Abstract
A handcycle (handbike) is an arm powered three-wheel-vehicle for disabled people. Most of the handbikes are for road-use only. Characteristics for these handbikes are the flat aerodynamic position of the rider and the big turning radius. Another problem of conventional handbikes with one front wheel is traction, because most of the weight is on the two non-driven rear wheels.Analog to “normal” cycles, special handbikes for offroad-use do exist. A typical property of these offroad-handbikes is, that it is impossible to crank and control simultaneously. A purpose of this work was, to develop a new adjustable concept with two steerable front wheels and a powered rear wheel which allows to crank and to control with both arms simultaneously.Furthermore with the adjustable handbike chassis it is possible to investigate and optimize different riding characteristics like the trail, the steering ratio, the seating position, the position of the drivetrain and traction.The concept enables to deduce several types of handcycles, a high-end race handbike is also possible than a “standard” low cost version for occasionally use.A future work will be the realisation of a full customized race mountain handbike with minimized weight. To reach the minimum weight level, carbon fibre reinforced plastics will be used.
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