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Hand cycle built by GM

Chevrolet and students from Michigan Technological University have teamed up to build some prototype hand cycles, designed to allow wounded veterans to compete in racing events.

Three-wheel hand cycles have proven useful for amputee or other seriously injured athletes in the past, as the design allows for them to lean forwards while pedaling with their hands. This new cycle, designed by MTU engineering students, has been built to be stronger, more comfortable and more portable than existing hand cycles. In fact, during the design process, students and their Chevy engineer mentors spent time with wounded vets to better understand their cycling needs. The result was a design that incorporated high-strength steel alloys as well as improved, more comfortable restraints.

General Motors CEO Dan Akerson announced that the automaker plans to build ten of the prototype cycles, all to be used in marathons next year by the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans. The project cycle made its debut at the yearly Army-Navy football game this past weekend, on a special vehicle display and during an on-field first-quarter appearance. Read on for the full GM press release, or scroll down to see a short video about the build.

Continue reading GM builds prototype handcycles for wounded vets [w/video]

GM builds prototype handcycles for wounded vets [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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