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PME returned to full operation as of 16 January 2012.

New PME Logo

After a short break over the holiday season we are looking forward to being of service to you this year. It's set to be a big one, already we are introducing our new logo and are planning to release new products in the coming months. Keep an eye out for these changes.


Source: PME

Posted: Monday 16th January, 2012

 

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On Wednesday 19th October 2011 the Australian College of Road Safety (ACRS) held a seminar at the Royal Rehabilitation Centre, Sydney.

Royal Rehabilitation Centre Sydney

Titled Health and Disability Assessments for Driving, it focussed on the assessment of drivers after a health event such as the aquisition of a disability. PME Sponsored the event.

Speakers included:

  • Professor Torbjorn Falkmer (keynote); 
He is Evaluation Manager of Traffic Safety European Union projects. He has conducted research concerning transport mobility of people with disabilities, driver education and assessment of young drivers, drivers with disabilities and older drivers, research on driver eye movement and design and evaluation of driver support systems
  • Ian Cameron; 
He is a Rehabilitation Physician, Director of Medical Services and Head of the Rehabilitation Studies Unit at Royal Rehabilitation Centre Sydney. Ian provides expert advice to NSW Motor Accidents Authority, the NSW Lifetime Care and Support Authority, NSW Work Cover and other organisations
  • Blair McFarlane; 
An Occupational Therapist at the Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation Centre (DARC), Royal Rehabilitation Centre
  • Julia King;
A current client of DARC. Julia spoke about her driving challenges following a motor vehicle accident which left her with chronic pain and anxiety
  • Chad Graham
A client of DARC. Chad spoke about his progress in driving at DARC
  • Duncan McRae;
The Manager of Driver Policy and Programs with the Roads and Traffic Authority. This is a role that involves the development of driver education, licensing and assessment policy.

Bill presented a recently modified Chrysler Voyager, Accessibility was provided via side entry ramp and flat floor conversion. A wheelchair docking system secures the user. The Space Drive controls featured include a mini-wheel for steering, and a G and B lever for accelerator and brake control. Accessories are via sound control on an ADR compliant headrest.The vehicle attracted interest from both guests and speakers.

The day was very informative and eye-opening on a number of occasions. Congratulations to ACRS and Royal Rehab on a successful seminar.

Source: PME

Posted: Wednesday 9th November, 2011

 

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This monstrous expedition vehicle has come a long way over the last 2 years 

The bus has been rebuilt with a new body, new skin and new wheelchair lift

In August 2009 we brought you an article about a massive side-project PME were undertaking to recondition and modify a decommissioned RFW Bigfoot 4x4 tour bus to create a disability-friendly monster tourer, capable of taking its occupants nearly anywhere. The article can be viewed by clicking here.

If you are unfamiliar with this project, the bus was originally built by RFW for 4x4 outback tours in Queensland. The 8.3m Goliath later ended up in the hands of Pinnacle tours of Western Australia for a glorious beach-side stint climbing sand dunes. However the sand, saltwater, hard use and neglect took its toll and the bus was decommissioned. Bill picked up the sad and sorry expedition vehicle and two years later, while it is not quite ready to storm the sand dunes or take on outback Australia, it has come a long way.

The vehicle is being equipped for long periods of outback travel, able to go without supplies for at least two weeks and cover any terrain. The vehicle has been completely re-engineered to suit the demands an of expedition vehicle of this sort and as a result everything has been rebuilt, remade or is new. This includes redesigned airbag towers, reengineered upper and lower control arms and redesigned cross-members; a completely brand new ADR35 compliant braking system; and a complete rebuild of the body to suit requirements of expedition vehicle. It also includes a custom, one off bull bar and the design construction and installation of a custom wheelchair lift.

Other features either installed or on their way shortly include solar panels, a generator, inverters and deep cycle battery system; stainless steel water tanks stored up front under the bullbar; storage spaces in every place possible throughout the bus; and a slide out external kitchen and fridge. Work is currently underway on the design and construction of a quad bike carrier to the rear of the vehicle whereby the quad bike is to be swung up to the highest point of the bus so that the good approach and departure angles are maintained. The quad bike will be used as a mobility tool when the conditions are too difficult to navigate in a wheelchair.

The plan for the completion of this project is as follows: Rewiring will commence shortly with the window package to go in following that. Next, the vehicle will be transported to Stockton beach for testing and then returned for final fitout and adjustments. All this will take at least another year to complete.

Take a look at the gallery below for just a small insight into the work that has gone into the expedition vehicle. At this stage in the project there is a lot going on and updates will be more frequent. Make sure you keep an eye out on our news page


 Gallery  






















































Source: PME

Posted: Monday 24th October, 2011

 

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PME has been recognised for our high quality standards and is Quality Certified under international standards IS09001

Quality Assured Company ISO9001

We're proud to say that, as of September this year, PME is a quality certified company under international standards ISO9001. We have ensured that our working processes meet these stringent requirements so that we know that we are meeting the needs of our clients to a consistent high standard.

Maintaining our recognised status is a process of continual improvement. We regularly assess the effectiveness of the processes we have in place and undergo internal and external auditing. We undertake comprehensive record keeping ensuring traceability and, should they occur, we determine the origin of any problems and correct them swiftly.

We feel it is important in this industry to ensure a high level of quality and consistency to our clients so that they can be sure of their safety, and of their on going independence.

Source: PME

Posted: Monday 26th September, 2011

 

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Paraplegic rally driver, Albert Llovera, uses Guidosimplex electronic hand controls

Albert Llovera using his hand controls to perform a big powerslide

We've been telling everyone that the accelerator ring is the sportier way of driving but now we have the proof! It's an inspirational story about a promising athlete who, despite a setback that would sideline the sporting careers of many, has become a champion.

In 1984, a 17 year old Albert Llovera competed in skiing as the youngest athlete to participate in a Winter Olympics. A year later he was involved in a serious accident that left him as a paraplegic.

However, after a tough period of adjustment his sporting spirt was rekindled. He began racing quad bikes and following success there began competing in the demanding sport of rallying. He is currently the only disabled driver who has competed in the World Rally Championship (WRC)

Albert drives a special s2000 rally Fiat Grande Punto modified with Guidosimplex hand controls. He uses the over-ring accelerator with two hands on the wheel for greater control, and a specially designed under-ring brake (off-road use only!). He also uses a finger-operated trigger clutch system similar to a duck clutch. Apart from the other benefits, these electronic controls are light and responsive, and so don't hinder him when competing against able-bodied drivers.

Albert displays a unique spirit, optimism and determination to excel himself that makes him an outstanding role model for anyone facing difficult circumstances.

A video of Albert Llovera demonstrating his controls can be seen below, and you can view his website at www.albertllovera.com/en

 
 Video    

Source: www.albertllovera.com/en , http://disableddrivingdevices.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=36&Itemid=125 , http://www.wrc.com/swrc/drivers-and-teams/drivers/albert-llovera/?whoid=23

Posted: Monday 26th September, 2011

 

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SCIA came to PME to film the driving controls section of their educational videos

Filming for the SCIA 'What's Next?' videos at the PME premisesSpinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) is currently in the process of filming a series of videos titled 'what's next?' to be used to educate those with newly acquired spinal cord injuries on what to do to return to their normal lives as much as possible, as soon as possible. The videos cover a range of areas from home modification to wheelchair skills. A section of the video is to be devoted to vehicle modifications and SCIA came to PME for our assistance.

At 9AM Friday 5th August the film crew arrived at the PME premises with a full day of filming to follow. The crew shot explanatory videos  covering all manner of hand controls, electronic controls, hoists, self-drive vehicles, the ABI loader and more with a little help from PME and OT Tom Eley. Take a look at some of the 'behind the scenes' shots from the day in the gallery below.

We're looking forward to seeing the final result and the difference it will make to its audience. It can be an extremely disorientating time and it's great that there are organisations like SCIA working to make the process that much easier.

Gallery

Source: PME

Posted: Thursday 14th July, 2011

 

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PME FEATURES

A Disability Friendly Spyder Motorcycle

Can-Am Spyder Kit

Get on your steel pony; motorcycle riding is finally within reach for many people with disabilities
The Paravan Self Drive Wheelchair is Brand New to Australia

Paravan Wheelchair

This electric wheelchair features greater flexibility and adaptability than any other wheelchair to date
All short stature conversions are custom tailored to suit the individual needs of our clients

Short Stature Solutions

We are experts at vehicle modifications to suit people of short stature
Disabled hand controls installed in an Audi for a paraplegic

PME Hand Controls

The least fatiguing traditional hand controls for accelerator and brake operation
The world renowned PME Spinmaster spinner knob

PME Spinmaster

Exported around the world, the PME Spinmaster is a class leading spinner knob.
Easyspin indicator and secondary function remote spinner knob

Easyspin

Fingertip control of secondary driving functions such as indicators, horn and high beam
 

Short Stature Solutions

Thank you very much Bill and everyone else at PME who worked on my Honda Jazz.

I found your web site an invaluable source of informatio... Read More

Not a problem

I recently purchased a Chrysler Grand Voyager which was modified by the staff at PME to suit my needs as a C-5 quadriplegic. It involved the guys a... Read More

Help and Support

I would like to thank Bill at PME and all their employees for all their help and support in the modification of my vehicle. PME were very efficien... Read More

BMW quality

I was originally referred to Problem Management Engineering (PME) by a couple of Melbourne businesses, which specialise in converting vehicles for ... Read More

Promise fulfilled

My Jeep was the first vehicle in New Zealand installed with mini wheel technology. Only one of the people I had talked to had ever seen one in use ... Read More

 
PME Auto Conversions is located in Hornsby Heights NSW and specialises in customised vehicle modifications for people with disability. Our expertise includes driving controls from hand controls and left foot accelerators up to high-end electronic mobility controls, as well as wheelchair access and transfer, for cars and vans, and more. We engineer modifications to cater for any form of physical handicap. Ultimately, PME provides options for people who are disabled, in any way, to enjoy 'Dynamic Living'.

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