Project description
An extra push and pull for wheelchairs
Assistive technology has come a long way in the last few years, greatly improving the quality of life of disabled people. Wheelchairs have become lighter, stronger and more durable with many types to suit every need. The EU-funded STRINGHANDBIKE project is developing an innovative attachment for the manual wheelchair. Combining mobility with therapeutic qualities, an extra wheel is connected to a front wheel adapter fitted to the wheelchair. The handlebar propels the bike by pushing and pulling it with a natural rowing motion. Long or short movements of the arms can roll the handbike. The project plans to commercialise their product Stringhandbike directly, targeting disabled communities.
Objective
Stringbike Ltd. is presenting a truly innovative, patented wheelchair attachment, which will revolutionise the user experience,
and the life quality of millions disabled people. Our solution combines mobility with therapeutic qualities, and fun!
The concept is based on 4 pillars: Innovative Technology, Social Sensitivity, a Business Opportunity, and a TEAM to deliver.
On the basis of our strong international patent portfolio, we developed a string driven accessory attached to manual wheelchairs.
The product, Stringhandbike, offers significantly improved therapeutic and recreational opportunity for disabled people.
In Europe ~1,5 million people use manual wheelchairs. The worldwide potential for us is €50M/year.
There are numerous solutions, but none can compete with Stringhandbike’s maneuverability, ease of use, comfort, adjustability and therapeutic opportunities, as validated with 150 wheelchair users. The market opportunity of Stringhandbike is proven by receiving clear preference over other solutions.
Users are willing to pay about one month’s income for Stringhandbike, thus the planned €1700 retail price is very competitive.
Our commercialization plan is based on a direct, demonstrative selling approach, requiring a direct sales force through local disabled communities of target countries.
Our team has the key skillset: leadership, disabled community, finance, distribution, technology, manufacturing, and a diverse ownership structure, including management.
We have strong financial commitment from our owners, securing the necessary co-financing for our Phase-2 proposal.
Since the Seal of Excellence Certificate in 2017, we sold our first test units in Hungary, UK, Denmark and Australia, verified the corporate sponsorship model, tested with Budapest Public Bikesharing System.
We launched the Austrian market survey in close cooperation with ÖZIV, the leading disabled organization and we have found our main distribution partner, Maierhofer Gmbh. in Klagenfurt.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
SME-2 - SME instrument phase 2Coordinator
3561 Felsozsolca
Hungary
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.