Why buy a LapStacker when a bungee cord is much cheaper?
Yes, bungee cords are cheaper than LapStackers, but there are many good reasons for why LapStacker far outperforms a bungee cord.
A bungee cord is awkward; it applies pressure at just two small contact points, which causes items to shift and can damage fragile goods. Or worse, the cord snaps back and threatens to take someone's eye out
LapStacker is the only patented, retractable carry system designed specifically for wheelchairs. It fits manual and power chairs, installs in under five minutes, and stays on the chair so it's ready whenever you need it.
11 reasons why LapStacker outperforms a bungee cord.
1. Always accessible.
A bungee cord doesn’t sit neatly by your side, ready when needed.
2. Protects fragile items.
Bungee cords create point loads, which can damage delicate items like paper.
3. Even tension.
Bungee cords create uneven tension based on the height of the object you're carrying, while LapStacker maintains consistent tension.
4. Versatile design.
LapStacker has 42" (106 cm) of nylon webbing under spring tension on each side, securing items of any size or shape.
5. Safe to use.
Bungee cords have hooks that can release and cause damage, unlike the secure LapStacker.
6. No extra storage needed.
Bungee cords need to be stowed somewhere, while LapStacker is always ready to use.
7. Quick and easy.
It takes longer to hook and unhook a bungee cord compared to the swift LapStacker.
8. Stylish appearance.
Bungee cords look out of place in formal settings, whereas LapStacker looks sleek and professional.
9. Durability.
Bungee cords wear out quickly as their elasticity breaks down, but LapStacker is built to last.
10. Accessibility.
Hooking a bungee cord can be difficult for quadriplegics, whereas LapStacker features finger loops and magnetically guided buckles, making it easy to use even with limited hand function.
11. Secure grip.
The round shape of a bungee cord provides less surface area to grip items, making it prone to slipping, unlike the LapStacker.
What looks easier?
Gem Hubbard from Wheelsnoheels has some fun demonstrating that LapStacker is much easier to use than bungees. Give her a follow. She creates fantastic content to support the wheelchair community.
The best solution comes at a price.
LapStacker is the world’s first retractable carry system designed specifically for wheelchair users who seek the best solution. We hope you now see that LapStacker is not just a fancy bungee cord; it is priced accordingly for its purpose and quality.
Development investment.
We spent five years developing LapStacker to help wheelchair users carry items with ease, freedom, confidence, independence, and security because a bungee cord is far from ideal.
To learn more about why LapStacker costs what it does, visit here.
What you'll get.
Investing in a LapStacker means gaining more time, independence, security, confidence, safety, and capability.
Comparing bungee chord to a LapStacker
| Reason | Bungee Cord | LapStacker |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Not designed for chair use, never where you need it | Always attached to your chair, ready when you are |
| Item protection | Round cord creates point loads, can damage fragile items | Flat webbing distributes tension evenly, protects everything from paper to groceries |
| Even tension | Tension varies with object height and elasticity | Retraction maintains consistent tension regardless of load |
| Versatility | One fixed length, limited by cord size | 42" (106 cm) of webbing on each side, fits items of any size or shape |
| Safety | Metal hooks can release under tension and cause injury | Magnetic buckles clip and release safely, no hooks involved |
| Storage | Has to be stowed somewhere or carried separately | Lives on the chair permanently, no stowing needed |
| Speed of use | Tedious to find a location to hook. | Pull, clip, go. Straps retract when you're done |
| Appearance | Brightly coloured, looks out of place in professional or formal settings | Sleek, low-profile design that blends into your chair. |
| Durability | Elasticity degrades over time, and cords wear out fast | Built to last from high-quality parts that are designed for daily use |
| Limited hand function | Hooking a cord can be impossible for quadriplegics | Finger loops and magnetically guided buckles, accessible with limited grip |
| Grip on items | Round shape offers minimal contact surface, items prone to slipping | Flat webbing grips items across full width, far more stable |
FAQ
What is LapStacker and how does it work?
LapStacker is the world's first and only retractable carry system for wheelchairs. It mounts to your chair and uses 42" (106 cm) of flat nylon webbing on each side, kept under spring tension. Pull the straps forward, clip the magnetic buckles together across your lap, and your items are held securely. When you're done, unclip, and the straps retract automatically. LapStacker Flex suits manual wheelchairs; LapStacker XD suits power chairs with T-slot seating rails.
What is the best way for a wheelchair user to carry things?
The best way for a wheelchair user to carry items on their lap is with a purpose-built wheelchair lap strap like LapStacker. It uses flat, wide webbing under consistent tension. This distributes weight evenly, keeps items stable during movement, and keeps your hands free to push. A round bungee cord applies pressure at just two small contact points, which causes items to shift and can damage fragile goods. A flat wheelchair strap holds things flush and secure across the full width of your lap.
LapStacker is currently the only patented, retractable carry system designed specifically for wheelchairs. It fits manual and power chairs, installs in under five minutes, and stays on the chair so it's ready whenever you need it.
How do wheelchair users carry things on their lap safely?
Safe lap carrying comes down to three things: even tension, stable contact, and hands-free operation. You want a strap wide enough to hold items without them tipping, secure enough that they don't shift on uneven ground, and fast enough to clip and unclip without a production.
Bungee cords fail on all three counts. They're round, which means minimal surface contact. They're elastic, which means tension changes depending on what you're holding. And the hooks require two hands and reasonable grip strength to manage.
LapStacker is the ultimate solution. Simply pull the straps, clip the buckles together, and roll with confidence, independence and control.
Is a bungee cord safe to use as a wheelchair strap?
A bungee cord can work, but it carries real risks: the metal hooks can release under tension and cause injury, the round shape applies uneven point-load pressure on items, and hooking and unhooking requires two hands with reasonable grip strength. For regular daily use, a purpose-built wheelchair lap strap, like LapStacker is safer and more practical.
What is the best way to stop things falling off a wheelchair?
LapStacker is the only product built specifically for this. It uses flat nylon webbing under spring tension on each side of your chair, which clips across your lap in seconds and holds items secure while you push. When you arrive, unclip, and the straps retract automatically.
Hear from happy LapStacker customers.
Join thousands of happy customers and upgrade your wheelchair experience today with LapStacker.