About Us · Strongback Mobility

Built around one principle.

Why Strongback

We believe that how you sit shapes how you live. An upright, well-supported posture in a wheelchair supports mobility, confidence, and well-being throughout the day. That's why our wheelchairs and rollators are designed to support the body's natural alignment, not work against it. Every product is built around one principle: that ergonomic support should be built in from the frame, not added as an afterthought. We exist to give wheelchair and rollator users the foundation for active, independent living — and to give our distribution partners a brand they can stand behind.

What we mean by comfort

At Strongback, you don't have to choose between comfort and good posture. The frame-integrated backrest supports the spine's natural curve — so you sit ergonomically and comfortably at the same time, instead of trading one for the other.

Our story

From one idea to an international brand.

Strongback began with a single observation — and a refusal to accept it. On a camping trip, co-founder Ladd Lougee grew tired of the back and neck pain that came from hours in an ordinary chair, and built one that supported the body instead. Launched in 2010, the Strongback Chair made a simple point: a seat can be designed around the spine, not against it.

The same principle mattered far more in mobility. Standard wheelchairs left users in exactly the posture Lougee had set out to fix. Together with co-founder Dr. Christian Grothe, he spent two years and numerous prototypes engineering that principle into a wheelchair — the first folding wheelchair designed around the spine's natural curve.

What began as one product is today an international brand, operating through subsidiaries in Switzerland, the USA, and Europe and reaching users in more than 10 countries. The design principle hasn't changed — it's the foundation every Strongback product, and every distribution partnership, is built on.

Our founders

Two people, one shared conviction.

Behind that principle are two people with a shared conviction.

Ladd Lougee

Visionary & Co-Founder

Ladd Lougee founded Strongback Mobility with a simple conviction: that a mobility aid should support the body, not work against it. His vision began with the original Strongback Chair in 2010 and expanded into ergonomic wheelchairs built on the same principle. Lougee is the guiding force behind Strongback's commitment to design that prioritises posture and spinal support.

Dr. Christian Grothe

CEO & Co-Founder

Dr. Christian Grothe co-founded Strongback Mobility and leads the company as Chief Executive Officer. He worked alongside Ladd Lougee to bring the posture principle into wheelchair design. Grothe oversees the company's operations across Switzerland, Europe, and the USA.

From idea to impact

Our global structure.

From that shared idea grew a company with three locations, serving customers and partners around the world. Strongback Mobility operates as three integrated entities, all united by the same ergonomic design philosophy:

Strongback Mobility AG

Headquarters · Switzerland

Based in Pfäffikon, Switzerland, the AG serves as the company's global anchor, overseeing strategy, product development, and international distribution partnerships.

Strongback Mobility USA, LLC

North America

Operating from Virginia Beach, the USA subsidiary manages direct sales, customer support, and retail partnerships across North America.

Strongback Mobility Europe GmbH

Europe & Distribution

Based in Düsseldorf, Germany, the European subsidiary manages distribution, regulatory compliance, and partnership development across the EU and surrounding markets.

Together, these entities serve distribution partners in more than 10 countries — each region with its own local support, but unified product standards and the same design principles.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions.

What is Strongback Mobility?

Strongback Mobility is an ergonomic wheelchair and rollator brand, headquartered in Switzerland and operating through subsidiaries in the USA and Europe. Its products are designed around the spine's natural curve and sold internationally through distribution partners.

What does Strongback Mobility stand for?

Strongback Mobility stands for the belief that a wheelchair should support the body, not work against it. Every product is built around one principle: ergonomic support for the spine's natural curve, designed into the frame rather than added as a cushion.

What makes Strongback different from other wheelchair brands?

Most wheelchairs are designed around function — folding, weight, transport. Strongback is designed around the body: a curved backrest supports the spine's natural lumbar curve, promoting an upright posture without adding a separate cushion.

How do I become a Strongback distribution partner?

Strongback works with distributors on an exclusive-territory basis, supported by marketing assets, spare-parts supply, and regulatory documentation. Partnership enquiries go directly to the international distribution team via the contact section.

Which markets does Strongback work with distribution partners in?

Strongback works with official distribution partners in more than 10 countries and operates its own subsidiaries in Europe and the USA, coordinated from its Swiss headquarters. Selected territories remain open for new partners.

What warranty does Strongback offer?

Every Strongback is backed by a manufacturer's warranty on the frame. Exact warranty terms vary by model and are listed on the respective product pages.

How you sit shapes how you live.