handcycle

or hand cy·cle

[ hand-sahy-kuhl ]

noun

1. a cycle, usually having three wheels, propelled by pushing pedals with the arms rather than the legs, especially one used by people who have impaired mobility.

verb (used without object)

1. to travel or race using a handcycle.

Word History and Origins

Origin of handcycle¹

First recorded in 1880–85; hand ( def ) + cycle ( def )

Example Sentences

They bought him a special handcycle so that he could get out of the house and start to live again in the Cumbrian Hills.

From BBC

The Royal British Legion funded adaptions to his home and also provided a handcycle for him to get outdoors.

From BBC

A handcycle has three wheels and riders use the strength of their upper limbs to operate the chainset.

From BBC

Mr. Traum went on to race in more than 70 marathons, at first on his artificial leg and later by cranking a handcycle, a low, three-wheeled bike powered by his arms.

From New York Times

At 78, Mr. Traum was the oldest New Yorker in the 2019 Boston Marathon, his 74th marathon, which he entered using a handcycle.

From New York Times