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 and, at the time of writing, is currently patent pending. 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 will money will be used to build a fleet of Ziggys to travel the Netherlands, reaching patients and users. If you or your organisation are interested in being involved in demos, don’t hesitate to get in contact via this form.

More information
Read this TU Delft story by Fien Bosman
If you are interested in receiving updates on project Ziggy or receiving a demo, please fill out our form. We hope to start to offer demos in summer 2022.
Team
- Lucy Bennett (Erasmus MC)
- 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)