We live longer and want to remain active, but many hesitate to use traditional aids. For serial entrepreneur Øyvind Gedde, the search for a solution began with a simple observation – and his own mother. 

(Caption: Kari on a walk with Ocean Blue Movu in beautiful winter landscape)

From yellow Polo to blue backpack – and a problem without a good solution

Many older people choose to sell their car, and it can be a big adjustment. When Øyvind's
mother, Kitty, aged 83, sold her little yellow Polo. Suddenly, the short trip to
the store a challenge. With a blue backpack on her back, she set off, but it became
both heavy and impractical.

Øyvind suggested a walker, but Kitty replied firmly: "I don't want to look like I'm 100 years old!" She was not alone in feeling this way – many aids look outdated and feel stigmatizing. This led Øyvind to ask an important question: Why are there no modern solutions that provide security without feeling old?

(Caption: Kitty with an early prototype of Movu) 

"We wanted people to enjoy the product, in the same way as when you buy a new bicycle or a new car. It should be something modern, a product you use with pride."

 

From idea to innovation 

Øyvind and his daughter, industrial designer Trine Gedde Celius, decided to
create something new – an aid that provides good support and looks stylish. In collaboration
with experts from Sunnaas Hospital and Unicare, they developed MOVU, a three-wheeled walker
that combines good driving characteristics and good design:

✔ Large front wheel – rolls easily over obstacles.
✔ Ergonomic handle – provides support without straining the shoulders.
✔ Modern design – something you use with pride.

"We wanted people to enjoy the product, just like when you buy a new bicycle or
car" says Trine Gedde Celius.

(Caption: product designer Trine Gedde Celius and founder Øyvind Gedde with Ocean Blue Movu and Cliff Movu.)

(Caption: Founder Øyvind Gedde assembles Svaberg Movu at Arba.) 

"When we walk upright, we reduce the strain on our back, shoulders, and joints. Breathing improves, and we move more – which in turn leads to better health."

Safety gives movement – and better health

Dr. Michael Thorp, specialist in physical medicine, has been an advisor in the development of
Movu: "When we walk upright, we reduce the strain on our back, shoulders, and joints. Breathing improves, and we move more – which in turn leads to better health."

 For him, it's simple: When you feel safe, you move more. And more movement means better quality of life.

(Caption: Dr. Michael Thorp tests Movu Svaberg on the training ground at Unicare Fram, Rykkin.)

Many are like Kari – an assistive device that gives back freedom 

Kari (75) has undergone several back surgeries and struggled with regular walkers. "I
I have always walked a bit crooked – like an 'old crooked hag,'" she tells with a smile.
A tip from an acquaintance led her to Movu – and it changed everything. "I don't feel
not like an old lady anymore. Now I can walk straight, with style."

And for me, Movu is much more than a walker. I call it "my Vespa!"
The difference between a regular walker and rolling around with "my Vespa" is enormous. When I
Walking in the city with Movu, I don't feel like an old hunchbacked lady.
I have never had any problem using assistive devices – I need it, and that's just how it is. But I know that for many, it can be a big hurdle to overcome. With Movu, that hurdle feels a bit lower.

(Caption: Kari on a stroll with Movu in beautiful winter scenery)

"When you feel safe, you move more. And more movement means better health. It's that simple – and so important," concludes Dr. Thorp.

(Caption: Dr. Michael Thorp tests Movu outdoors at Unicare Fram, Rykkinn.)

Now you can see Movu at Atri-X.