Joni suffered a prenatal stroke and as a result has hemiparesis — a partial paralysis of the left half of his body. What does this mean for him and his self-employment? When you watch him ride a bike, it seems like nothing at all. Thanks to his pedal from Hase Bikes with a cool colour-coordinated bicycle helmet, he can race with his friends.
Joni's early diagnosis enabled him to receive the best possible support from an early age. From the outset, it was particularly important to his mother, Christin Boczek-Wellmann, to give her son as much independence and participation as possible in everyday life. Many creative solutions were created and integrated into everyday life - in search of a suitable jacket that is easy to use with hemiparesis, she came across Marie Albrecht by chance after lengthy research.
Montessori — or: The path to self-employment
Marie, mother of 2 small children, developed a magnetic closure suitable for small children's hands during her fashion design studies. Inspired by her children, she too had the desire, in the spirit of Montessori, that her children be empowered to put on and close their jacket alone.
That was the start of a wonderful journey and so the two women founded Joni Studio GmbH in 2023 - to enable all children, with and without disabilities, to put on and take off their jackets! You can find more information here! (https://jonistudio.de/pages/wir-revolutionieren-die-kinderkleiderschranke)
Little Joni grew older and a whole new topic was added: Joni would like to learn how to ride a bike. Unfortunately, similar to jacket closures, this was extremely difficult due to his hemiparesis.
Therapy bike, tricycle, trike? The main thing is cool and safe!
Christin researches a lot, tests countless tricycles and finally finds what she is looking for: A bunny bike bike. A bright green pedal. With two wheels in the back, one in the front. “The advantages of pedaling were not only tipping resistance, which plays a major role for us because Joni's core stability is not as strong. In particular, the handlebars, which are ideal for him to operate as a downlink, make handling easier — giving him maximum safety.” Christin said while taking a break along the way. The conversion with a one-hand brake, i.e. operating both front and rear brake control units on a steering handle and with a strong hand, was also a decision criterion for them — and the prerequisite for Joni's daily adventures. Whether he is cruising on his own with friends or is docked onto a two-wheeler on longer trips with the family — movement in nature, the joy of driving and lots of wind and air make him healthy, happy and strong.
We at Hase Bikes enjoyed interviewing this friendly and sensitive mother-son constellation. And we feel confirmed once again that what we do every day, namely to enable as many people as possible to cycle, really makes sense.
As luck would have it, not only the jackets from Joni Studio have magnetic fasteners - we from Hase Bikes too: Our three-point belts, such as the one on Jonis Trets, can also be closed and opened by children themselves with a magnetic fastener — and secured by an additional eyelet for younger or impulsive people.
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