WHEELS
Izzy Wheels was founded by Irish sisters Ailbhe (pronounced Alva) and Izzy Keane. The pair grew up in Galway, a beautiful seaside city in the west of Ireland.
In 2016 Ailbhe, who was studying at The National College of Art and Design (NCAD), chose to design a range of removable wheel covers that matched her sister's coloruful style. The idea was inspired by Izzy who was born with Spina Bifida and is paralyzed from her waist down. Izzy has always seen her wheelchair as a symbol of freedom but never felt it expressed her personality.
The sisters created a video showcasing their unique wheel cover designs which went viral online (17 million views in one week) and their brand exploded.
CHILDHOOD
Izzy and Ailbhe have been best friends all their lives. They have always loved fashion and playing dress-up together. Even as little girls their favorite thing to do was decorate Izzy's chair for special occasions.
INSPIRATION
Even as a little girl when Izzy had decorated wheels it always gave her a huge confidence boost. The playful wheels opened up a positive conversation about her wheelchair and acted as a conversation starter.
BUILDING THE BRAND
In 2017 they began collaborating with other amazing artists, designers, and brands from around the world to expand their collections and raise money for disability charities. Izzy Wheels have now collaborated with over 100 famous designers from across the globe. The sisters quickly became well-known for their exuberant and playful fashion.
DESIGNING WITH LOVE
Every single pair of Izzy Wheels is specially made to order for each person from our studio in Dublin. All of the wheel covers are unique and made with love in Ireland. Every order is carefully hand-wrapped in beautiful luxury rainbow packaging that has been thoughtfully designed.
COLLABORATIONS
Izzy Wheels became the first disability fashion brand to collaborate with some of the world's most famous brands.
In 2019 they teamed up with Barbie to create a range of designs for a new and inclusive wheelchair Fashionista Doll. This doll became a great educator for children about inclusivity.
In 2020 they created two limited edition wheel cover collections with Japan's most famous cartoon character, Hello Kitty.
In 2021 their dream came true when they launched their magical collaboration with Disney and Marvel! The sisters dreamed of working with Disney since they were little girls. The explosively colourful range was designed by Ailbhe and includes everyone's favourites from Mickey and Minnie, Winnie the Pooh, Olaf from Frozen, and Marvels Spider-Man.
GOING GLOBAL
Izzy Wheels has been featured in some of the world's top global publications including Vogue, Teen Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Forbes, Oprah Magazine, It's Nice That, TechCrunch, and many more. This has culminated in over 30 national awards including the EU Prize for Women Innovators, a BBC documentary, partnerships with the world's most famous brands, and a place on the prestigious Forbes 30 under 30 list.
AWARDS
• Irish Examiner - 100 Women of 2023 - Top Female Changemakers
• EU Woman’s Innovator Award, 2021 - Winner
• VIP Magazine Power of Women Award, Lifestyle Brand, 2021 - Winner
• EU Woman’s Innovator Award, 2020 - Special Mention
• Forbes JVC Pitching Competition, Jerusalem, 2019 - Winner
• Cosmopolitan Influencer Awards, 2019 - Change-maker of The Year Award
• Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe - Retail and Commerce - Winner
• Irish Independent Business Stars Under 30, 2017 - Winner
• NDRC Investor Day - People’s Choice Award, 2017 - Winner
• Competitive Start Fund - Enterprise Ireland, 2017 - Winner
• U Magazine 30 Under 30 - Technology and Innovation, 2017 - Winner
• Accenture Leaders of Tomorrow Award, 2017 – Winner
AILBHE
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Ailbhe works closely with the artists and brands to create the wheel covers for Izzy Wheels. She is passionate about combining art with business, bridging the gap between disability and fashion, and collaborating with exceptional people in order to foster a more inclusive and diverse world.
IZZY
BRAND AMBASSADOR
Izzy is a disability advocate and fashion-lover. She wants the design world to think outside the box to include people like her. She uses her platform to educate people about the importance of inclusive design.
OUR VISION
"Our mission with Izzy Wheels is to challenge negative associations with wheelchairs and let users celebrate their individuality by personalizing their source of independence. We want to show the world that wheelchairs can be so much more than a medical device, they can be a piece of artistic self-expression"
- Ailbhe
"Izzy Wheels empower wheelchair users to make a statement about themselves, it makes a person's wheelchair into a friendly object rather than something purely functional. Having stylish wheels on your chair that match your outfit or show off your interests immediately addresses the chair and opens conversation"
- Izzy
