HANAU, Germany – Faced with rows of inaccessible shops and cafes, wheelchair user Rita Ebel has devised a low-tech high-fun solution – ramps made of Lego.
“For me it is just about trying to sensitise the world a little bit to barrier-free travel,” Ebel said in the German town of Hanau. She has been using a wheelchair since she was involved in a car accident 25 years ago.
“Anyone could suddenly end up in a situation that puts them in a wheelchair, like it did me,” the 62-year-old grandmother said.
Helped by her husband, Ebel often spends two to three hours a day building the made-to-order ramps which contain several hundred of the small plastic bricks stuck together with up to eight tubes of glue.<img alt="" data-caption="Ebel (left) and her husband Wolfgang build a wheelchair ramp from donated Lego bricks in the living room of their flat in Hanau, Germany.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”933991e4-93a2-4ad3-abe5-40bc187302d7″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/2020220_lego2_r.jpg”/>The bright colours stand out in town centres, she said.
“Nobody just walks past a Lego ramp without taking a look. Whether it’s children who try to get the bricks out or adults who take out their mobile phones to take pictures,” she said.<img alt="" data-caption="Ebel, nicknamed 'Lego grandma', building a wheelchair ramp from donated Lego bricks in the living room of her flat in Hanau, Germany.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”6f97f1b7-1353-4794-829a-c18d4a68ac34″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20200220_lego1_r.jpg”/>
Local Businesses are Buzzing with Excitement
When a brand‑new ramp pops up in the neighborhood, entrepreneurs don’t miss a beat.
Malika El Harti’s Big Cheers
“It’s a brilliant idea!” Malika, the chic owner of a hair salon, shouted over the bustle. “Everyone who walks past grins about the ramp.” She’s already installed it, and the difference is instantly visible from a distance.
“Now anyone can spot the entrance from far away and hop right in—no more awkward, hidden doors,” she added, and her customers agree.
What the Ramp Means for the Community
- Accessible entry for everyone—no barriers, no fuss.
- Eye‑catching signage that guides passersby straight to the door.
- Thumb‑tapping joy spread among local shoppers.
It’s like the town’s own runway, making it feel like a public celebration of how easy it feels to enter, look, and then step inside. The locals can’t help but giggle and wave, waving at the new ramp that makes accessibility feel less like a chore and more like a community shout‑out.
<img alt="" data-caption="Ebel testing one of her wheelchair ramps built from donated Lego bricks in Hanau, Germany. Dozens of stores in Hanau use the ramps to ease entry for wheelchair users.
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Ramps Made from Lego Bricks — A DIY Hero for the Disabled
When it comes to building ramps for people with mobility challenges, the biggest hurdle isn’t the engineering— it’s the bricks themselves.
Why Legos Are a Game‑Changer
Ursula Eber, the mastermind behind the Digital Lego Sets for Disabilities initiative, says that most families just can’t part with the colorful blocks. “We’re all inherited Lego lovers,” she chuckles, “but our wallets are a bit more stubborn.”
From Local to Global
- While the first ramps were assembled in a cozy German garage, the concept is now spreading overseas.
- Eber, juggling a part‑time job at a local bakery, has flown ramp‑building playbooks to Austria and Switzerland.
- Word is out quickly—Spanish engineers want a copy, and a U.S. school is lining up their students for a building session.
Bright Ideas, Even Brighter Bricks
It’s not just a novelty; the LEGO ramps are fully functional, cost‑effective, and surprisingly sturdy. And if you’re wondering about safety, Eber is on it—she’s working with architects to make sure every step meets standards.
What the Future Might Hold
Imagine a world where every ramp can be customized to fit the exact shape needed—a personalized, mobile, and environmentally friendly solution. With the right community support, those bricks could become a symbol of resilience and creativity in the fight for accessibility.
So next time you see a deck of Lego bricks, remember: they’re not just toys; they’re building blocks for a better, inclusive future.
