At Efteling, we want every guest to feel welcome and really enjoy a worry-free day. Even if you're using a prosthesis or another support. That's why we're proud to have helped develop the SafeStrap: an innovative solution that helps visitors with a prosthetic leg visit attractions safely and comfortably.

The SafeStrap stops a prosthetic leg from coming loose during a ride on a floorless attraction, where your legs can dangle freely. From now on, adults and kids who use the SafeStrap can visit Baron 1898, the free fall ride Hooghmoed, and the two Whirligig rides at Anton Pieckplein. Later this year, they can also test their courage on the new ride Ravenring.

Visitors with a prosthetic leg can go to the special entrances for visitors with disabilities. An employee will help you put on the SafeStrap. After that, you can go on the ride. When you're done, just hand the SafeStrap back in. There's an adult size and a child size SafeStrap. Of course, you can also use your own SafeStrap. Before every ride, an employee will check if the SafeStrap is fitted safely and properly.

The idea for the SafeStrap started with an email from Iris van Wijk, a children's rehabilitation doctor at De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation in Utrecht. She told Efteling about the experience of one of her patients. This girl, Veerle, was only allowed to ride Baron 1898 if she took off her prosthetic leg, because of safety rules. This experience led Efteling to look for a solution together with several partners. That's how a project group started with Efteling, TÜV NORD Netherlands, De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation and De Hoogstraat Orthopedic Technology, TU Delft, the KorterMaarKrachtig advocacy group, and Edge Safety, a supplier of fall protection equipment.

India Hoekman, a Biomedical Engineering student at TU Delft, finally developed a solution so both kids and adults with a prosthetic leg can safely enjoy the rides. After several tests and studies, the SafeStrap was created. When TÜV NORD Netherlands gave their approval, production started at Edge Safety in Middelburg. India explains: “From the very beginning, we worked together with prosthesis users, healthcare professionals and Efteling to develop a solution that is both safe and practical for users and theme parks. I find it incredibly special that the product I designed as part of my graduation research is now actually being used.”

As a huge roller coaster fan, Veerle is delighted that she can now experience Baron 1898 too: “Thanks to the Safestrap, we can ride the roller coaster with our leg prosthesis on, without any hassle, and I’m very proud of that.”

Starting October 1, the SafeStrap will be available at Efteling. In the future, this solution could also be used at other theme parks in the Netherlands and abroad.