A Michigan man is transforming discarded bicycle parts into affordable prosthetic legs, aiming to make a significant impact on the lives of amputees globally. Named “Project Bike Leg,” the initiative founded by Ben Hogan is garnering attention for its innovative approach to prosthetics, which utilises over 95% repurposed bike components.
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Hogan’s inspiration for the project can be traced back to an unexpected meeting. While working at a bike shop in Los Angeles in 2011, he encountered an amputee who shared his experience and showed Hogan his prosthesis. This moment sparked a realisation for Hogan about the similarities between bicycles and prosthetic devices. Following further training and observation of prosthetists at UCLA, he was convinced that he could contribute meaningfully to this field.
Statistics from the World Health Organization highlight a pressing issue; approximately 85-90% of amputees around the globe lack access to proper prosthetic limbs. Recognising this troubling reality, Hogan was motivated to create a solution that was both effective and cost-efficient. He stated, “A bike, after all, is a tool used to enhance human locomotion. The inherent design would allow for an adjustable, lightweight, structurally sound and functional prosthesis.”
His journey in developing the first model, a below-the-knee prosthetic, began in 2013. However, Hogan decided to pause the project, feeling he needed to hone his skills further before revisiting the design. After gaining experience through his work at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, he felt prepared to pursue Project Bike Leg in earnest during the summer of 2024.
With a decade of prosthetic knowledge behind him, Hogan created an enhanced design for a below-the-knee prosthetic leg. In 2025, he expanded the project by devising an above-the-knee model. He then sought an opportunity to share his innovations on a wider scale. A meeting with a physician in Ghana led him to travel to the country to teach prosthetic students the process of building and fitting the bike-legged prosthetics.
During his recent nine-day trip to Ghana, Hogan and the students successfully completed two fully functional prosthetics. Reflecting on the experience, he expressed excitement about the potential for local clinicians to utilise and adapt the bike leg designs for their communities. “This was a phenomenal experience that I will never forget, and I cannot wait to see what the local clinicians might do with the bike legs moving forward,” he commented.
In a conversation about the initiative with InvestigateTV, Hogan made it clear that he has no intention of profiting from his designs. “I don’t have any intention of financially benefiting from it or patenting these designs,” he explained. His goal is to ensure that the blueprints for creating these prosthetics are accessible to all, regardless of location.
“I want them to be available to all parties all over the world,” he added. This philosophy reflects his belief that his work should serve a greater purpose, as he quoted his sister: “Your career should be your greatest gift to the world.” For Hogan, Project Bike Leg represents a culmination of his skills and a meaningful gift that has the potential to improve countless lives.
As the initiative gains traction, Hogan’s innovative approach to creating functional prosthetics from bike components has started a conversation about sustainability in the medical field. By repurposing local resources and sharing knowledge, he hopes to empower communities globally, fostering a movement towards greater accessibility for those in need of mobility aids. Project Bike Leg stands as a testament to how collective creativity and compassion can lead to significant advancements in healthcare technology.