Personal Energy cart available for display, education at churches

The United Methodist Rural Fellowship in Missouri sent a small, hand-powered, three-wheeled scooter to Spokane in 1999 to promote it in CROP Walks, fairs and churches.

The scooter is made with volunteer labor in small, medium and large sizes.  It is shipped to 29 countries, including Vietnam, Congo and Mexico.

“By shipping large numbers of disassembled scooters packed in a large container, using volunteer labor and purchasing parts in large wholesale lots, the cost of each scooter delivered is about $250,” said Dave Noble of the CROP Walk Committee.

Since 1999, Spokane donations have been sufficient to sponsor three scooters. “Our” scooter remains here because it cost $300 to truck it to Spokane.

From time to time, it has been borrowed for use on trails where a narrow-tired wheelchair would likely become stuck or break up.

“Children love to get in it and drive it around,” Dave said.  “It now comes with a display board with photos and explanatory text, locally printed fliers and a locking cable so children can not ride it unsupervised.”

Throughout the year, churches host the scooter at for one or two months, then move it to a new location—to other churches, fairs and other venues.
In 1994, the losses of mobility in Zaire from land mines and polio inspired the invention of this low-cost, rugged, easily repaired vehicle for use where a wheelchair falls apart.

The Rev. Larry Hills and the Rev. Mel West started The PET Project with the help of Earl Miner, product designer.

“PET” stands for Personal Energy Transportation.

In 1995, field tests demonstrated the effectiveness of the PET design. Rodney Miner in Montana began building and shipping frames to Zaire where wooden beds were added and distribution took place.

By 2003, the wooden beds of the PET scooters were also built in the United States. More than 40 individuals and groups across the country build parts for the PET and ship them to Florida, Montana or Missouri for assembly.

Dave, who has coordinated its use since it first came, seeks assistants or a new coordinator.

For information, call 534-5558 or visit giftofmobility.org.



By Mary Stamp, Fig Tree editor - © December 2004