What Is a Handcycle?
A handcycle is a bicycle powered by arm cranking instead of pedaling. Riders sit in a recumbent position and turn hand cranks to drive the front or rear wheel. Handcycles give wheelchair users and people with lower-limb disabilities the freedom to cycle — for exercise, recreation, commuting, or competitive racing.
Types of Handcycles
Attachable Handcycles
Clip onto the front of your existing manual wheelchair, converting it into a three-wheeled trike. Easiest and most affordable way to start handcycling.
- Quick-attach/detach — takes seconds
- Use your own wheelchair
- Good for recreational cycling and short commutes
- Price: $2,000-$5,000
- Brands: Batec, Firefly, Rio Mobility
Sport/Racing Handcycles
Purpose-built for speed and performance. Low, aerodynamic, lightweight frames. Used in competitive racing, triathlons, and marathons.
- Carbon fiber or aluminum frames
- Multi-gear systems (21-30 speed)
- Aerodynamic recumbent position
- Price: $3,000-$10,000+
- Brands: Top End, Quickie, Invacare
Recreational Handcycles
Standalone three-wheeled bikes designed for comfort and leisure. Higher seating position, easier transfers, stable handling.
- Easy to transfer into from a wheelchair
- Upright or semi-recumbent position
- Good for trails, bike paths, and casual riding
- Price: $2,500-$6,000
Electric-Assist Handcycles
Have an electric motor that assists arm cranking — similar to an e-bike. Great for people with limited upper body strength or for covering longer distances without fatigue.
- Motor assists your cranking effort
- Range: 30-80 km per charge
- Speed: up to 25 km/h (Canadian e-bike limit)
- Price: $4,000-$12,000
Benefits of Handcycling
- Cardiovascular fitness: Full upper-body cardio workout
- Shoulder health: Different motion than wheelchair pushing — reduces repetitive strain
- Mental health: Outdoor exercise, freedom, and social cycling
- Independence: Cover distances impossible in a wheelchair
- Social inclusion: Ride with friends and family on bike paths
- Competition: Paralympic handcycling is a growing sport
How to Choose a Handcycle
Consider Your Goals
- Casual recreation: Attachable or recreational standalone
- Fitness: Sport/racing model or electric-assist for longer rides
- Competition: Dedicated racing handcycle
- Commuting: Electric-assist or attachable
Transfer Method
How will you get into the handcycle? Some have higher seats for easier wheelchair-to-handcycle transfers. Attachable models skip this problem entirely since you stay in your wheelchair.
Transport
How will you get the handcycle to the trail? Standalone handcycles need a vehicle rack or trailer. Attachable models fold down smaller.
Funding in Canada
Handcycles may be funded through:
- Provincial assistive device programs (with OT justification letter)
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Workplace injury programs (WSIB, CNESST)
- Charitable grants: Rick Hansen Foundation, Canadian Tire Jumpstart, War Amps
- Private fundraising: GoFundMe campaigns for adaptive equipment are very successful
Shop Handcycles at FinalMedic
We carry 23+ handcycles and adaptive cycling products — attachable, sport, recreational, and electric-assist models. All with free shipping across Canada.
Not sure which handcycle fits your needs? Contact info@finalmedic.ca — we’ll help you find the right ride.