Accessible pushchair for wheelchair users designed using self-lubricated plain bearings

(See igus at MachineBuilding.Live, 14 October 2026, on stand 180)

The Accessible Pushchair was developed in response to a challenge identified directly by wheelchair users: the lack of suitable pushchairs that can be safely and easily used while operating a wheelchair.

Traditional pushchairs are not designed with wheelchair users in mind, often making it difficult to travel independently with a child. Existing alternatives can compromise manoeuvrability, safety or practicality, limiting parents' ability to confidently carry out everyday activities.

Working closely with parents and carers throughout the development process, Designability created a pushchair that securely attaches to a wheelchair, enabling users to move independently with their child while maintaining control and confidence.

While the benefits to families are clear, achieving the required levels of safety, durability and ease of use presented several engineering challenges.

The role of igus plain bearings

A critical aspect of the design was selecting components capable of delivering smooth, reliable performance in demanding outdoor environments. The pushchair needed to remain lightweight and easy to manoeuvre while standing up to exposure to rain, mud, dirt and road debris.

To meet these requirements, Designability worked with with igus, incorporating the company's maintenance-free, self-lubricating plain bearings throughout the pushchair design.

The bearings are used across key moving assemblies, including steering components, suspension pivots, wheel-release mechanisms and braking systems. Their low-friction operation helps ensure smooth movement and responsive handling while eliminating the need for external lubrication.

Unlike traditional bearing solutions that may require regular greasing or maintenance, igus plain bearings are engineered from high-performance polymers containing solid lubricants. This enables reliable operation even in wet or dirty conditions, making them particularly well suited to assistive mobility products that are used outdoors every day.

For Designability, the maintenance-free nature of the bearings was a significant advantage. By removing lubrication requirements, the organisation was able to reduce servicing needs and improve long-term reliability for users.

The lightweight design of the bearings also contributed to the overall product objectives, helping keep the pushchair practical and easy to handle without sacrificing robustness.

Collaboration to optimise the design

The successful integration of the bearing technology was supported by close collaboration between Designability and igus throughout the development process.

"Working with igus on our accessible pushchair project really made a difference," said Dario Canini, Engineering Innovation Manager at Designability. "They didn't just sell us products; they listened to us, helped us find the right solutions in their catalogue, and more than once suggested something better than what we had in mind.

"But honestly, what mattered most was that they came to visit us in person several times to go through the prototypes together. These days it's rare to find a partner willing to work side by side like that, and for us it was invaluable."

Engineering accessibility through smart component selection

The Accessible Pushchair demonstrates how carefully selected engineering components can have a direct impact on accessibility and everyday independence. By incorporating igus self-lubricating plain bearings, Designability was able to create a product that combines smooth operation, durability and low maintenance with the practical requirements of wheelchair users.

For parents and carers, the result is greater freedom and confidence. For engineers, it serves as an example of how innovative bearing technology can help solve real-world accessibility challenges, delivering reliable performance where it matters most.