What’s the Difference Between Racing Wheelchairs and Handcycles?
By Arielle Rausin
As both an Achilles employee and a former professional wheelchair racing athlete I often get asked, “What’s the difference between a racing wheelchair and a handcycle?” If you’re also curious, you have come to the right place!
Both handcycles and racing wheelchairs are pieces of adaptive equipment for athletes with disabilities. Both have three wheels and are propelled by an athlete using their upper body strength, but that is where the similarities end.
Achilles Freedom Team member crossing the finish line of a race on a handcycle.
What is a Handcycle?
A handcycle allows riders who may have lower limb mobility impairments, such as amputation or paralysis, to propel forward using their arms. A handcycle is similar to a bike. Both bikes and handcycles are wheeled devices that have gears that make it more efficient for an athlete to propel themselves. Athletes can travel faster speeds and longer distances for less exerted energy. There are many types of handcycles, including ones designed for use on pavement, off road cycles, and now even power assisted handcycles. When it comes to competition, handcycles are typically classified as cycling and are sanctioned to race at national and international cycling events. More information on handcycling events can be found on Team USA’s website here.
Many running events have opened registration to participants who use handcycles as well.
Achilles athletes in their racing wheelchairs on the track during their weekly practice.
What is a Racing Wheelchair?
A racing wheelchair is the adaptive parallel to running. There are no gears. The muscles in an athlete’s upper body are the only thing that propels them forward. Racing wheelchairs have a device on them called a compensator, that angles the front wheel specifically for the lanes of a track. Athletes that use racing wheelchairs compete in standard track distances like the 100 meter, 400 meter and 1500 meter race, but they can also be used for road races as well like 5ks, 10ks, and marathons. More information about wheelchair racing track events can be found on Move United’s website here.
Most Important...
Because the two pieces of adaptive equipment are so different, they are never combined competitively. In the Paralympics they are considered two completely different sports with different events, though many athletes try both sports for cross training or recreation.
Achilles International is proud to support both wheelchair racing and handcycling athletes as they build strong communities through physical activity and cross the finish lines of their dreams! Sign up for an Achilles NYC handcycle or racing wheelchair workout.
Arielle Rausin is Director, International Chapters at Achilles International.
