About Us
Our Journey Begins with a Question
This all started with a question: What is missing from the wheelchair ride? Over 23 years and an industry-defining line of products later, we're still innovating to make the ride as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Frog Legs was founded by Mark Chelgren in 1996 after he befriended a quadriplegic rugby team. He quickly learned how much minor obstacles translate through the wheelchair, resulting in an uncomfortable and bumpy ride that can even lead to injury.
Innovating for a Smoother Ride
The forks came first and were well received. But it soon became clear that developing a better wheel could further reduce shock and vibration. Today, Frog Legs offers a wide variety of front and rear suspensions, casters, and accessories that enable riders to go places a base model wheelchair simply cannot.
A Global Leader in Wheelchair Suspension
Frog Legs is the worldwide expert in wheelchair suspension. With over 14 years of experience, we manufacture the original and best wheelchair shock-absorbing caster forks available. Attention to even the smallest detail has resulted in the lightest, strongest, most functional, high-resilient urethane caster wheels developed specifically for wheelchairs.
About Mark Chelgren
Mark Chelgren completed his education in Astro- and Geo-Physics at the University of California, Riverside. During college, he worked as a Manager and Auditor for Forbco Management in Anaheim, CA, and later as a Geo-Physicist for GeoSoils in Temecula.
In 1994, Chelgren befriended members of a quadriplegic rugby team. With his tech-savvy, bicycle-minded approach, he began asking what was really missing from the ultimate wheelchair ride. The answer was clear: wheelchair riders were tired of being jostled and bounced around from even minor bumps. Everyday life is not smooth.
The Science Behind the Innovation
Chelgren’s studies, conducted in partnership with Iowa State University, proved that 80% of the vibration in a wheelchair comes from the front caster forks and wheels. These vibrations cause ailments like muscle spasms, lower back pain, and skin shear. Frog Legs products eliminate 76% of all vibrations in a wheelchair. Additionally, the forks provide improved mobility and stability, preventing riders from being pitched out of their chairs onto the pavement. The focus was clear—on the front wheels.
Frog Legs: A Family Story
Mark met his wife, Janet Beisch, on RAGBRAI in 1995. Janet, a native of Ottumwa and a graduate of IHCC, was living in Cedar Rapids and working as a computer consultant at the time.
In 1996, Chelgren relocated to Iowa and collaborated with Janet to publish and circulate a business plan for Frog Legs. A year later, in 1997, Chelgren received a patent for his suspension caster forks and began production in a facility in Vinton, IA.
Milestones and Achievements
1999-2001
Chelgren is recognized by Governor Tom Vilsack in his official State of the State address and is asked to co-chair an economic development committee.
2006
Frog Legs relocates to Ottumwa, purchasing a facility at 14470 Terminal Avenue. After years of experience, countless hours of consulting with clients, and meticulous attention to detail, Frog Legs becomes renowned for manufacturing the lightest, strongest, and most effective wheelchair suspension systems and wheels in the world.
2007-2008
Chelgren applies for a patent for a metallic and polyurethane area-spring/force-dampening material. The patent covers eleven applications, including military, construction, and shipping arenas. An initial partnership and lease-of-technology agreement is made with Safe Ports, a South Carolina-based corporation specializing in International Security and Shipping. Safe Ports begins ballistics testing and initiates a marketing strategy focused on military and shipping relationships.