Let’s head outside – rediscover mobility
The days are getting longer, the sun is tempting us outdoors - and with that comes a growing desire for physical activity, nature, and shared experiences. For many people, this means more than just leisure time: it’s about freedom, quality of life, and genuine participation. Especially in the field of inclusive mobility, there have been tremendous advancements in recent years. Behind many of these innovations are family-owned businesses that create solutions based on their own experiences - by those affected, for those affected.
A pioneering spirit from the Black Forest
For over 30 years, STRICKER has been synonymous with true pioneering work. In the late 1980s, their pre-tensioned pulling aids transformed wheelchairs into tricycles, and this innovation set the standard for the entire rehabilitation industry. Now in its second generation, the family-owned company continues to consistently push the boundaries of innovative development. Europe’s oldest handbike manufacturer develops solutions by people with disabilities for people with disabilities, significantly expanding the range of motion for active wheelchair users.
The chainless “Smart Free” drive is the family-owned company’s latest pioneering achievement and will soon go into production: “This will be the next big thing in our small industry,” says Managing Director Timo Stricker with confidence. Eliminating the chain makes the front end foldable, saves space, and offers greater comfort and flexibility - the innovative drive is compact, low-maintenance, and clean. A generator converts the energy generated while riding the handbike and feeds it into a battery. “This will also help us win over active wheelchair users who have previously been wary of having the gears and chainring at head height and the maintenance involved.”
Peter Skerra tests the Smart Free chainless drive. Photo: STRICKER
Unlimited adventure on four wheels
At the Bavarian manufacturer TRETZEUG, technology meets passion - and real-life stories. Managing directors Carsten Hage and Markus Pohl, along with their team, develop off-road vehicles not only for customers, but often in collaboration with them. Testing and customization to meet customer needs take place where it counts: on the company’s own sledding hill, in the nearby moor, or on challenging trails.
These off-road hand bikes and quads are designed for challenging terrain, including sand and snow. Photo: TRETZEUG
These off-road handbikes and quads open up new horizons for sports enthusiasts with disabilities who love tackling challenges in the great outdoors. Whether navigating slopes steeper than 40% or riding through snow or sand, the powerful all-wheel drive ensures off-road capability, while the four wheels provide stability and prevent tipping.
Family bikes are the company’s second main focus, combining athletic activity with everyday life: Pohl uses the Majokl folding quad from his own workshop to take his daughter to forest kindergarten or run errands. “The greatest reward is seeing our customers’ tears of joy when they realize what is possible again,” he says, describing his team’s motivation, and looks forward to REHAB 2027 to introduce his mobility solutions to a wider audience.
Enjoying outings together—even with limited mobility
BamBuk’s innovative e-trike tandems make exactly that possible. They combine a safe riding experience with newfound freedom and create opportunities for carefree shared adventures.
The southern German company follows its guiding principle of enabling mobility as a shared experience and delivers mass-produced e-trike tandems worldwide that feature technical sophistication and high comfort, each individually tailored to the user’s needs: The upright seating position, full suspension, and a patented 2-meter transport solution turn a three-wheeled tandem with a centrally positioned electric motor into a stable and comfortable e-trike tandem that guarantees relaxed outdoor tours for couples and seniors. BamBuk stands not only for innovative technology, but above all for community. An active community of users regularly shares experiences, meets at events, and collaboratively develops new ideas.
The E-Trike tandems offer a safe riding experience. Ideal for carefree adventures together. Photo: BamBuk
“Our customers have become friends,” says Katja Maulbetsch of BamBuk. “We want to encourage people to stay active and not miss out on shared outdoor experiences.”
Customized features, thoughtful details, and flexible transport solutions make their tandems true companions in everyday life - and a symbol of inclusion in action.
At REHAB 2027, the diversity of possibilities will be on full display. Modern mobility is far more than just technology: when innovation meets passion and a sense of community emerges, outdoor activities become accessible to everyone - and that’s exactly what inspires people to set out on their own adventures.