Organically shaped carbon fiber and design references to cheetahs and other athletic animals tend to be associated with high-involvement mobility products such as bikes and cars. The unique selling points typically featured for a rollator are very different, and include weight, ergonomics, brake function and more. Until now, design has never been a selling point in this product category, leaving people with an appreciation for aesthetics a limited choice when their mobility is challenged and mobility aids become essential for them to have an active and social life.

“When the doctor told my husband that he had to use a rollator when walking for improved balance, he lost some of his spirit. He became introverted, stayed at home most of the time and I was starting to worry about him! A friend of ours suggested that he got one of the nice-looking rollators from byACRE, and finally he started to lighten up again”, says Elsebeth from Denmark.

byACRE is a Danish company with a mission to produce anti-stigmatizing mobility aids by combining functionality with aesthetics. Their Carbon Ultralight rollator has just received the honorable Red Dot Design Award, thereby confirming that mobility aids are finally recognized as objects of style and design.

When people reach that point in life where they have to accept that assistive aids have become an essential part of their day, their perception of themselves is challenged. “Mobility aids should match the user’s self-image. Many mobility aids look clinical and institutional, which users don’t recognize in themselves. This results in the users not wanting to use them”, as stated in the Danish OT magazine in March 2018. Many people take months and even years to accept this change, and the consequences are less social and physical activity, which can lead to loneliness and deteriorating health.

“Winning this award is a big step in our mission to eliminate the stigma around using mobility aids. Our identity and wish to keep up an image doesn’t fade away when our mobility is challenged. We’ve experienced first hand how design can increase the quality of life of our users and that is truly rewarding in itself”, says CEO of byACRE, Anders Berggreen.

The rollator has been well-received by users worldwide who appreciate how the design of the Carbon Ultralight gives them their independence and active life back. The light weight of the rollator makes it ideal for both small and big adventures and the stylish appearance fits with their self-image.