23 Sept 2026Moritz tests the Innowalk – A wheelchair user with a SCI

Moritz Brückner lives with a spinal cord injury and uses a wheelchair. He also supports and guides others with spinal cord injuries. He has thoroughly tested the Innowalk and shares his honest experience. The result is more than just a product review – it offers an insight into what movement can mean for people living with spinal cord injuries. 

Guidzter is a German platform by and for wheelchair users. The so-called guides share everyday experiences, tips, tricks and product tests – from the only perspective that truly counts: their own. Moritz is one of them, and his journey from his home in the Allgäu region in Germany to us was a long one. All the more reason we're delighted he made the trip.

The full interview and video can be found directly on the Guidzter website.

Who Is Moritz Brückner?

Moritz Brückner is 24 years old, comes from the Allgäu region of Bavaria in Germany. He has used a wheelchair since a surfing accident in Chile when he was 20 years old. The accident resulted in tetraplegia at the C7 level – a spinal cord injury below the 7th cervical vertebra. His legs are completely paralysed. He can flex and extend his arms, although his hand function is limited. His retains function in his chest muscles but has little to no function in his back and abdominal muscles.

One of the things that defines Moritz is that he does not let his injury limit the life he wants to live. He leads an active and sporty lifestyle and shares his experiences on Guidzter to inspire and motivate others in similar situations. He does so with an openness, enthusiasm for life and positive outlook that are truly infectious.

What Is a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord, which is a vital part of the central nervous system and carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, it can result in partial or complete loss of movement and sensation in different parts of the body.

Spinal cord injuries can result in paraplegia, which affects the legs and may also affect parts of the trunk, or tetraplegia (also known as quadriplegia), which affects the arms, legs and trunk. Moritz has tetraplegia as a result of his spinal cord injury at the C7 level.

Common causes

• Traumatic: Road traffic accidents, falls, and sports injuries (like Moritz's surfing accident) are the leading cause
• Non-traumatic: Tumours, infections, inflammation, and degenerative conditions can also cause spinal cord damage

Complete versus incomplete spinal cord injury

• Complete: Below the level of injury, there is a total loss of sensation and motor function
• Incomplete: Some degree of sensation and motor function below the level of injury is preserved

Moritz has a complete tetraplegia Sub C7 – an injury pattern that places particular demands on assistive devices for rehabilitation and everyday movement.

Moritz in the Innowalk — the practial test

Before getting started, Moritz puts a few questions to our physiotherapist and adviser Thomas Schwarze: Who is the Innowalk suitable for? What advantages does it offer over a standing frame? How does the transfer work? Moritz openly admits that he rarely uses his standing frame and leg movement trainer at home on a regular basis – and is immediately curious about the combination of both in a single device.

When he sees the Innowalk up close, his reaction is immediate:

"It looks like a proper cross-trainer!"
– Moritz Brückner

Once he is comfortably positioned, the motorised movement begins, initially in a semi-standing position. Moritz repeatedly experiences spasticity in his legs during the movement, but remains calm and focused. The steady movement of his knees and hips appears to feel good and helps his body loosen up. 

"And just like that, you feel athletic!"
– Moritz Brückner

Then comes the moment when Moritz realises that, for the first time in four years, he is moving in an upright, standing position. The movement feels unfamiliar, but at the same time it is a powerful and rewarding experience. Suddenly, he is seeing the world from a whole new height – quite literally. 

"I can finally look down at people again!"
– Moritz Brückner

What is the Innowalk - and who is it suitable for?

The Innowalk is a dynamic movement trainer designed for children, young people and adults with significantly reduced standing and walking ability. It is intended for people who are unable to stand or take steps independently. Innowalk combines motor-assisted standing with guided, repetitive stepping movements in one device.

Assisted Movement
Motor-assisted, repetitive movement engages the whole body, from a seated or semi-standing position through to an upright, weight-bearing position.

Individualised support
Adjustable supports and positioning options can be tailored to the individual, providing stability, security and comfort during movement.

Spasm control
If increased resistance or a spasm occurs during movement, the Innowalk automatically stops – an important safety feature, particularly for people who experience spasticity.

Health benefits for SCI and tetraplegia

Clinical experience and growing research indicate that regular supported standing and guided walking movement can have meaningful benefits for people with spinal cord injuries, including:

• Circulation and cardiovascular health
• Respiratory function
• Digestion and bowel activity
• Muscle tone and spasticity management
• Bone density and joint mobility
• Psychological wellbeing through upright positioning

"Ultimately, you just have to try it for yourself! It’s an experience you have to feel firsthand."
– Moritz Brückner

We are truly delighted to have had the chance to meet Moritz – and to see just how much potential the Innowalk holds for him and all other wheelchair users. 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Innowalk

Who is the Innowalk suitable for?

The Innowalk is designed for children, young people, and adults who cannot stand or walk independently due to a neurological or neuromuscular condition — including spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or stroke. No active muscle control is required to use it.

Can the Innowalk be used by people with tetraplegia?

Yes. As Moritz's review demonstrates, the Innowalk is suitable for users with tetraplegia. The adjustable support system and automatic spasticity pause make it safe and accessible even for complex injury profiles such as a complete SCI at level C7.

How does the Innowalk differ from a standard standing frame?

A standing frame holds the body upright without movement. The Innowalk combines upright weight-bearing with motor-guided walking motion — actively promoting circulation, joint mobility, and muscle stimulation in a way a static standing frame cannot. For many users, it's also considerably more motivating to use regularly.

Is the Innowalk safe to use if I experience spasticity?

Yes. The Innowalk detects spasticity and automatically pauses the movement — a key safety feature for SCI users. Moritz experienced this during his session and was able to continue calmly once the episode passed. The system is designed to support, not override, the body.

How do I get access to an Innowalk — and is funding available?

The Innowalk is available through Made for Movement Limited. Please contact us directly and will guide you in the process to acceess the Innowalk in the UK.