The Volkskrant recently published a beautiful article about 2KERR and the ibot — our innovative balance wheelchair that literally and figuratively pushes boundaries.
Journalist Marc van den Eerenbeemt spoke with us about how technology not only provides more independence but also gives a mental boost.
We often hear it from customers:
“Why didn't I know about you sooner?”
“This really changes my life.”
“Finally, a balance wheelchair that moves with ME, instead of the other way around.”
2KERR is not a standard mobility aid provider. We are an independent mobility concept with a clear mission:
to help people maintain — or regain — their independence with balance wheelchairs that fit the user's life.
We offer a carefully selected collection of balance wheelchairs from various brands:
👉 ibot PMD, ibot Duo, Genny Zero, Hoss, and Bi-Go
Not one-size-fits-all, but real solutions — from climbing stairs to conversations at eye level, from beach to supermarket.
With innovative balance wheelchairs, the Gelderland company 2KERR wants to shake up the conservative wheelchair world.
“This not only gives the user more freedom of movement but also a mental boost.”
By Marc van den Eerenbeemt | Photos: Raymond Rutting
In his two-wheeled wheelchair, Gerhard Breugem effortlessly drives through the reception area of 2KERR in Hedel. On two wheels, in a wheelchair? Absolutely. He is sitting in a so-called balance wheelchair, based on Segway technology. This technology ensures that you remain balanced while moving forward, backward, or even riding on two wheels — without falling over.
The wheelchair responds to weight shifts. By leaning slightly forward, you move forward; leaning back means braking or reversing. The stand-up height feature allows users to make eye contact at the same level, for instance during a conversation at the table or while checking out in a store.
The balance wheelchair is based on the ibot system, developed in the United States by DEKA, the company of inventor Dean Kamen (also known for the Segway). The system has now been released for other manufacturers. This has made the technology more accessible — even for companies like 2KERR, which uses and adapts the system under a license for the European market.
2KERR has been active since 2017 and is led by father and son: Gerhard and Koen Breugem. Their mission: to shake up the traditional wheelchair market. Because that world is, according to them, often focused on standard solutions — while users need more than just functional transportation.
“We want to give people with physical limitations the freedom to determine how they move,” says Koen. “The ibot literally offers height, balance, and terrain capability — but also figuratively a mental boost.”
The balance wheelchair features functions that appeal to many people, but unfamiliarity and prejudices form a barrier. “When people see the system, they are surprised that it even exists,” says Gerhard. “And when you tell them that you can walk up stairs with it, they think: that must be a joke.”
Yet it is a reality. The ibot can handle small stairs, turns in place, and easily drives over gravel paths, grass, or curbs. For those who doubt whether it is suitable: at 2KERR, you can take a free test ride. “Many people just need to experience it themselves,” says Gerhard. “Only then do you see what it does for someone.”
Although 2KERR is now also responsible for distribution in Europe, inclusion in the Dutch reimbursement system is still a challenge. “Many municipalities are not familiar with this type of assistive devices,” says Gerhard. “And that makes reimbursement through the WMO difficult.”
Therefore, 2KERR advocates for the structural inclusion of the balance wheelchair in the offerings of assistive device suppliers. “We want people without a large budget to also have access to this technology,” says Koen.
The price of an ibot starts around 25,000 euros, depending on the version and options. “That is a hefty amount,” acknowledges Gerhard, “but it literally opens up worlds.”
Come by for a no-obligation test drive in our Experience Center.
