New safety strap enables worry-free roller coaster rides for people with leg prostheses

People with leg prostheses can now ride roller coasters without removing them, thanks to SafeStrap, launched today by Efteling, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation and Orthopaedic Technology. During the launch at Efteling, several people with leg prostheses boarded Baron 1898 while wearing both their prosthesis and SafeStrap. A moment that shows what ultimately matters: enabling people with a leg prosthesis to take part and enjoy a day at an amusement park.

Prosthesis user and presenter Sophie-Anne Onland spoke with the people behind SafeStrap about how the safety strap was developed and what this innovation means for people with prostheses. “I’m here because I strongly support initiatives like SafeStrap,” she explained “This innovation shows what can be achieved when prosthesis users are involved in developing a solution from the very beginning”

Safety strap resolves dilemma for people with leg prostheses

For people with leg prosthesis, riding a roller coaster where their legs hang freely meant facing a difficult choice: remove their prosthesis beforehand or skip the ride altogether. If a prosthesis is worn during the ride, there is a risk of it coming loose. This could compromise the safety of both the prosthesis user and other visitors, which is something that needs to be avoided.

Veerle faced this dilemma too. As a keen roller coaster enthusiast, she wanted to ride Baron 1898 while wearing her leg prosthesis. Her wish set something in motion. Her rehabilitation physician, Iris van Wijk of De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, joined forces with patient association KorterMaarKrachtig to discuss the issue with Efteling and Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). As part of her graduation project at TU Delft, India Hoekman then developed a safe and innovative solution: SafeStrap. “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 amusement parks. I find it incredibly special that the product I designed as part of my final-year project is actually being used now.” says India Hoekman.

The safety strap keeps the leg prosthesis securely in place during the ride. Following several development and testing phases, practical trials at Efteling and a safety assessment process, SafeStrap is now ready for use. Veerle is delighted: “Now I can finally ride Baron 1898 with my friends without any hassle.”

Now available worldwide

Following its launch at Efteling, the SafeStrap is now available worldwide to prosthetic users and theme parks. Parks wishing to use the SafeStrap must, in consultation with their own regulatory body, obtain approval for its use on each individual ride. From 1^st October, Efteling will be the first amusement park to introduce SafeStrap at four attractions: the swing rides, dive coaster Baron 1898, the Hooghmoed free-fall towers and, from December, the new Ravenring attraction.

SafeStrap was developed through a collaboration between Efteling, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation and Orthopaedic Technology, patient association KorterMaarKrachtig, Edge Safety, certification body TÜV NORD Netherlands and people with lived experience. Edge Safety is responsible for the production and sale of SafeStrap.