SafeStrap Enables Roller Coaster Rides with a Leg Prosthesis
Presented at Efteling: “SafeStrap” is now available worldwide to prosthesis users and amusement parks. | Photo: Courtesy of Efteling
(eap) Riding a roller coaster with a leg prosthesis without having to remove it beforehand is now possible thanks to the new “SafeStrap”. The safety strap for leg prostheses was jointly developed by theme park Efteling, Delft University of Technology and the Dutch rehabilitation and orthopaedic centre, De Hoogstraat and was officially presented yesterday.
During the presentation, several prosthesis users experienced the “Baron 1898” dive coaster while wearing their prosthesis secured with the SafeStrap. | Photo: Courtesy of Efteling
For people with leg prosthesis, riding roller coasters and other attractions where the legs hang freely has often involved a difficult decision: removing the prosthesis before the ride or foregoing the attraction altogether. If a prosthesis is worn during the ride, there is a risk that it could become detached, potentially endangering both the wearer and other guests.
Veerle, herself a keen roller coaster fan, faced the same problem when she wanted to experience Efteling’s “Baron 1898” roller coaster while wearing her leg prosthesis. Her wish prompted the development of a new solution. Her rehabilitation physician, Iris van Wijk from De Hoogstraat Revalidatie, together with patient association KorterMaarKrachtig, contacted Efteling and TU Delft.
As part of her graduation project at the university, student India Hoekman subsequently developed the SafeStrap. “From the outset, 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 very special that the product I designed as part of my graduation project is now actually being put into use,” said Hoekman. “When developing the SafeStrap, it was important that the solution should not only be safe for prosthesis users, but also practical for amusement parks to use. I find it very special that the SafeStrap can now actually be used in practice.”
Prosthesis user and presenter Sophie-Anne Onland spoke with the people behind SafeStrap about the development of the SafeStrap and what the innovation means for prosthesis users. | Photo: Courtesy of Efteling
Following several development and testing phases, practical trials at Efteling and an inspection process carried out by TÜV Nord Nederland, the SafeStrap is now ready for use and available worldwide to amusement parks and prosthesis users. Parks wishing to use the system must have its application approved for each individual attraction in cooperation with their respective inspection body.
From 1 October, Efteling will become the first theme park to use the SafeStrap itself on four attractions: the chain carousels, dive coaster “Baron 1898” and the “Hooghmoed” drop towers, as well as the new “Ravenring” attraction from December. The Dutch company Edge Safety is responsible for the production and distribution of the SafeStrap.
In many other areas, too, Efteling is setting a positive example when it comes to providing its guests with an experience that is as inclusive and accessible as possible. Read more about accessibility at European theme parks in EAP issue 3/2025. ■
