Abstract: A rack-driven seated handcycle is a semi-recumbent style two, three, or four wheeled human powered cycle that uses a linearly designed toothed rack with teeth located on the topside and bottom side of the rack, and a gear that meshes with the top teeth and a gear that meshes with the bottom teeth, at least one ratchet mechanism, and a chain coupling the upper and lower gears with the drive wheel which may be located in front or back of the rider. The rider pushes and pulls the “handlebars” forward and rearward to pull the rack back and forth in relation to the pinions above and below the toothed rack to drive chain(s) to propel the cycle forward. Each forward and each rearward stroke may constitute a power stroke to propel the cycle. A plurality of gear speeds is able to independently select a lever ratio for each of the forward and the rearward strokes.

Abstract: A rack-driven seated handcycle is a semi-recumbent style two, three, or four wheeled human powered cycle that uses a linearly designed toothed rack with teeth located on the topside and bottom side of the rack, and a gear that meshes with the top teeth and a gear that meshes with the bottom teeth, at least one ratchet mechanism, and a chain coupling the upper and lower gears with the drive wheel which may be located in front or back of the rider. The rider pushes and pulls the “handlebars” forward and rearward to pull the rack back and forth in relation to the pinions above and below the toothed rack to drive chain(s) to propel the cycle forward. Each forward and each rearward stroke may constitute a power stroke to propel the cycle. A plurality of gear speeds is able to in select a lever ratio for each of the forward and the rearward strokes.