Handcycles: An inclusive cycling guide for disabled riders

What are Handcycles?

Handcycles are a type of adaptive cycle powered by the rider’s arms rather than their legs. This can make cycling more accessible to people with a wide range of physical disabilities, mobility impairments or lower-limb limitations. 

Handcycles come in several designs, from recreational options to performance models, and are used for everything from gentle exercise and rehabilitation to long-distance touring and para-sport.

Types of handcycles

Handcycles vary in riding position, handling and intended use. Some are designed for relaxed rides on shared paths, while others are built for speed, distance or rougher terrain.

Recreational handcycles

Recreational handcycles are built for comfort, stability and ease of use, ideal for people who want to enjoy cycling for leisure, confidence and everyday wellbeing.

Typical features

• Comfortable seat with supportive positioning
• Steady handling and practical gearing for flatter routes
• Often compatible with gentle cycle paths and traffic-free routes

Good for

• First-time handcycle riders
• Shorter, regular rides
• Building fitness at your own pace

Touring handcycles

Touring handcycles are designed for longer distances and repeated use, with durability and comfort as priorities.

Typical features

• More efficient drivetrain and wider gear range for varied terrain
• Mounting points for bags and accessories
• Fit and ergonomics designed to reduce strain over time

Good for

• Longer leisure rides and day trips
• Route variety (including hills, with the right gearing)
• Riders who want to build up to distance goals

Sport or racing handcycles

Sport and racing handcycles are built to be light, aerodynamic and fast, often used in competitive para-cycling.

Typical features

• Lightweight frames and efficient power transfer
• More aggressive riding position
• Components designed for speed and responsiveness

Good for

• Club riding and competition
• Training goals and performance riding
• Experienced riders who already know what setup works for them

Off-road handcycles

Off-road handcycles are designed for rougher surfaces such as forest tracks, gravel and trails.

Typical features

• Chunkier tyres and suspension (depending on model)
• Stronger frames and stability for uneven ground
• Handling designed for lower-speed technical riding

Good for

• Accessible adventures beyond tarmac
• Riders who enjoy trails, parks and woodland routes
• People who want variety in terrain and scenery

Hybrid wheelchair-handcycle attachments

Some handcycles are attachments that connect to a wheelchair, allowing the wheelchair user to ride using hand-powered cranks.

Typical features

• Detachable front unit that converts a wheelchair into a hand-powered cycle
• Can be practical for multi-stage journeys (ride, detach, continue as a wheelchair user)
• Set-up and compatibility vary, so support and assessment are important

Good for

• Wheelchair users who want flexible independence
• Short trips and everyday mobility (depending on local infrastructure)
• People who need a set-up that transitions between riding and access needs

Who are handcycles for?

Handcycles can work well for many people searching for hand cycles for disabled riders or wheelchair handcycles, including:

• People with paraplegia or lower-limb paralysis, where arm power enables cycling
• Wheelchair users, including those using wheelchair-attachment handcycles
• People with limb difference or reduced lower-limb function, where pedalling is difficult or not possible
• People managing pain, fatigue or weakness that makes leg-powered cycling hard to sustain
• People recovering from illness or injury, where a supported return to activity is important

The right handcycle depends on posture, shoulder health, trunk stability, grip and reach, and on where you want to ride.

Benefits of using a handcycle

For many riders, the benefits go beyond fitness. Handcycling can support:

• Independence and freedom — riding under your own power on routes you choose
• Confidence and wellbeing — especially when cycling has felt inaccessible before
• Cardiovascular fitness and strength — using upper-body movement in a controlled, repeatable way
• Rehabilitation and active recovery — where appropriate and supported by a professional
• Social connection — riding with family, friends or groups

Because handcycling uses shoulders, arms and core, comfort and fit matter. The goal is enjoyable, sustainable riding, not pushing through pain.

Choosing the right handcycle

If you’re comparing handcycles (or searching for hand powered cycles), these are the most useful things to consider:

• Riding position and support
  • Reclined vs more upright set-up
  • Seat support and adjustability (backrest, trunk support if needed)
  • Reach to cranks and steering controls
• Drivetrain and gearing
  • Range of gears for your local terrain
  • Smooth shifting you can manage easily
  • Efficient rolling for the surfaces you’ll use most
• Steering and braking
  • Brake lever access and feel (important for grip strength)
  • Easy-to-control steering, especially at lower speeds
  • Parking brake can be helpful for transfers and stopping safely
• Comfort and injury prevention
  • Shoulder-friendly crank position and ergonomics
  • Grip options and hand protection
  • Fit advice to reduce repetitive strain (particularly for longer rides)
• Practicalities
  • Storage space at home (handcycles can be long/wide)
  • Transport options (car, rack, trailer)
  • Maintenance and servicing support locally

If you can, try a few options. A short test ride can tell you more than any spec sheet.

Where to try or buy handcycles

Many people find the best first step is trying handcycling in a supportive environment.

• Inclusive cycling centres and community programmes
  These often offer a range of handcycles and trained support to help you find a suitable set-up and build confidence.
• Specialist adaptive cycle retailers
  Look for assessment-led suppliers who can advise on fit, seating, controls and long-term maintenance.
• Try-before-you-buy and loan schemes
  Loan periods can help you understand what works on your routes, at your pace, over time.

Try handcycling through the Inclusive Cycling Experience

Cycling UK’s Inclusive Cycling Experience can help people try a range of adapted cycles, including handcycles, with guidance in a welcoming setting. It’s a great way to explore different designs, understand what features help you feel comfortable and in control, and take the next step towards longer-term cycling.