SteadyGuard

For wheelchair users, transferring in and out of a vehicle is one of the most physically demanding and injury-prone activities of daily life (Worobey et al.2020). The manoeuvre requires managing a lateral shift and height differential simultaneously while keeping the wheelchair stable, yet wheelchair brakes are designed for static use, not transfer dynamics, and notoriously unreliable. Contact between wheelchair and vehicle causes paint and sill damage. No existing product addressed both problems. The challenge was to solve them together in a single device, that would suit most car body types discreetly, while establishing a distinctive visual brand language.

Mounting to the door sill and engaging the wheelchair push rim automatically as the chair is positioned alongside, means no manual locking is required. Push rim engagement via balanced lead-ins means the device works with virtually every manual wheelchair. The compression moulded silicone form distributes contact forces evenly across the sill, protecting the vehicle through geometry and padding. The design is deliberately universal, a discreet and distinctive geometric shape that suits most car body types while establishing a strong visual brand language. The SteadyGuard is co-designed by a user with lived experience of the problem and professional industrial design expertise.

SteadyGuard aims to transform daily vehicle transfer for some 100,000 Australians who transfer from wheelchairs into standard vehicles. Users report reduced shoulder pain, less anxiety, and greater confidence. Testing found the device promotes more consistent transfer behaviour — the opposite of typical risk compensation. Vehicle damage seen within weeks of regular use is prevented entirely. Health economic analysis estimates a net saving of $7,288 per user over five years, with total benefit including quality of life improvement reaching $18,817. A small investment with significant return. Every sale will fund assistive technology research and development for the same population it serves.

Automatic Engagement. The wheelchair rolls in and is captured at the correct distance and orientation for transfer, with no manual locking, extra steps, or added cognitive load at a critical moment.Push Rim engagement. By engaging the push rim the device achieves compatibility across the manual wheelchair population without adjustment.Geometry-led load transfer. Structural loads are directed into the vehicle structure through thedevice’s geometry, so performance does not depend on padding alone.Secure Bond. The vehicle-facing surface conforms to door sill curvatures, distributing contact evenly and avoiding stress on paint. The weatherproof bond is ultra strong yet removable without damage.Compression moulded silicone form. With no moving parts, the device delivers stabilisation and paint protection entirely through geometry, leaving nothing to adjust or maintain.No Peltzman Effect. Independent user testing found no compensatory risk-taking; users transferred more consistently and carefully with the device.No deskilling. It assists frequent vehicle transfers, while users continue other complex transfers in more controlled environments.Dual Motivation by design. By combining safety with vehicle protection, the device overcomes optimism bias and aligns self-interest with safer behaviour.Vehicle Compatible. Designed for discreetness, it works across vehicle types while maintaining a clean, distinctive visual brand language.