Pimp My Rolli 2011 - Slideshow
Angler-Wheelchair
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The angler Bernd Höpfer has made his hobby easier with help of a tent pole, a tiller and duct tape: “A normal wishing rod holder was very uncomfortable, I was constantly forced to bend down, or it didn’t fit when I had to change my location shortly. With my new solution, I can always have one hand on the fishing rod, and I don’t tire.” The Berliner hopes other wheelchair users can become fond of his construction. He is happy to supply tips.
Sea-Wheelchair
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The wheels shouldn’t always come in mouse-grey. That is why Bert Dücker resorted to his paintbrush: “I wanted a décor that adds to the painting ground, the waved wheel print, harmonically. Maritime colours are positive and encouraging. I have used the Orca motif many a time and the puffins are always beautiful and decorative.” Additionally, he ironed a self-designed image of the beacon “Falshöft" onto the wheelchair cover with transfer-foil, so the image is better visible. With such an eye-catcher, the 55-year makes contact with other people regularly.
Godoj-Wheelchair
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Thomas Godoj- fan from handle to spoke: Every inch of Conny Knäbleins wheelchair is decorated with pictures of the German Pop Idol. “This popstar with charisma has touched my heart through his unique voice! I never want to miss going to his concerts. I have won a lot of self-esteem trough him”. The star himself was so thrilled with the 44-year old wheelchair user from Osnabrück that he showed pictures on his facebook- page.
Disco-Wheelchair
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Meet me at the discotheque: With LED illumination underneath the wheelchair and a red laser Marcus Kreutzberger, aka “Polohunter” regularly steals other dancers the show on the dance floor: “Now, people do not longer stare at me, but rather marvel at the wheelchair. Sometimes I even ‘have’ to sign autographs.” At the age of 30 he wants to encourage other people with handicap to conquer the glittering nightlife.
Spinning top-Wheelchair
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Everything revolves around him: Martin Miller, 46, likes to dress up – himself and his wheelchair: “I usually am part of the carnival procession in Dahn, and of course my wheelchair has to be “pimped” for the theme. Every year we choose a theme around communal political issues, as a hook. This year we made fun of the new roundabout in the centre of the village. My spinning top could even be turned trough an old hand cranked attached to the wheelchair”. The clutch of his Speedy-bike makes the whole construction stable.
Travel-Wheelchair
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Nearly 4000 miles on the milometer, Harley Davidson bags, Indian jewelry, an American number plate and a horn that cannot be overheard: The 49-year old Martin Lechner from Wiesbaden travels the world with his wheelchair. “The stainless steel rollover bar was made especially for me. The good old discounter watch is supposed to remind me that my wife is waiting for me and I shouldn’t be late.” If that should fail, the integrated Sat-Nav also helps.
Blackrose-Wheelchair
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49 rhinestones, genuine leather handles, stainless steel inlets and LED- backlights: Petra Schwarz likes a little bling. Watch and thermometer are also always on board – courtesy of the motorbike. The individual design helped the 54-year old accept the wheelchair she depends on after a failed cervical vertebra operation two and a half years ago: “My husband wants to make my life as beautiful and comfortable, with all means. That includes learning to accept my wheelchair, which was very difficult at the beginning.” Good, if the husband knows his way around carbon, aluminium and stainless steel.
THC-Wheelchair
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Welcome to the German national league of handball: Michael Schneider cheers for the members of the German handball club THC from Thuringia with pictures of handball players and their fans. “With this wheelchair I represent those fans of the THC who use a wheelchair. We call ourselves “Wheelchair Power,” the 52-years-old man explains. Airbrush-technique was used to paint the device.
Basketball-Wheelchair
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Tim Putze, 12, has really fallen for the Braunschweig basketball club „New Yorker Phantoms“. And that is why his spoke protectors shine in a basketball design. That is where he collects the autographs of his stars. Additonally, he carries his “Me-Book”, which explains his gestures with pictures, with him at all times.
Tractor-Wheelchair
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Thomas Reier is the youngest amongst the ten “Pimp My Rolli” finalists: “I am tractor fan. My wheelchair is decorated with the Fendt Vario 936, because that is where I had my first ride on a tractor. My favorite nowdays is the Claas Xerion 5000. But my mum says I should save up for a lawn tractor for the time being.