The SafeStrap, a device that holds a prosthesis securely in place so roller coaster riders don’t have to remove their prostheses or risk them coming loose, was recently launched at Efteling amusement park in the Netherlands.
The device, designed by India Hoekman, a student at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), was developed through a collaboration between Efteling, 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.
“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,” said Hoekman. “I find it incredibly special that the product I designed as part of my final-year project is actually being used now.”
Following several development and testing phases, practical trials at Efteling, and a safety assessment process, SafeStrap is available to prosthesis users and theme parks, following approval from their regulatory bodies.
