Cadence prosthetic and pedal for amputee cyclists

Cadence prosthetic limb and pedal for cyclistsThe US winner of the James Dyson Awards has been announced. Cadence, by Art Center College of Design student Seth Astle, is a prosthetic limb and pedal system that makes cycling more accessible for below-the-knee amputees. It offers a full range of motion, and better efficiency than traditional prosthetic limbs. The Cadence prosthetic “has an elastomeric band that collects energy while riding, giving the cyclist added muscle strength.  As the foot rotates, kinetic energy snaps the foot and leg back up and around to the top.  By combining the pedal and prosthetic, the cyclists can clip into the pedal, allowing more control and ease of use.”

The split toe design allows the rider to see where he or she need to clip into the pedal, and the special pedal design allows the rider to unclip with a back pedal motion.  Without the muscles in the lower leg, a traditional pivot release pedal system is very difficult for amputees.

As the US winner Seth will receive $1,400 and move on to the international final, announced in November. His design will also be featured in a display at the London Olympics next summer.

Cadence prosthetic limb and pedal for cyclistsFor more information about cycling with a prosthetic leg, check out Amputee in Action (based here in Greenville, SC). The site points out that, according to the Amputee Coalition of America, “there are approximately 1.7 million people living with limb loss” and “one out of every 200 people in the U.S. has had an amputation.” If a product like Seth’s can help a percentage of those people to experience the joy of cycling, it is certainly worthwhile.


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12 responses to “Cadence prosthetic and pedal for amputee cyclists”

  1. Ross Nicholson Avatar

    MIT should grab this guy for their prosthetics lab! Great thinking!

  2. […] For more information about cycling with a prosthetic leg, check out Amputee in Action (based here in Greenville, SC). The site points out that, according to the Amputee Coalition of America, “there are approximately 1.7 million people living with limb loss” and “one out of every 200 people in the U.S. has had an amputation.” If a product like Seth’s can help a percentage of those people to experience the joy of cycling, it is certainly worthwhile. via bicycledesign.net […]

  3. D. Avatar
    D.

    Kind of creepy to post a photoshopped picture of T. Martin.

  4. Kennedy C. Fawcett Avatar
    Kennedy C. Fawcett

    Where can I obtain such a bicycle Prosthesis?

    1. Aaron Dunford Avatar

      Depending on where you are in the world, I would love to try and help. Please let me know if you are interested.

  5. […] Inspired Prosthetic Leg. Some are award-winning designs already in at least limited use like the Cadence Prosthetic Leg for cyclists and Tillmann Beuscher’s affordable leg for victims of landmines. Others are pure […]

  6. Aaron Dunford Avatar

    This design inspired me to build a similar prosthetic for a client of mine. Here is a link to some photos. For more info please feel free to contact me through my web site, http://www.fusionpeak.com.au http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.168560919941554.35908.100003629401511&type=1

  7. Lisa Andrews Avatar
    Lisa Andrews

    Is the Cadence available for purchase? I am in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

  8. steve strassen Avatar
    steve strassen

    is there an affordable pedal for amputees apparently there is a weight limit on the locking pin type for below amputees so i a little upset as love the pin sort but now as my weight gain im stuck with a cover so the leg starts to slip. any ideas?? i cant afford the maglock as a ridiculous price.

  9. Richard Avatar
    Richard

    Is there any where in the UK where I can get hold of one of these.

  10. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    I have a disabled vet friend who bikes everywhere. Are these available through prosthetic stores?

  11. Amy Hernandez Avatar
    Amy Hernandez

    My husband is a below the knee amputee and have been told on more than one occasion he will never ride a bicycle again. Sadly, we thought this would be the one thing he could enjoy. How do I find out the cost or can do additional research? I love this work and am so glad someone recognized this gap for so many people.

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