levels the playing field”, or in this case, “levels” the bike trail!
Power Assisted Hand cycles Typical Features
- Provides adjustable power assist for approximately 10 miles (depends on the terrain / road conditions etc)
- Will travel up to a speed of approximately 10 mph , conforming to laws of most European countries.
- Can be operated without power assist.
Limited arm strength?
Some quadriplegics find they are able to pedal hand cycles on perfectly level ground with significant handgrip and shifting modifications. However, with limited arm strength, find it very frustrating that someone has to walk or jog next to them to provide a helping push at any bump or slope. These disadvantages can be removed by having a power assisted handcycle
Benefits of a power assisted hand cycle
Typically a pedalling sensor will turn on on the electric motor at the beginning of pedaling and stops it immediately at the end of turning. A sensor lever or grip determines how much power the motor will apply. Steep hills or inclines should no longer a problem. In flat areas, power assist can make extended excursions of more than 10 miles (20km) possible, (again very dependent upon how flat is flat). People with limited strength can experience new possibilities for training, slowly reducing the amount of power assist needed during the course of an activity / journey. With many of the systems it is possible to  ride without power / motor assist even take the batteries out.
If you are unsure which power assisted hand cycle is most suitable for you talk to one of our users at Draft Wheelchairs