Germany’s 92-Year-Old Engineer Designs an Off-Road Walker for Forest Trails
In southern Germany, near Lake Constance, a 92-year-old engineer named Gerhart Wissel has become known for a remarkable project. After sustaining a bicycle accident, Wissel found that standard walkers were limited to smooth, level ground. He loves exploring forests and open fields, so he set out to create an off-road walker that could handle uneven terrain. This update comes from the Telegram channel Russian Bild, which shared details about the design and his ongoing work.
Wissel, a lifelong engineer, tackled the challenge by adapting a walker with features suited to rough terrain. The device now includes spoked wheels and off-road tires to improve stability on uneven paths. An electric motor provides assistive power, and brakes help manage safety on slopes and dips. The walker is designed to fold, enabling easy storage in a car trunk for trips beyond paved routes. A local bike shop contributed by assembling the walker according to Wissel’s drawings, turning a concept into a usable, practical device.
Wissel is not new to engineering feats. In the 1960s, he developed the first bucket loader for Kramer, showcasing a career marked by problem solving and inventive hardware. His latest project reflects an ongoing interest in mobility devices that expand the way people with limited mobility can interact with the outdoors. The off-road walker represents a thoughtful response to the needs of someone who refuses to let terrain barriers dictate where they can go.
There is a note about a separate incident in Bashkiria that mentions a near-miss involving a car and a pedestrian during an accident. This portion of the report adds context to the broader discussion of road safety and personal mobility. The overall story emphasizes one engineer’s drive to adapt equipment to real-world conditions, enabling more confident exploration of natural spaces while preserving independence and safety.