Abstract: An exercise cycle is propelled by a stair-stepping action of the driver's legs, with the feet placed on a pair of front-hinged footboards located along opposite sides of the vehicle. A novel cable and chain drive system delivers driving torque to the rear wheel assembly to propel the vehicle forward in response to the driver's weight being applied via the legs and feet to depress the footboards alternately: the driving mechanism is located in a lower forward portion of the cycle so as to keep the mechanism below the rear wheel height and thus provide a low profile.