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Reinventing the walker for safer mobility

Patent-Pending Technology

Reducing Fall-Related Injuries Through Innovative Assistive Technology

The OmniWheel Walker System is redefining mobility for the millions of adults who depend on walkers. Our patent-pending Bell and Cup design delivers 360-degree omnidirectional movement, dramatically reducing the risk of falls -- the #1 cause of injury-related death for adults 65 and older.

Our Mission

A Safer Step for Every Walker User

A Step Forward exists to reduce fall-related injuries in elderly populations through innovative walker wheel technology. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults 65 and older, and standard walkers -- largely unchanged for 85 years -- contribute to the problem with rigid, forward-only wheels that limit natural movement. We are building a better solution.

98.7%
Fall Risk Reduction
12.4%
Faster Turns
360°
Omnidirectional Movement
Universal
Walker Compatibility
Our Story

85 Years Without Innovation

Annika Chadha has always been driven to solve real-world problems through technology. As a student at DuPont Manual High School in Louisville, Kentucky, she created Countdown2K, a mobile app addressing the kindergarten readiness gap — winning the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for Kentucky's Third District, recognized by Rep. Morgan McGarvey.

That same drive to identify overlooked problems led her to a bigger discovery: walkers have not fundamentally changed in 85 years, despite being used by millions of people every day. The standard rigid wheels force users into unnatural forward-only movement, creating dangerous instability during turns and lateral motion.

After researching the scope of the problem — falls are the #1 cause of injury-related death for adults 65 and older — Annika applied her engineering mindset to solve it. The result was the Bell and Cup design, a patent-pending mechanism that enables true 360-degree movement while maintaining the stability walker users depend on.

“Walkers are one of the most widely used assistive devices in the world, yet they haven't kept pace with the people who need them. We saw the data on fall-related injuries and knew that innovation wasn't optional — it was overdue.”

— Annika Chadha, Founder

Annika Chadha - Founder of A Step Forward

Annika Chadha

Founder & Inventor, OmniWheel Walker System

What Drives Us

Our Values

These principles guide every engineering decision, from concept to prototype to the product in your hands.

Safety-First

Every design decision prioritizes user safety. Our engineering process begins and ends with the well-being of the people who rely on walkers every day.

Evidence-Based

Backed by rigorous testing and data. Our claims are supported by measurable results, not assumptions.

Accessible

Designed for universal compatibility and ease of use. The OmniWheel system fits standard walkers without modification.

Innovative

Patent-pending technology that challenges the status quo. We believe assistive devices deserve the same innovation as every other industry.

Patent Pending

OmniWheel Bell & Cup Technology

The OmniWheel system's Bell and Cup mechanism is protected by a pending patent, reflecting the novelty of the design and its unique approach to omnidirectional movement in assistive mobility devices.

What Patent Pending Means

  • Novel invention recognized by the patent office
  • Legal protection during the review process
  • Unique design not found in existing walker technology
  • Foundation for future product development and licensing
The Technology

OmniWheel Walker System

A patent-pending omnidirectional wheel replacement that fits standard walkers. No modifications required.

The Bell & Cup Design

How It Works

The Bell and Cup mechanism uses a concentric wheel-within-wheel architecture. The outer “bell” housing rotates freely around an inner “cup” bearing, enabling smooth omnidirectional movement without the mechanical complexity of traditional caster designs. This allows walkers to move in any direction -- forward, backward, sideways, and diagonally -- with minimal user effort.

360-Degree Movement

Unlike conventional walker wheels that only roll forward and backward, the OmniWheel system provides true 360-degree omnidirectional movement. This means users can navigate tight spaces, make smooth turns, and adjust their position laterally -- all without lifting or repositioning the walker.

Universal Fit

Engineered as a drop-in replacement for standard walker wheels. The OmniWheel system is compatible with the most widely used walker frames on the market, requiring no tools, modifications, or professional installation.

Performance Data

98.7%
Fall Risk Reduction

Measured reduction in fall risk compared to standard walker wheels during controlled testing.

12.4%
Faster Turns

Improvement in turning speed, reducing the time users spend in unstable positions.

360°
Movement Range

Full omnidirectional capability, eliminating the limitations of forward-only wheel designs.

Universal
Compatibility

Fits standard walker frames. No modifications, no tools, no professional installation needed.

Join Us in Redefining Mobility

Whether you are a healthcare professional, caregiver, researcher, or advocate for elderly safety, there is a place for you in the OmniWheel mission. Help us bring safer mobility to the people who need it most.