Our Fleet of Adaptive Bikes and Handcycles

Our adaptive bikes and handcycles are selected to offer cycling options for people with spinal cord injuries and similar disabilities, along with the latest modifications like electric assist, grip aids, calf supports, braking systems and straps.

Posted on March 28, 2024
by Lydia Wood

The Dunkster – Freedom Ryder E-1 (Handcycle)

A sporty road and recreational handcycle made by one of the original handcycle builders, Freedom Ryder with some one of a kind modifications courtesy of Tetra Society engineers.

Named for its original owner, the Quadfather and inventor of quad rugby, Duncan Campbell, and chosen for a quad-friendly, stable and independent ride. Tetra created a height-adjustable seat that offers easy transfers to this lower handcycle. This handcycle uses popular U-grips for quads with enough hand function who can operate a hand brake and gearshift, but can also be used with comfort grip handles for those with more hand function. This bike has a 500w BionX electric assist.

More about this handcycle from Freedom Ryder. This ride is supported by the BC Rehab Foundation.

The Red Shark – Quickie Shark Handcycle

This 21 speed handcycle is a popular choice for those looking for speed or distance for fun or competition, and popular with handcycling die-hards. It has a lightweight frame and is unusually adjustable, with a comfortable ergonomic seat. If you want to try out a handbike built for speed, this “bike with bite” is a great option. Excellent for taller riders. (Note: this handcycle does not have electric assist.)

More about this handcycle from Sunrise Medical. This ride is supported by the BC Rehab Foundation.

Invacare/Top End Force 3

Force 3 is Top End’s entry-level competitive handcycle flies on the road or smooth tracks, and has enough gears to take over grass and trails as well. See how fast your arms will take you in one of the most popular handcycles available.

With a firm, wrap around frame and up to 30 speeds you are set for wherever you want to ride. This bike has a 9″ transfer height and is set up for riders with good trunk control and full hand function.

Learn more about this handcycle at Invacare.

JEDD Handcycle

JEDD is a local star in Vancouver, designed by the legendary Ed Bell to be an easy, affordable handcycle for recreation and road riding. This is a 9 speed handcycle with an internal gear hub and coaster brakes. The “parking brake” and gear selector are within easy reach below the cranks. This bike has a nice high seat height for easier transfers and unlike most other “delta” style handcycles, has a smaller turning radius and easier turning regardless of how long your legs are! Best of all, the rear wheels are quick release for easy transport. This handcycle is easiest for people with some reasonable sitting balance, and ideal for someone who wants to transfer independently.

For more information on purchasing a JEDD handcycle, check out National Seating and Mobility (Vancouver). This ride was donated through the support of Chairstuff.

Top End Excelerator XLT (Handcycle)

This handcycle has a somewhat recumbent seat position and is great for recreational street riding and touring. It has an intermediate seat hight (not as low as many road handcycles), is very stable for riders with less abdominal control. The XLT rides faster than the Top End Excelerator, but may not work for very tall riders.

We’ve kitted out this bike in our fleet to be ideal for riders with poor grip or wrist function. Quad riders on this bike can use any of our grip assist modifications such as QuadGrips, ActiveHands or C5-Grips and still operate the brakes.

Learn more about this handcycle at Invacare.

Hand Magnum (Handcycle)

This recumbent tadpole-shaped handcycle has a fold away crank boom, which enables an easier transfer from your wheelchair. This handcycle is suitable for a variety of riders, but is quad-approved with a higher seat height for transfers, quad-friendly U-shaped crank grips, and electric assist motor.

Learn more from Greenspeed.

Sunseeker Eco TAD (Recumbent Trike)

This is a recumbent, foot-powered trike best suited for riders with adequate hip and knee function, such as ambulatory SCI or MS. This bike has a 250 Watt electric pedal assist mid-drive motor but can be ridden without.

Modifications available: Hase Special Pedal flexible calf supports, HP Velotechnik Toe clamp and heel strap pedals.

Learn more from Sunseeker. This ride was donated by ChairStuff and Cambie Cycles.

Top End Excelerator (Handcycle)

This upright trike is designed for the beginner recreational handcyclist. It’s best suited for riders needing a level transfer from a wheechair, higher visibility on the road, riders with long legs or leg/joint flexibility issues.

Learn more about this handcycle at Invacare. This ride was donated by ChairStuff and Cambie Cycles.

Baja Trike

The electric Baja Trike is a three wheeled bike with fat beach cruiser wheels. It has a low step frame and adjustable seat height making it easy to get on and off of. This seven-speed trike gives you the feel of a two-wheeled but provides balance and stability for riders. This trike has an ENVO drive electric assist.

Adaptive Cycling Modifications

After-market modifications make adaptive cycling more comfortable, safe and accessible for riders.

Quadgrips

A quad-designed grip assist that allows the rider to use the forearm and wrist to propel the handcycle cranks. QuadGrips provide you the ability to push and pull hard. These grip aids are used on handcycles with coaster brakes like our XLT, Excelerator or JEDD.

C-5 Grips

These grips were designed with C5 quadriplegics in mind by quad handcyclist Charlie Croteau and Bob Hicks for Bike-On. They are comfortable grips that are mounted on a quick release attachment so no weird angles or contortions to get them on and you can remove your hand from the crank to shift gears or scratch your nose! These are made with rollerblade wrist guards and well padded as well. Ours are medium and fit a palm circumference of 8-9”.

Active Hands

These general purpose gripping aids developed by English engineer and quadriplegic Rob Smith also work on handcycles! These are better for riders who have some wrist stability but poor finger/hand grip. These can also support ambulatory quads if you need support holding your hand to the brake/gearshift on our recumbent foot pedal trike. These grip aids are used on handcycles with coaster brakes like our XLT, Excelerator or JEDD.

Hase Special Pedals with Calf Support

Hase (hawz) flexible pedal clamp and calf support for riders with leg and ankle weakness who are using foot-pedal recumbent bikes. The strap allows you to set the amount of flexibility allowable but still works for those using foot and ankle braces.

This equipment was supported by the BC Rehab Foundation.

HP Velotechnik toe clamp and heel strap pedal

An alternative pedal to keep your feet easily secured to the pedals on our Sunseeker Recumbent foot-pedal trike, and easy to release with one hand.  Great for riders who can’t easily keep their foot balanced on the pedal.

Other Info

SCI BC Adaptive Cycling Program

Head over to our Adaptive Cycling Program webpage for upcoming events in the Metro Vancouver area. If you're new to adaptive cycling, attend one of our Adaptive Biking Clinics (ABC+) and find out which style of bike is best for you. If you have your own bike, attend one of our BYOB Group Rides to connect with other cyclists and explore trails.

Get Our Newsletter

Want the latest news about events, blogs, research and more? Sign up for our monthly newsletters to receive updates directly to your inbox!

Related Posts

Synchronized Stimulation
Open loop electrical stimulation has already shown promise as a treatment to improve neurogenic bowel for people with SCI. Researchers at Texas A&M University are hoping for even better results and close-to-normal bowel function via closed loop stimulation.
Share This
Ask the Spin Doctor: Cervical Screening
Dr. Lily Proctor discusses pap tests and cervix self-screening kits.
Share This
Ask the Spin Doctor: Contractures
GF Strong physiotherapist Amrit Dhaliwal discusses contractures, a common complication of SCI.
Share This
The Full Spectrum
How one SCI BC peer’s accidental foray into entrepreneurship is helping advance accessibility consulting.
Share This
Spinal Cord Injury BC