Dutch theme park Efteling has proved a useful testing ground for new equipment which could enhance experiences for guests with additional accessibility requirements.
Theme park guests with leg prostheses have long faced a difficult choice when approaching a roller coaster. For years, standard procedure has required riders to either remove their prosthetic limb before boarding or avoid the attraction entirely. This protocol exists because an unsecured prosthesis could come loose mid-air, creating a safety hazard for both the user and other visitors. Now, a collaborative engineering project originating in the Netherlands has produced a targeted hardware solution designed to keep riders secure without requiring them to detach their prostheses.
The new device, named SafeStrap, officially launched today at the Dutch theme park Efteling. During the launch event, a group of guests successfully boarded the Baron 1898 dive coaster while wearing both their leg prostheses and the new safety strap. The strap functions by keeping the leg prosthesis securely in place throughout the dynamic movements of the ride, ensuring compliance with strict safety regulations while improving accessibility.
A collaborative engineering solution
The initiative began with Veerle, a roller coaster enthusiast who expressed a clear desire to ride Baron 1898 with her friends without the hassle of removing her leg prosthesis. Her request prompted her rehabilitation physician, Iris van Wijk of De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, to reach out to the patient association KorterMaarKrachtig. Together, they initiated discussions with Efteling and the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) to find a practical mechanical answer.
The engineering challenge was taken on by India Hoekman, who developed the SafeStrap as part of her graduation project at TU Delft.
“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,” says Hoekman. “I find it incredibly special that the product I designed as part of my final-year project is actually being used now.”
The collaborative process ensured the final product met the specific requirements of those who would rely on it. Presenter and prosthesis user Sophie-Anne Onland, who attended the launch, spoke with the creators about the device’s development and impact.
“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.”
For Veerle, the result is straightforward but highly effective. “Now I can finally ride Baron 1898 with my friends without any hassle,” she noted.
Global availability and park rollout
Following multiple phases of development, physical testing at Efteling, and a comprehensive safety assessment process by the certification body TÜV NORD Netherlands, the product is fully ready for operational use.
Edge Safety has assumed responsibility for the ongoing production and commercial sale of the device. As a result of the successful launch at Efteling, the strap is now available worldwide to both individual prosthesis users and other theme parks across the attractions industry. Parks that purchase the system must work in consultation with their own regional regulatory bodies to secure approval for its use on each individual ride.
Efteling will be the first amusement park in the world to formally integrate the system into its daily operations. From 1 October, the park will introduce the strap at four of its major attractions. These include the swing rides, the Baron 1898 dive coaster, and the Hooghmoed free-fall towers. The system will also be implemented on the new Ravenring attraction when it opens to the public in December.
As one of Europe’s largest theme parks, attracting roughly five million visitors annually, Efteling’s adoption of the system represents a substantial step in ride accessibility. The park continues to expand its year-round offerings while prioritising inclusive guest experiences.
The project was supported by a wide coalition including Efteling, TU Delft, De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation and Orthopaedic Technology, KorterMaarKrachtig, Edge Safety, TÜV NORD Netherlands, and people with lived experience of wearing prostheses.
