Prosthetic Specialist Built Low-Cost Bicycle-Part Legs
A Grand Rapids expert is sharing open-source designs to help amputees access affordable mobility devices.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Special Needs
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Ben Hogan, a prosthetist at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, has developed functional artificial legs using repurposed bicycle parts. These devices aim to help the 90% of people worldwide who lack access to conventional prosthetics.
Why it matters
Conventional prosthetic limbs can cost tens of thousands of dollars, placing them out of reach for most people globally. By providing free, accessible designs, this initiative offers a practical alternative for those without traditional medical coverage.
These prosthetic devices cost a fraction of conventional limbs that reach prices in the tens of thousands of dollars. Two amputees in Ghana have already received the specialized legs through local training programs.
The players
Ben Hogan
A prosthetist at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital who specializes in developing accessible, low-cost mobility solutions.
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
A Grand Rapids-based institution focused on rehabilitative medicine and providing specialized patient care.
The details
The devices are constructed from recycled bicycle steel and cables, featuring a rocker-bottom sole lined with durable tire treads. Patients wear a breathable, woven socket at the top that connects the residual limb to the frame. Hogan has committed to an open-source model, opting not to file for a patent to ensure the designs remain available to anyone who needs them.
Timeline
Friday, October 9, 2026: Ben Hogan discussed the project on Jesse Weber Live.
The Home Front
This project aligns with the growing open-source medical device movement, which seeks to democratize access to essential health technology. It offers a stark departure from the typical high-cost, proprietary model of commercial orthopedic equipment.
Families interested in the designs or the educational initiative can review the assembly instructions through the official online portal. These plans are intended for those seeking accessible alternatives to traditional, high-cost prosthetic hardware.
The takeaway
This project highlights how simple, repurposed materials can bridge major gaps in global healthcare access. Readers interested in the designs can visit the project website to learn more about the construction process.
Further reading
Find more resources for local families navigating mobility challenges at Special Needs.
More information
View the schematics and project details at the Project Bike Leg online designs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NewsNation.
Live Poll
Should low-cost, improvised medical devices be more widely used to address global healthcare shortages?
