Ex-German President Wulff takes to rickshaw driving as a means to combat solitude
The Maltese rickshaw service, a unique initiative by the Malteser Hilfsdienst organization, is making a significant impact in Germany. This pedal-powered transportation service, designed specifically for the elderly, has been operating since 2022 and is funded by donations.
The service, which is available in cities like Garbsen, Gifhorn, Buxtehude, Duderstadt, Göttingen, Hannover, and the Diocese of Hildesheim, is aimed at improving the quality of life, promoting physical activity, and encouraging social engagement among older adults.
In the Diocese of Hildesheim, the service has been operational since its inception, with 73 volunteers maintaining the rickshaws and providing rides for passengers. Last year, 851 passengers took advantage of this free service. The Maltese in Hildesheim also operate a total of 16 rickshaws, with the service specifically catering to people with disabilities.
The service's primary objectives are to promote mobility and independence among elderly individuals, encourage social interaction and outdoor activity, and offer a trustworthy and friendly volunteer workforce to assist seniors.
The initiative has garnered notable public attention, with figures such as former German President Christian Wulff demonstrating engagement with the service. Wulff underwent a brief driver's training with the Maltese before testing the rickshaw service in Celle.
The contact between Wulff and the Maltese was made at a charity concert organized by Federal President Frank-Wulter Steinmeier. The proceeds from this concert benefited the Maltese projects against loneliness, of which the rickshaw service in Hildesheim is a part.
The rickshaw service in the Diocese of Hildesheim is designed to bring variety to the daily lives of the elderly and prevent loneliness. By offering free rides and fostering social interaction, the service is making a tangible difference in the lives of its passengers.
For more detailed statistics on the number of riders, volunteers, and locations, contacting the Malteser organization directly or reviewing their official reports is recommended.
[1] Note: This article is based on available information from August 2025. For the most current and comprehensive data, contacting the Malteser organization directly is advised.
- The Maltese rickshaw service, in addition to enhancing mobility and independence among senior citizens, also prioritizes mental health and wellness, offering a social outlet and fostering a sense of community among its passengers.
- The rickshaw service, being a health-and-wellness initiative, goes beyond merely physical activity by promoting lifestyle choices that foster better mental health and emotional well-being for the elderly.
