Handcycle
A handcycle is a human-powered vehicle propelled by hand cranks, often used for sport or by people with limited use of their legs.
Also known as: hand-crank bicycle
How big is it?
2 m · defined overall length
Also 6.562 ft
Defined overall length · defined specimen
Typical recorded range: 1.8 m to 2.2 m.
A little perspective
Handcycle vs Elkhorn coral colony: length comparison
The overall length of a handcycle is approximately equal to the colony width of an elkhorn coral colony.
A handcycle is a human-powered vehicle propelled by hand cranks, often used for sport or by people with limited use of their legs.
An elkhorn coral colony is a branching formation of the coral species Acropora palmata, found in shallow Caribbean reefs.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Handcycle
Defined overall length: 2 m; defined specimen; range 1.8 m–2.2 m.
A defined recumbent handcycle 2.0 m long, 15 kg unladen and travelling at 5 m/s. Racing, touring and wheelchair-attachment designs differ substantially.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked defined overall length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Elkhorn coral colony
Defined colony width: 2 m; defined specimen; range 1 m–3.5 m.
A defined mature elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) colony 2 m wide and 1.2 m high. Branch growth and breakage produce irregular colonies; the basal reef substrate is excluded from both spans.
NOAA Fisheries — Elkhorn coral
The marked defined colony width is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 2 m
We compare the overall length of a handcycle. This is an illustrative comparison value, not a claim that every example is the same. The recorded range is 1.8 m to 2.2 m.
A defined recumbent handcycle 2.0 m long, 15 kg unladen and travelling at 5 m/s. Racing, touring and wheelchair-attachment designs differ substantially.
The marked horizontal span follows the measured feature, not the edges of the image. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 m | 1.8 m to 2.2 m | defined specimen | |
| 15 kg | 11 kg to 20 kg | defined specimen | |
| 5 m/s | 3 m/s to 8 m/s | defined specimen |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueVehicles and transportBicycle1.8 mLengthA bicycle is a human-powered vehicle with two wheels, pedals, and handlebars for steering.
Around the same scaleVehicles and transportRecumbent bicycle2 mDefined overall lengthA recumbent bicycle is a cycle where the rider sits in a reclined position with legs forward, offering ergonomic support.
Nearest higher valueVehicles and transportCycle rickshaw2.5 mDefined overall lengthA cycle rickshaw is a pedal-powered vehicle used to carry passengers, with a seat for riders behind the driver.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
TransportRecumbent bicycle2 mA recumbent bicycle is a cycle where the rider sits in a reclined position with legs forward, offering ergonomic support.TransportCycle rickshaw2.5 mA cycle rickshaw is a pedal-powered vehicle used to carry passengers, with a seat for riders behind the driver.
Living thingsElkhorn coral colony2 mAn elkhorn coral colony is a branching formation of the coral species Acropora palmata, found in shallow Caribbean reefs.
SpaceExplorer 12.03 mExplorer 1 was the first satellite launched by the United States, carrying scientific instruments to study Earth's radiation environment.
PeopleAdult in a spacesuit1.9 mAn adult in a spacesuit is a person wearing a pressurised suit and life-support system for survival outside Earth's atmosphere.
SportBasketball backboard1.8 mA basketball backboard is a flat, rigid board mounted behind the hoop to provide a surface for rebounding and scoring.
Everyday thingsDouble bed1.9 mA double bed is a wider bed designed to accommodate two people.
TransportPedal-powered rail trolley2.4 mA pedal-powered rail trolley is a lightweight vehicle propelled by pedalling, designed to travel along railway tracks for recreation or transport.