Handbikes

Handbikes for those who really ride. We believe that the only way to advance in handbike development is through intensive testing. Fortunately, this is incredibly fun.

E-MTB handbike Vektor

Vektor

Price upon request (according to configuration)

Vektor is our flagship model – a practical handbike with an auxiliary electric motor designed for all-day rides (not only) in rough terrain. This bike is the culmination of years of development and experience, and we are truly proud of it. It gives you a freedom that is rare for wheelchair users.

You are looking at a machine in its third generation of development, and we believe you will appreciate its value. The handbike has been rigorously tested across Europe, in mountains, forests, valleys, on hiking trails, mountain bike paths, and many places where a wheelchair has never ventured before – and perhaps never should. But we couldn’t resist, it was just too much fun!

Contact for information and orders: mikulas.hapka@ultina.cz

1 | Basic Concept

The basic design of the Vektor is a delta configuration (two wheels at the back, one in front) handbike with a fixed, welded frame made from our favorite aluminum alloy, EN AW 7020. Vektor features a Bafang auxiliary electric motor in the crank and a Rohloff transmission in the front wheel. All Vektor wheels are braked and have a 29” diameter for maximum grip and terrain capability. The large wheels smooth out most minor bumps, making the ride very comfortable. The rear suspension, with 150mm of travel and a Rock Shox Deluxe air shock, helps to reduce larger impacts to the back.

2 | Construction

The frame and fork of the Vektor are robust, welded from large, but thin-walled tubes for an excellent weight-to-strength ratio and reinforced with strategically placed gussets. You won’t have to worry about stones or impacts, as the handbike can withstand a lot.

The bike’s ground clearance and track width are a carefully chosen compromise between stability and maneuverability. We have also worked extensively on optimizing the fork geometry and minimizing the wheelbase, making the Vektor agile and effortless to steer.

The rear suspension is very comfortable thanks to a high pivot point and large wheels. It remains stable in tilts and corners while being structurally simple.

3 | Drive

The auxiliary motor is a powerful Bafang BBS02 with high torque and five levels of assistance. It draws energy from a large 17.5Ah battery. A second battery can be added for an additional cost. The motor transmits power to the low-maintenance German Rohloff gearbox with 14 finely stepped gears and an impressive 526% range. It also allows shifting to any gear while stationary – a feature you’ll appreciate when stopping on steep hills. With medium motor assistance, you can climb over 600 vertical meters on a single battery.

We aimed for optimal weight distribution of the rider across the handbike’s wheels, and the front wheel is well-loaded thanks to the short fork. You’ll be surprised by what the Vektor can climb, especially when combined with a rugged front tire.

4 | Durability

The footrests are enclosed to withstand impacts from obstacles without deformation, as they are the first point of contact. They are mounted with raised clamps for good foot clearance in rough terrain and offer a wide range of adjustments.

The rear wheels use standard 15×100 mm hub spacing and sturdy screw-on hardened steel axles of our own design.

The stiff cranks, also made in-house, are crafted from tubes with an extra-thick 3mm wall. The handlebar bearings are inside the cranks, allowing for a greater variety of grip thicknesses with wraps. The handlebar axles are made of 10 mm stainless steel bolts, ensuring they don’t bend easily when the bike falls on its side. They are also very easy to replace if needed.

5 | Practical Solutions and Details

For mounting and transport, the Vektor has an integrated locking pin that completely prevents the fork from rotating. A simple parking brake helps when getting in or stopping on a slope. Protective springs and combined routing prevent unpleasant bending and breaking of hoses and cables. Up to two bottle holders can be mounted on the seat back, and there’s a mounting point for a flag on the backrest.

We make no compromises with the components of the Vektor, even in the basic version. The rims are from the Swiss company DT Swiss, spoked with Sapim spokes, and rotate on Novatec hubs. The Vektor brakes with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes on all three wheels. The used components are standard and widely available, making them easy to repair or replace at any bike service shop.

6 | Textiles and Colors

All textiles on the Vektor are made in-house. Strong and soft straps secure the ankles, knees, and waist, keeping you well-seated even in rough terrain. The seat cushion is washable, and the backrest is breathable, with multi-layer memory foam sandwiches inside for comfort. Knee protectors with padded covers prevent chafing from the inside.

The Vektor can be painted in any color from the RAL color chart, in either matte or gloss. Individual parts of the handbike can be painted in different colors.

7 | User-Friendliness

The seat on the handbike can be clamped into many positions. Together with adjustable footrests, this means anyone from 165 to 200 cm tall can ride the Vektor comfortably. The sitting position is upright for good visibility, practicality, and, most importantly, to maintain the rider’s ability to balance the handbike.

By agreement, we can adapt our basic Vektor model to very specific customer requirements, such as those for a quadriplegic, for an additional cost.

8 | Additional Information

Basic Component Specifications:

Motor: Bafang BBS02
Battery: Samsung 35E 17.5Ah / 48V
Gearbox: Rohloff 14-speed
Shock: Fox Float DPS Performance, 210 x 55 mm
Front brake: Shimano BR-MT520, Rohloff 203 mm rotor
Rear brakes: Shimano Deore M6100 calipers + Tektro Auriga Twin lever, Formula 160 mm rotors
Front rim: DT Swiss 533D, 32h, 29”
Rear rims: DT Swiss 533D, 32h, 29”
Rear hubs: Novatec D041SB, 15 x 100 mm
Front tire: Maxxis Aggressor, EXO, TR, 29” x 2.3”
Rear tires: Maxxis Crossmark II, EXO, TR, 29” x 2.25”
Weight: 42.7 kg (with one battery)

A second battery can be installed for an additional cost of 800 €. Other non-standard modifications to the basic model are charged at a flat 10% surcharge on the base price plus the cost of the modifications themselves.

Contact for information and orders: mikulas.hapka@ultina.cz

Other handbikes

Skalar

Price upon request (according to configuration)

The Skalar is a lightweight and durable gravel bike designed for sportive riding using your own power on paved surfaces and in moderate terrain. You’ll love long trips into the unknown, quick rides after work or cycling with the family on the Skalar. The handbike uses many of the technologies from our Vektor and is equipped with a 12-speed Shimano shift kit and all-wheel brakes.

Contact for information and orders: mikulas.hapka@ultina.cz