Have you ever heard about the hand bike machine? Those with lower-level disabilities use these. They are pretty popular these days as they have proven to be gentle and comfortable enough for those recovering from plantar fasciitis injuries. And because the strength is not focused on your lower extremities, plantar fasciitis and other foot ailments can greatly benefit users.
If you are looking to invest in low-impact equipment to help with heel pain relief, the hand bike machine comes highly recommended. There’s currently a trend among able-bodied and those with disabilities who have turned to hand bikes to improve their cardiovascular health, increase upper-body strength, compete and ride with friends and family.
These handcycles provide a great low-impact workout that can significantly benefit your recovery from heel pain. As you can imagine, with a hand bike machine, the impact on your feet is reduced considerably compared to other exercise equipment you may have at home; this means despite your painful foot condition, you can stay on top of your cardiovascular workout.
If you think a hand bike machine is for you but have no idea where to start, what to look for, what your budget should be, or what other users think, you have come to the right place. With many models in the market is natural to feel a bit overwhelmed, but do not panic. Below we have shared some of the best-rated hand bike machines and where you can find them.
Hand Bike Machine Reviewed In This Guide
- Best Overall Hand Bike Machine: Indoor Exercise Machine Bike for Arms, Legs
- Best Seller on Amazon Hand Bike Machine: Foot Cycle Arm & Leg Pedal Exerciser with LCD Screen
- Best Affordable Hand Bike Machine: Hand Cycle Portable Peddler
- Best Electronic DisplayHand Bike Machine: VIVIJASON Pedal Exerciser – Bike Hand
- Best for Seniors Hand Bike Machine: Pedal Exercise Bike for Total Body
How To Choose The Perfect Hand Bike Machine?
The hand bike machine is a self-powered, three-wheeled vehicle propelled by specially designed hand cranks. Before buying one, you must ask yourself if it is a good match for you?
For that, remember that a hand bike machine serves people with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, stroke, spina bifida, amputations, cerebral palsy, or any condition that limits the use of their legs.
When in the market for a handcycle, there are a few critical criteria you must consider to make a smart investment. You want to remember things like materials, durability, size, seats, steering mechanism, and wheelbase. You want to keep in mind characteristics like independence and mobility.
A good quality hand bike machine is compact, portable, and allows you to work out your upper efficiently. Additionally, you need to consider if you want the recreational or competitive type.
There are several recreational handcycles, including handcycles for children, cross trainers, off-road handcycles, upright, and recumbent. They are appropriate for beginners and can accommodate many physical abilities.
Competitive handcycles have lightweight, aerodynamically designed frames made of carbon fiber or aluminum and feature reclined seat positions. They roll on premium wheels and have high-performance components put together to win races.
Lastly, when choosing a handcycle, you must also analyze its safety features and how easy or difficult it will be to use.
Types Of Hand Bike Machine
Recreational Hand Bike Machine
The recreational hand bike is designed for casual use on roads and typically has an upright seating position. Most recreational handcycles have the same tricycle layout as the Top End Force G, with two rear wheels and one driven front wheel. However, there are exceptions.
The Varna Marathoner, for example, has a two-wheel design with a driven front wheel. And the Hand Magnum by Greenspeed is a tricycle with two front wheels and one driven rear wheel.
Competitive Hand Bike Machine
These handcycles are designed with competition in mind. As a result, you will see increased speeds through aerodynamic frame designs, reclined seat positions, and very lightweight frame materials.
The carbon fiber material is the go-to choice for elite handcycle racers, but many companies also offer aluminum options at a cheaper price.
Attachable Hand Bike Machine
It offers a way for riders to enjoy cycling without getting in and out of their wheelchair. The attachable hand bike mounts onto the front of your wheelchair, giving you a layout with one driven front wheel.
Options can range from hand crank pedals, power assist options, and full power with a throttle-driven electric motor system. You will find yourself traveling greater distances with less effort, increasing your muscle strength, and enjoying the freedom of cycling.
Off Road Handcycle
Designed for cyclists who like to take the road less traveled, off-road handcycles have rugged tires that can handle challenging terrain. There is lots of variety when it comes to off-road hand trikes.
Many models feature an upright adjustable seating position and have two rear wheels with one driven front wheel.
Quadriplegic Hand Bike Machine
Just as they sound, these handcycles are designed for quadriplegics’ looking to cycle. Hand pedals and a bike-on brake are the centerpieces of these designs. Other features include a combination of electronic shifting, component design, and power assist where needed.
Pediatric Handcycle
This category covers a wide variety of hand bikes for children. This type of hand bike machine is intended for general pediatric use. Others are designed for more specific purposes.
Some models feature a fixed gear mechanism and are for early intervention. And others are designed for both children and adults who have Spina Bifida.
Hand Bike Machine List
1. Indoor Exercise Hand Bike Machine
Pros
- Physical Therapy
- LCD Display
- Calorie Counter
Cons
- Plastic
Simply place the machine on the floor or under your desk and cycle to work leg muscles and burn calories.
The pedaling bike can also be placed on a tabletop to stimulate circulation and tone arm muscles. Non-slip foot pads and secure straps add stability and prevent sliding.
Advanced electronic LCD allows users to view time, distance, calories, count, and total count. This exerciser has a large, easy-to-read screen alternates automatically through a sophisticated scan feature.
What Our Testers Say
We bought this unit for our friend who had a stroke…she uses it for arm rehab..we set it on a table and made her do 6 mins just like her o.t and p.therapist. It was very economical, easy to put together(it took about 4 mins), and easy for our friend recovering from the stroke to use whenever she feels. It’s an excellent unit for rehab.
The low-tension setting is perfect for rehabilitative purposes or switching to a higher intensity for strength training and toning muscles.
Tips
The adjustable resistance dial is marked + or – to change appropriately quickly.
2. Pedal Exerciser Hand Bike Machine
Pros
- Arm & Leg Pedal
- LCD Screen Displays
- Belt
Cons
- Battery Powered
- Pedals Keep Falling Off
AGM pedal exercises can be used for arms and legs to improve muscle strength, joint range of motion, and coordination. You can use it on the tabletop as an arm exerciser or placed on the floor to your legs exerciser while sitting.
What Our Testers Say
I bought this for my mom after her knee replacement surgery, and it works excellently; you can adjust the resistance as needed.
The hand bike machine has comfortable non-slip foot pedal exerciser bike pedal straps that keep your feet fixed and ensure stability. The adjustable foot straps are flexible to accommodate users of different sizes to meet different requirements.
Easily adjust the resistance level with the tension knob to meet your needs. This mini exercise bike is excellent for beginners and perfect for elderly exercise.
Tips
The foot straps on the pedals of our mini bikes can be adjusted. There are two small holes beside the foot straps. You can install the bottom two small holes if you want to be looser.
3. Portable Peddler Hand Bike Machine
Pros
- Foldable Design
- Safe & Non-Slip
- Adjustable Workout Intensity
- LCD Display
Cons
- It slips
The hand bike machine can be used for arms and legs exercises to improve muscle strength, joint range of motion, and coordination. You can use it on the tabletop as an arm exerciser or placed on the floor to your legs exerciser while sitting.
The folding pedal exerciser is easy to assemble and fold for storage; this compact and portable desk pedal exerciser can be fitted under a desk or similar space, perfect for exercising in the office or home.
What Our Testers Say
I love the pedal exerciser! It was easy to assemble, and it works great! I purchased it because my physical therapist had me use one but only once or twice weekly. I’m home-bound and use it daily to improve muscle strength in my legs. I’ve made a lot of progress and increased the tension quite a few times after just three weeks. I no longer need to use a walker or cane. Using the exerciser is also helping to improve my upper body muscles and strength. It’s one of the best investments I’ve ever made!
The resistance level on this handcycle can be adjusted with the tension knob to meet your needs. This sitting bike peddler is a great choice for beginners and perfect for elderly exercise.
Tips
At the bottom of the front display panel, insert a screwdriver in the center; the display panel will pop up, and the battery is on the backside of it.
4. VIVIJASON Hand Bike Machine
Pros
- Full Body Workout
- LCD Digital Monitor
- Adjustable Height
Cons
- Doesn’t Fold For Storage
With this VIVIJASON bike pedal exerciser, you can exercise your arms, legs, and knees while chatting or watching TV.
Daily exercise can improve joint flexibility, accelerate limb function recovery, increase muscle strength, reduce paralysis, and improve blood circulation. This little gadget makes a good present for the elderly.
What Our Testers Say
Lightweight, easy to use, and easy to carry from one place to another. Easy to put together. Reasonably priced. Love it.
Compact exercise bike used for leg and arm exercise used any carpet or hard floor surfaces, quiet and smooth. High strength steel structure provides high bearing capacity; intimate anti-slip pedal design with exquisite anti-off rings, anti-skid, and anti-off.
Providing gentle, low-impact exercise for muscle toning and helps improve circulation
Tips
The height has an adjustable mechanism; it lets you exercise with Seven different height levels from chair, sofa, and bedside so that you can adjust the size of the hand & rocker according to your height.
5. Adjustable Exerciser Hand Bike Machine
Pros
- Adjustable Design
- Lightweight
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Not Sturdy Enough
- Awkward Foot Pedal
This exercise hand bike machine is compactly designed and has a sturdy carbon steel construction with rubber pedals and slip-resistant feet that are stable, reinforcing security. The base of the exerciser is conveniently outfitted with four anti-slip rubber, an anti-skid mat, and an extra strap.
The adjustable foot band can flexibly adapt to users’ feet of different sizes to meet different needs. Just slide your feet in and go! It’s a great cardio workout for the upper and lower body.
With this hand bike machine pedal exerciser, you can exercise both your arms, legs, and knees while chatting or watching TV.
What Our Testers Say
My physical therapist recommended getting this machine to help me rehabilitate from an accident. She has the same machine herself; it was so convenient and easy to use. I love the fact that it’s much easier and lighter than a standard exercise bicycle, and I like the fact that there is tension adjustment for the pedals and the hands.
Daily exercise can improve joint flexibility, accelerate limb function recovery, increase muscle strength, reduce paralysis, and improve blood circulation. This little gadget makes a good present for the elderly.
Tips
Before using the product, please ensure that all screws, nuts, knobs, frames, and brackets have been fixed. Recommend wearing gloves when assembling.
Hand Bike Machine Buying Guide
What Is A Hand Bike Machine?
An arm bike or arm cycle is a stationary exercise machine. It is also known as an arm ergometer or an upper body ergometer, UBE. Some large machines have attached seats, adjustable heights, and variable resistances.
Then we have the hand bike machine or handcycle, which is a type of human-powered land vehicle powered by the arms rather than the legs, as on a bicycle. Most handcycles are tricycle in form, with two coasting rear wheels and one steerable powered front wheel.
Despite usually having three wheels, they are also known as handbikes.
How Does A Handcycle Work?
With a hand bike, you do what is known as hand cycling; this exercise provides the maximum cardio fitness benefits, resulting in better health, increased mental stimulus, and a better frame of mind.
Many people in chairs benefit from this sport to increase body strength by exercising most upper body muscle groups.
Handcycles allow people of all abilities to reap the social and health benefits of cycling. And because there are so many different styles of hand bikes and trikes available, you can choose one that suits your type of riding.
A Handcycle is powered by the arms and upper body rather than the legs. They’re more efficient than wheelchairs in the same way that bicycles are more efficient than pedal-less balance bikes: they’re geared and amplify your effort.
Features To Look For In A Handcycle
Wheelbase
The hand bike machine with shorter wheelbases is lighter, and the steering is more responsive. Since the rider sits higher over the front wheel, it might be too tall for users with shorter legs.
With a long wheelbase, the rider sits between the wheels, which makes riding more accessible for shorter people. The steering is not as sensitive, making it more comfortable for a beginner.
Steering Mechanism
Under-seat steering doesn’t use handlebars, while over-seat steering is similar to a traditional bicycle.
Seats
With several available designs, seat options include shape, size, and degree of lean. Since riders have different needs, there is no one-size-fits-all best option. Whatever provides the most comfortable support for you is the best choice for a seat.
Easy To Use
Pull your wheelchair up to the handcycle, lift your body with one hand on the chair and the other on the handcycle, then transfer your weight from your wheelchair to the handcycle seat. Strap your feet securely into the foot pedals and, if necessary, secure your legs with a hook-and-loop strap.
Safety Considerations
Equip your handcycle with a safety flag, wear your helmet and any protective equipment, be familiar with the area where you’re riding, make sure you have a cell phone if you need to call for assistance, and if you’re going on a long ride journey with others.
Common Questions About an arm bike
Is the arm bike a good workout?
Arm bikes are great cardio when you want to protect your knees. You don’t have to skip a cardio workout just because your legs feel like lead or your knees are creaking. The arm bike, also called an upper-body ergometer, gets your heart pumping while giving your legs a rest.
How many calories does a hand bike machine burn?
Hand cycling burns calories at a rate of approximately nine to 13 calories per minute. When you create a calorie deficit, you increase fat loss.
Is the Handcycle good for weight loss?
Research also suggests that spinning is just as effective for improving your physical fitness and changing your body compared with regular bicycle riding. Handcycle. If you cannot use a traditional stationary bike, a handcycle might be just the ticket for some calorie-burning aerobic exercise.
Enjoy Your New Hand Bike Machine
You do not need to be disabled to enjoy the benefits of a fun hand bike machine; however, if you have experienced plantar fasciitis symptoms which can make you feel like one, a hand bike machine is an even better choice for you.
With a hand bike machine, the impact on your feet is significantly reduced, and you can still get your workout done.
We hope that going through our top five rated options has inspired you to search for a handcycle. Feel free to send your messages with questions, suggestions, or comments you may have!
