## Chapter XVII HANDCYCLE 

## Definition 

16.17.001 A handcycle is either an arm powered (AP), arm-trunk powered (ATP) or kneeling position (HK), three wheels vehicle with an open frame of tubular construction, which conforms to the general principles of UCI construction for bicycles, except that the chassis frame tubes need not be straight and that for the seat or backrest construction, the maximum frame tube diameter may exceed the maximum defined by the general principles of UCI. 

The single wheel may be of a different diameter to the double wheels. The front wheel, shall be steerable; the single wheel, at the front, shall be driven through a system comprising handgrips and a chain. 

The handcycle shall be propelled solely, through a chainset and conventional cycle drive train, of crank arms, chainwheels, chain and gears, with handgrips replacing foot pedals. It shall be propelled from the hands, arms and upper body mainly. 

(text modified on 01.02.09; 01.07.10; 01.02.17) 

16.17.002 In the recumbent position, the athlete must have a clear vision. As such, the horizontal of his eye line must be above the crank housing/crank set, when he is sitting with his hands on the handlebars facing forward at full extent, the tip of his shoulder blades in contact with the backrest and his head in contact with the headrest, when applicable. A quick release body harness is permitted. 

The measurement will be made as follows; from the position described above, the distance will be measured from the ground to the centre of the eyes of the athlete seated and compared to the distance between the ground and the middle of the crank housing / crank set. The distance from the eyes to the ground needs to be at least equal or greater than the distance of the middle of the crank housing to the ground. 

(text modified on 01.01.04; 01.02.09) 

16.17.003 For the individual road race, the recumbent handcycle must have a mirror fixed either to the helmet of the athlete or at any point of the front of the bicycle in order to ensure rear view vision. 

(text modified on 01.02.09; 01.02.11) 

16.17.004 In the kneeling position, the athlete’s legs and feet must be supported and protected from the ground surface. 

(article introduced on 01.02.09) 

