Side-by-side wheelchair

[A joint project with Rjindam, Erasmus MC, Stichting In Actie, and 1Voudig.]

Ziggy – the simple wheelchair accessory which allows for complex interactions

Conventionally, when pushing a wheelchair you stand directly behind the person in the chair. Not only does this make seeing and hearing each other difficult, it also feels unnatural – why can’t you stroll side-by-side like you would two able-bodied people?

Steering in the Right Direction

Project Ziggy has found a way of making side-by-side strolling possible. Ziggy, a wheelchair accessory comprising of a simple pushing handle and a modified castor utilises cant angle to steer the wheelchair. With this technology, which is similar to leaning a bike over to make a turn, any wheelchair can be pushed from the side as simply and effectively as from behind.

Ipsen Revalidatie Jaarprijs 2021 Winner

Recognised by the jury as ‘leuk en innovatief; praktisch, simpel en makkelijk toepasbaar. [Fun and innovative; practical, simple and easy to apply.]’, Ziggy was awarded the prestigious prize by the Nederlandse Vereniging van Revalidatieartsen (VRA), along with prize money of 20.000 euro. This money was used to build a fleet of Ziggys to travel the Netherlands, reaching users.

 

More information

Read this TU Delft story by Fien Bosman

If you are interested in receiving updates on project Ziggy or in a demo, please visit the website of the start-up company ziggy-mobility.

Team