H5-Category Paralympics Handcycle

Jan. 2025 - Apr. 2025

Design Challenge

The project objective was to design a competitive, safe, and ergonomic H5-category handcycle for youth Paralympic athletes (ages 9–17) under Team Canada’s NC-Handcycling initiative. The design focused on optimizing comfort, efficiency, and accessibility for long-duration training while ensuring manufacturability within Canada.

Constraints and Restrictions

Safety: Must support high-speed stability and effective braking under competition loads.
Ergonomics: Frame and seat geometry adapted to accommodate young athletes’ reach and posture.
Manufacturability: All materials sourced and machined within Canada.
Performance: Lightweight yet rigid frame to minimize energy loss during propulsion.
Regulatory: Must comply with UCI and Paralympic H5 category standards.

Proposed Solution

The final design integrates a lightweight carbon frame, ergonomic seating, efficient transmission, and reliable braking to create a stable and energy-efficient H5-category handcycle for youth athletes.

Below are the subsystems I designed within our team of five — the frame, seat and handle assemblies that form the rider’s primary control and support interface. The brake components are included here to illustrate the full control assembly, though I did not design those parts myself.

Frame

Lightweight monocoque-style frame designed for high torsional stiffness and efficient power transfer. The front fork geometry was optimized for steering stability, while the rear arms were extended to reduce lateral flex during propulsion.

Seat

Custom-contoured seat designed for H5 athlete posture and long-duration comfort. Features dual thigh supports and a raised lumbar contour to maintain alignment and reduce shear stress during propulsion cycles.

Brake Lever Assembly

Compact brake lever mechanism designed for single-hand operation. The housing accommodates a return spring and pivot pin to ensure smooth, repeatable actuation with minimal hand fatigue.

Crank–Handle–Brake Lever Assembly

Full control assembly integrating the crank arm, carbon handle, and brake lever into one ergonomic unit. Designed for intuitive reach and seamless braking while maintaining propulsion rhythm; handle textured for grip and comfort under torque.

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