Pedal extensions for one-legged bikers

Question

I have tried the classical plastic pedal extensions as in the picture. I have tried riding with one foot, but it was a little bit hard pulling up. I was wondering if anyone knows of an extension for a one-off legged person riding a bike. I thought the following would work:

Any ideas?

Also, there would have to be a mechanism for ensuring the biker did not have a bad fall in case the bike became unbalanced and the biker fell on the side the biker had no leg. How would you prevent this? Would you just attach small-child-like accessory wheels on only one side as follows?

Maybe the back supporting wheels might be enough, otherwise the biker could not turn the front wheel.

Maybe some sort of mechanical spring plus other components would be needed attached to the front supporting wheel, sort of as follows, although the picture is not a good one:

How would you do it?

Does something like that exist?

Thanks.

Criggie · Accepted Answer

There are many ways to approach this problem.  The WORST thing you can do is not involve the rider in the decision making process.

If the rider is comfortable riding, perhaps all you need is a regular bike with a toe clip (as pictured) or a clipless MTB shoe with a cleat underneat, and a matching pedal.   SPD would be the most commonly known style.

There's no need to remove the other-side crank although that is a good theft deterrent.  In fact it may help to add a little weight to the empty pedal.

A little wheel on the off side is likely to hook on things or cause more problems than it solves.

More spendy options exist too -

Tricycle  Solving the balance problem by adding a big third wheel instead of little kids one.

Handcycle  These are powered totally by the rider's arms, not by the feet (foot)  This one is probably a tricycle, but the theory works the same for a 2 wheeled bike.

Here's a handcycle built onto a wheelchair - its possible to remove the front part and return it to normal wheelchair mode.

Prosthetic Depending on how much of the leg is missing, its possible to have a strapon leg that rides like normal.  Above-knee amputee's comments or this guy who rode the Haute Route with one leg and one arm

Nate W · Answer

As far as the pedal platform goes there are similar things available to what you have doodled.

Criggie's answer covers everything pretty well.

Mark Pokras · Answer

I've been a one legged cyclist for 41 years (lost leg to cancer). I ride a British trike (from eBay) like the yellow one pictured above, there are also trike adapters to make standard bikes into trikes (contact Geoff at Trykit website), that are less expensive. You may need a bike shop to help you put the adapter on properly and help you build the wheels. I use a classic metal toe clip & strap on my one pedal and can pull up just fine, I do NOT like the pedals I've tried that clip more firmly to the bike shoe...I've needed to get my foot out in a hurry on several occasions. Make sure to get the right gearing on your bike, you only have half the power production of someone w 2 legs, so granny gears can be very helpful AND there are some hills you'll just have to avoid. Have put a great many miles on and love riding. Just make sure to do it safely -- use good helmet, bright clothing, rearview mirror, lights, anything to make you more visible to the cars on the road. Best of luck!

Answered by Mark Pokras on May 12, 2021

Pedal extensions for one-legged bikers

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