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.
![](https://filelist.tudelft.nl/3mE/Organisatie/Afdelingen/BmechE/DBL/Ziggy.jpeg)
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
- Lucy Bennett (TUD & Ziggy-Mobility)
- Job Sesink (TUD & Ziggy-Mobility)
- Nicole van den Dries-Luitwieler (Stichting In Actie & Rjindam Revalidatie)
- Bram Sterke (Erasmus MC)
- Michel Verkaik (1Voudig Revalidatie & adaptatietechniek)
- Agaath Sluijter (Erasmus MC & Rijndam Revalidatie)
- Robert Pangalila (Erasmus MC)
- Heike Vallery (TU Delft & Erasmus MC)