Florian Flügge – That’s how he rolls

Which day or moment in your life do you particularly like to remember? And why?

Florian Flügge: My wedding day. People often say it’s the most beautiful day of one’s life – and I completely agree. Even though we had to cancel the big celebration with all our loved ones due to COVID, it was still an unforgettable day: a moving ceremony, a heartfelt welcome, a fairytale carriage ride, an impressive cake, and a stunning fireworks display in the evening. Unfortunately, our planned honeymoon in Kenya had to be cancelled.

What has been the biggest challenge in your life so far and how did you overcome it?

Florian Flügge: My biggest challenge so far was cycling across all of Germany on a recumbent bike. In 2013, as a reward for completing my degree, I rode from Füssen to Flensburg with my parents – 1,400 kilometers in 13 days, and all without electric assistance. How did I do it? I’m ambitious, determined, and maybe a little crazy. When I set my mind to something, I make it happen.

Which assistive devices are essential in your everyday life, and why?

Florian Flügge: First and foremost, my wheelchairs – they give me independence and self-determination. For recreational activities, participation is especially important to me. That’s why I bought an off-road power wheelchair a few years ago, so I can take long walks with our dog Fayola whenever I want.

At my computer, I use voice recognition software – both professionally and privately. It’s a real game-changer: I can get things done five to six times faster than if I had to type everything manually.

If you could invent your own assistive device, what would it look like and what would it need to do?

Florian Flügge: My recumbent bike has already helped me reclaim my passion for cycling to some extent. I used to be an avid skier as well and have often searched for suitable assistive equipment – from mono-skis to snow karts. But so far, I haven’t found anything I can operate independently with my disability or that truly delivers the adrenaline I’m looking for.

What do you wish for from society and those around you in how they interact with people with disabilities?

Florian Flügge: Acceptance, appreciation, and understanding. No two disabilities are the same – whether physical, mental, or psychological, the differences are vast. Yet I often experience society falling into stereotypical thinking. For example: someone has trouble speaking, and it’s automatically assumed they also have a cognitive impairment. And that’s just one of many such assumptions.

If nothing were impossible: Who would you like to meet, what place would you like to visit or what time would you like to experience – and why?

Florian Flügge: If nothing were impossible, I’d buy a motorhome, have it converted to be fully wheelchair-accessible, and set off on a long journey, maybe even a world trip. Afterwards, I’d rent it out at an affordable price to other people with disabilities, so that accessible travel becomes possible for everyone – regardless of budget or support needs.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Florian Flügge: Before we wrap up, I’d like to explain the name of the Instagram account I run with my wife: activewheels.ios. While "activewheels" is fairly self-explanatory, "ios" refers to a made-up word: AWIOS – a blend of "awesome" and "grandios" (the German word for “magnificent”). It’s been our personal term for our relationship since 2017.

Our account is all about this motto: Wheelchair ≠ inactive. We want to share joy, raise awareness for activities in a wheelchair, encourage people with disabilities, promote equal participation and spread fun and humor along the way.

Originally published on: July 16, 2025
Last updated on: September 05, 2025