Regular backpacks and tote bags can be attached to wheelchairs. But their accessibility is rather lacking.

An Israeli crowdfunding campaign is intent on changing that. Entrepreneur and industrial designer Yair Zur is the founder of Handy Bag — a startup that designs and manufactures bags that make it easier for wheelchair users to access their belongings without needing to ask for help.

“The inspiration behind this project came from my lovely parents. My dad is a war veteran and my mom was diagnosed with polio, both of them are using wheelchairs,” he explains on the landing page of his current Kickstarter campaign.

The crowdfunding community has reacted positively and Zur toppled his $20,000 goal.

“My vision is to create an international leading brand that gives carrying solutions for all kinds of disabilities,” writes Zur.

The Handy Bag comes in two designs. The Dynamic Bag attaches to the back of manual wheelchairs inside an adjustable carrier, while the Side Bag attaches to the side of electric wheelchairs and allows users to access items with just one hand.

Handy Bag’s Side Bag model attaches to the side of an electric wheelchair for one-hand access. Photo: courtesy

Manual wheelchair users can easily slide the Dynamic Bag out of the carrier, and can access small items such a phone or keys while the bag is in the carrier, all without twisting around and searching for zippers.

Handy Bag’s Dynamic Bag is easily removable from a carrier attached to the back of the chair. Photo: courtesy

In addition to selling these two bags, the Handy Bag team plans to donate bags to different organizations for children in need. In fact, the Kickstarter page even notes that “most people don’t need a wheelchair bag” but pledges will help the cause.

Interest and support in Handy Bag’s endeavor has brought backers from Israel, the US, Australia, Canada, the UK, Japan, Ireland, Germany, Costa Rica and New Zealand.