It’s a simple yet revolutionary idea, and Geoffroy Dellicour made it a reality. The Wheeleo® is an innovative tool offering continuous support comparable to a walker, but it can be operated with one hand and is highly compact. This invention, designed in 2014, filled a gap between canes that often lack adequate support and bulky walkers.
A Need-Driven Invention
As a physiotherapist at the William Lennox Neurological Hospital, Geoffroy Dellicour worked with patients suffering from hemiplegia, a condition that renders one side of the body paralyzed. These patients struggled to use conventional walkers despite their benefits. Seeking a solution, Geoffroy imagined a device combining one-handed use and continuous support. His early prototypes, made with limited resources, proved highly effective, allowing patients to walk more naturally and rapidly.
A Continuous Process
Geoffroy continued refining his invention, conducting clinical studies to validate its effectiveness. Patients’ frustration became evident—they could regain significant independence with the Wheeleo® during rehabilitation but couldn’t take it home. This motivated Geoffroy to focus fully on developing this groundbreaking medical device.
A Winning Partnership
In late 2019, Geoffroy teamed up with Gregory Vanderveken, a business expert with experience in entrepreneurship and sales. Their complementary skills propelled the Wheeleo® project forward. While Geoffroy brought medical expertise, Gregory provided the business acumen needed to scale the innovation.
Ironically, the COVID-19 pandemic gave them a chance to pause and strategize. “The Wheeleo® is the most significant innovation in walking aids since the rollator, which is over 40 years old,” says Gregory. Its applications span rehabilitation, healthcare quality improvement, and everyday use for those maintaining independence amid aging, degenerative diseases, or other conditions affecting mobility.
Spreading the Word
In 2021, Innorehab was founded to promote the Wheeleo® to both medical professionals and the general public. “Everyone should know about the Wheeleo®,” emphasizes Gregory. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in orthopedics, physical medicine, geriatrics, and even oncology. Hospitals and medical supply stores have generally welcomed the device, despite occasional resistance from teams accustomed to older protocols. Once its benefits are observed, acceptance follows naturally.
Rapid Growth and Global Reach
The Wheeleo® is now used in at least 300 hospitals across Belgium and France, with partial reimbursement available in Brussels and coverage in France. Two clinical studies have reinforced its credibility. With distributors in Denmark and new agreements in Canada and Norway, Innorehab is preparing for expansion into Australia, New Zealand, and India.
However, Gregory highlights the challenges of scaling up: “To grow quickly, you need resources to increase visibility, repeat your message, and reach people.” The company is actively seeking additional investments to accelerate internationalization and make the Wheeleo® a global standard.
Supported by BLSI and Lifetech.brussels
Based in Wallonia and supported by the Brussels incubator BLSI, Innorehab has also benefited from being part of lifetech.brussels. “The lifetech ecosystem has provided us with opportunities like a trip to Paris, networking events, and helpful guidance,” notes Gregory.
Gregory envisions the Wheeleo® succeeding in diverse markets, with a possible move to India if necessary. However, the company’s dual roots in Brussels and Wallonia remain central to its identity. “We’re proud to represent Belgium and showcase its innovation on the global stage,” he says.
