News stories

Spyder Transform-ation

News - News stories

After this Can-am Spyder was modified by PME, the owner decided that it needed some second stage modifications to take its killer looks and performance to the next level. 

The transformer themed Can-Am Spyder Anthony came out to the workshop today to give us a look at his now fully custom Can-am Spyder. Despite its flash new paint job, we heard this beast coming before we saw it thanks to its new exhaust system that releases the full rumble of the v-twin engine. When we did see it, however, we were blown away. 

The paint job has a transformers theme modelled from Optimus Prime, the leader of the Autobots in the movie. It features red and blue flames and plenty of other airbrushing to realistically simulate vents, fins and other radical styling taken from the giant robot. This Spyder also features new wheels and handle grips to finish off the custom look. The cnc machined brake lever and footplates we installed still fit in quite well with the bike's styling despite all these changes. 

You really have to see this one of a kind vehicle for yourself. View the gallery for pictures of Anthony's wild Can-am Spyder.

 Gallery

Click here to find out more about the conversion kit

Click here for the full story

Source: PME

Posted: Wednesday 26th August, 2009

   

Seasons Greetings from PME

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The guys at PME will be taking a well deserved break over the holiday season

Seasons Greetings from all of us at Problem Management Engineering

We will be taking a short break from Tuesday 22nd December and we will be reopening with a skeleton staff from Monday 11th January 2010 with full operations returning Monday 18th of January.

Problem Management Engineering wishes you a happy holiday season.

 

Source: PME

Posted: Thursday 17th December, 2009

 

   

PME host "Driving with a Disability"

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On Monday 23rd of November, PME ran an event at our factory on ‘Driving with a Disability’.

Modified vehicles on display

Guests on the day included representatives from the ACT, VIC, SA and NSW Roads and Traffic Authorities; OTs; Rehabilitation centres; Driving Instructors; Insurance Companies; Lifetime Care and Support and TAC.

The focus of the day was on bringing these organisations together and fostering stronger relationships, with an understanding of the process a person with a physical challenge has to go through to drive a vehicle. The day also was also educational, explaining various vehicle modifications including the relatively new to Australia electronic driving controls. 

Presentations on Driving with a DisabilityThere were several speakers on the day. Rolf Gramenske from Paravan in Germany spoke about their Space Drive electronic mobility control systems. Greg Kileen from Spinal Cord Injuries Australia spoke about their work, the importance of access to transport and the funding of vehicle modifications, and introduced Tony Varral who gave his personal story. Jorge Montano of JC Montano Engineering Consultants covered ADRs in relation to driving with a disability. Occupational therapist and Space Drive specialist, Tom Eley spoke about his role and the process involved in assessing and training for electronic mobility controls. Wendy Chandran spoke on behalf of Royal Rehabilitation about the centre and on the assessment and referral process. Rob De Vries and John Vrdoljak from Capital Special Vehicles spoke about modifying vehicles for wheelchair access, in particular the VW Transporter. Bill Georgas, owner and manager of PME spoke about what PME do and the different vehicle modifications available to the physically challenged. 

Present on the day were past clients of PME and their modified vehicles. This gave the guests a chance to meet these people and see for themselves, not only how the modified vehicles operate, but also, how life changing they are for their owners.

Vehicles on display on the day included Gavin’s twin-turbo BMW with Foot Steer, Peter’s Space Drive Chrysler Voyager, Paul’s T5 with Accelerator-Brake lever, Allan’s Self Drive Vito, Brett’s Self Drive Vito, an Audi with Accelerator Ring, Toni’s Hyundai Getz with Short Stature Conversion, Bob’s Subaru Outback with removable hand controls, Dominic’s Space Drive Chrysler Voyager, David’s Mazda with Wymo Hoist and modified driving controls, and PME’s own Commodore with ABI Loader and Evaluator 1 Space Drive Training Vehicle.

To everyone who was involved, we thank you all so much for your contribution, and hope you enjoyed the day as much as we did.

Take a browse through the Gallery, there are so many great shots from the day. 

 
Gallery

Source: PME

 

Posted: Friday 11th December, 2009

   

Wheelie Water Skiing

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Ever wanted to hop on to a pair of water skis? Now may be your chance

The Disabled Division of NSW Water-ski Federation and NSWWheelie Water Skiing Government Communities Sport and Recreation are offering open water skiing days for people with physical disabilities and vision impairments at St George Rowing Club.

This includes skiers with leg or arm amputation, brachial plexus injury, arm and leg impairments, hemiplegia, spinal cord injury, paraplegia and quadriplegia, lower limb impairment, and partial or total vision impairment.

With days running through December to April, there’s plenty of time to get out there and give it a go.  Start thinking about what is possible and get the most out of life.

For more details, download the flyer or contact Sharon Patterson - 

M: 0412 966 712

W: 02 8543 3023

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Places are limited so please register to ensure your spot

 

Source: PME

 

Posted: Thursday 10th December, 2009

   

Spyder motorcycle conversion

News - News stories

Riding a high performance motorcycle would normally be considered a dream for a person with significant physical disability. This dream is now a very tangible reality for one very excited PME client.

Anthony takes his Can-Am Spyder for a spinThe Can Am Spyder is one beautiful machine, and it is well set up to accommodate disabled riders - with a conversion kit now available from PME.

It took an enormous amount of work designing, manufacturing and refining the modifications, but our client has finally taken delivery of his machine. The final design is the result of a combination of hands on work, input from external designers, online discussions with Spyder users and a mix of insight and ingenuity.

This modification is generating quite a buzz, we’ve already had a lot of interest from across the globe.

Anthony, our happy client, has already started second stage modifications including a full paint job with custom airbrushing, polished wheels and a custom exhaust system.

Keep a look out for it; it’ll be on our site, and on the streets, late October to early November.

Click here to find out more about the conversion kit

Click here for the full story

Source: PME

Posted: Wednesday 26th August, 2009

   

The Wild Bigfoot Project

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The guys at PME are undertaking a side-project of massive proportions. The aim is to recondition a decommissioned RFW Bigfoot 4x4 tour bus and make it disability friendly. When completed, the plan is to take the bus on a tour of outback Australia.

The bus when we got it

The Bigfoot was Originally built for tour bus operator Denis Hutchinsen for 4x4 outback tours in Queensland by Sydney specialist builder Bob Whitehead of RFW.

RFW build specialised vehicles for heavy operations and the bus was custom made for strength from the ground up with a full length chassis and side frames from front to back bumper.
With a cummins 8.3 litre 6 cylinder 220hp turbo diesel and an allison automatic gearbox sitting behind the rear axle, and front, rear and centre diff locks, they made sure that this massive beast is capable of going just about anywhere.
It is not without its comforts however, with air suspension for a superb ride over all terrain, light steering even with large tyres thanks to the sheppard hydraulic power steering, 27 seats with individual viewing windows, plenty of storage and a double bunk for the cold desert nights.

After changing hands, the bus ended up as an offroad adventure tour bus for Pinnacle Tours; cruising the dazzling white sand dunes and deserted beaches of the Pinnacles Desert in Western Australia. The bus was eventually retired from the 12hr, 500km tours after sand, saltwater and neglect meant that it had to be decommissioned. 

It then made its way to the owner previous to PME that had the same intentions of returning the 27 seater tour bus to its former glory. He, however, decided that the job was too big. He wasn't wrong, after the years of neglect it has become a big job; the engine and the drive train all need to be removed and overhauled, and the body is rust riddled but we wont be giving up that easily!

After stripping it back to the bare essentials and removing any and all rust, just about every body panel is being replaced. The interior will be removed and this will make way for the new internal wheelchair accessible motor home design. A PME custom driving control configuration will be installed and a custom wheelchair lift will be fabricated to assist with the massive 1.4m first step.

The RFW Bigfoot 4x4 bus can be seen at the PME workshop. Keep an eye on the news section for updates on the progress of this project.


Gallery
 

Source: PME

Posted: Wednesday 19th August, 2009

   

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PME FEATURES

A Disability Friendly Spyder Motorcycle

Can-Am Spyder Roadster Kit

Get on your steel pony; motorcycle riding is finally within reach for many people with disabilities
Rear-entry wheelchair lift

Wheelchair Entry Lift

Supply & expert installation of state of the art wheelchair lifts
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
Easyspin indicator and secondary function remote spinner knob

Easyspin

Fingertip control of secondary driving functions such as indicators, horn and high beam
  • Can-Am Spyder Roadster Kit
  • Wheelchair Entry Lift
  • Short Stature Solutions
  • PME Hand Controls
  • Easyspin
 

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PME specialises in customised vehicle conversions for people with disability. Our expertise covers driving controls, wheelchair access and transfer solutions, for cars and vans, and much more. Industry leaders for two decades, 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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