Technological and Biomechanical Advances in Handcycling: A Multidisciplinary Perspective on Inclusive Sport Engineering

This article provides a multidisciplinary perspective on the evolution of the handbike, detailing its historical, biomechanical, and technological dimensions. Beginning with its origins in the 17th century as a mobility aid, the paper traces the rise of competitive handcycling and athlete profiles, highlighting the physical, technical, and psychological requirements of the discipline. It describes the main handbike types (upright, recumbent, off-road) and key biomechanical parameters (crank axis position, crank length, grip angle, propulsion strategies) that influence performance. A dedicated focus is given to "Cerberus," the Politecnico di Torino’s record-breaking handbike prototype: a fully faired recumbent handcycle developed through athlete 3D scanning, CFD simulations, and on-road testing, achieving an exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.0325. Cerberus reached 83.28 km/h at the 2024 World Human Powered Speed Challenge, surpassing the previous world record. The article demonstrates how the integration of engineering, biomechanical research, and parasport can drive performance, safety, and inclusivity – reshaping the boundaries of human mobility