I'm Bill Georgas, consultant engineer and owner of PME.
We've been getting people on the road for two decades, both as drivers and as passengers.
Nothing is too hard; if there's a way to work around a physical challenge, we'll do our level best to find it.
Paralysis, limb impairment, shortness of stature; we’ve engineered effective solutions for hundreds of clients.
So far, there hasn't been a vehicle we couldn't customise; from passenger cars to road graders and three wheel motorcycles. We take on challenges that others won't.
Here at PME, it’s all about what is possible.
Next > The latest technology
Not only do we have a truckload of experience, we’re also right across the latest technology and that just gets better and better.
We are able to implement solutions, now, that were impossible only a few years ago.
But technology alone won’t get you driving; you need sound advice and solid, customised design.
Next > Tailored solutions
We are all about giving our clients the independence, flexibility and freedom that driving offers. Every person is different, however; every car and every situation presents unique challenges.
Creating optimal solutions, the first time, requires experience, creativity and a sincere desire to get people on the road.
At PME, it is, seriously, all about you.
Next > Dynamic living
While our work is very technical, our focus is quality of life. We are in the business of enabling people to enjoy more independence, more freedom and more fun.
At a deeper level, this is about respect, about a person's sense of self-worth and simple, human joy.
Our work is engineering but our business is "Dynamic Living."
Next > Integrity
PME is fully certified by all the relevant governing bodies. We match, or exceed, international engineering standards and we are known and trusted right across Australia.
This hasn’t happened by accident; industry leaders for two decades, we’ve earned our reputation, one happy client at a time.
So give us a call. I look forward to it. Bill Georgas
Next > Welcome to PME
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Thanks for visiting our website. We've packed in quite a bit (and there's more to come) but it's not meant to be exhaustive.
The idea is to introduce ourselves and the work that we do, giving you enough confidence to pick up the phone. So please have a look around, get to know us a little, then give us a call. We look forward to it.
-220.jpg "The Paravan Self Drive Wheelchair is Brand New to Australia")
The Paravan Wheelchair features unique capabilities including huge motorised elevation and tilt ranges and other adjustments that make the Paravan wheelchair extremely versatile. Among other uses, it assists in reaching a high shelf, allows you to travel at standing head height at a concert or bar or to travel reasonably off road, can relieve pressure points and assists in standing/transfers.
This versatility makes the Paravan Wheelchair perfect for wheelchair self-drive. Our solutions can be fully tailored when using this wheelchair and so PME specifically recommends use of the Paravan Electric wheelchair in these conversions.
Many of these measurements can be customised and so please use them as a rough guide only
Standard Seat width – 350-550 adjusted via armrest regulation
Standard seat backrest height – standard 650mm optional 450 or 550
Standard seat depth – 480 mm standard optional 380 or 430
A range of seating options are available
Folding armrests
Lower leg length allowance – 350-420mm
Knee angle – 87-170 degrees
Total width – 640mm
Total length without footplates – 930mm
Chassis ground clearance – 75mm
Turning circle – 1.15m
Range – 35km
Max user weight – 160kg
Straight off the shelf, most vehicles aren't appropriately set-up for people of short stature. Fortunately, PME has a whole suite of solutions to tailor-fit vehicles to make them easy and safe to drive. These include everything from access, seating and securing, to driving control and accessory function modifications.
| Gallery |
Video |
We have years of experience doing short stature conversions and we understand the differing requirements that each situation presents. We know that your challenges are individual and we treat them that way. Each individual will differ in height, mobility and range of motion, as well as in associated disabilities, length of torso, legs and arms etc, so each conversion is tailor made.
A short stature conversion can involve any of the following;
Foldaway pedal extensions
Removable pedal extension systems
Removable false floors
Modified seating
Steering modifications
Steering column modifications
Airbag disabling systems
Steering wheel modifications
We do what we need to, in order to give you the optimal driving experience.
Give PME a call on (02) 9482 2808 to discuss what we can do for you
Mechanical linkages to allow for hand control of the brake and accelerator
PME Hand Controls use mechanical linkages to allow for left or right handed control of the brake and accelerator. Our design offers a simple intuitive operation which incorporates the least fatiguing and most natural motion to apply the accelerator. They are comfortable and responsive to use.
At PME we achieve the best possible result with no, or minimal, modification to the vehicle’s interior to retain the factory look. Quality is assured; PME hand controls are certified to Australian Standard 3954.2 for your safety.
There are two standard types available with different methods of operation;
The Push-Pull system operates with a push for the brake and a pull towards the driver for acceleration.
The Radial system operates with a push for the brake and a pat (downward push) for acceleration.
Hand Controls will generally be installed with a spinner knob for steering and accessory controls on the hand controls or on the spinner so that blinkers, head lights and other functions can be operated without removing hands from the wheel or hand control.
Previously, vehicle modifiers have been unable to install hand controls into vehicles with a Knee Intrusion Airbag. This is because it is necessary for the hand controls to run below the dash, and right across the air-bag, making them a hazard should the air-bag deploy.
Electronic Accelerators such as the Accelerator Rings and Electronic Radial do not have this problem as the mechanical brake bar can be routed around the airbag. This is the preferred option as all safety systems are maintained.
However, for the case where electronic controls are not preferable, PME have developed an exclusive Hand Control system that is compatible with Knee Intrusion Air-bags and satisfies current RTA requirements.This system features a removable connecting rod that temporarily disables the Knee Intrusion Air-bag ONLY while installed. This rod is removed with 30 seconds when an able-bodied driver takes the wheel and the Knee Intrusion Air-bag is re-enabled.
As increasing numbers of vehicles are incorporating this safety feature, PME are continually working on new developments in this area. However,we still advise that customers avoid vehicles fitted with Knee Intrusion Airbags as unfortunately this system comes at an extra cost. Please discuss your intentions with us before purchasing a vehicle with these Air-bags.
Designed for natural, low fatigue operation
Minimal modification to vehicle interior
Can be installed for right or left handed operation
Radial or Push-Pull systems available
Knee Intrusion Air-Bag Compatible Hand Controls Available
I have had two performance cars modified by PME (VW Golf R32 and recently a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X). Both jobs were performed perfectly and exactly as per my specifications... Read More
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 information and the trip to Sydney was definitely worth the e... Read More
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 at PME having the floor lowered, installing a side ... Read More
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 efficient, helpful and supportive through out the process... Read More
I was originally referred to Problem Management Engineering (PME) by a couple of Melbourne businesses, which specialise in converting vehicles for disabled drivers. These Melbourne businesses were ... Read More
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 before. On December 14 I passed my full license te... Read More
My Wife's Father's Multivan is about to have it's first birthday and I thought it timely to say thanks, once again for the great job you and your staff did with the conversion. Since overcoming the... Read More
When I became aware of the Self-Drive van conversions that PME were carrying out, I contacted Bill Georgas and instantly saw that this would be a solution for me.
I can now say that after hav... Read More
It's a revelation to find someone so competent after all these years, but even more of a revelation to find someone who cares.
PME went beyond the call of duty fixing both of our cars to suit... Read More
Bill and his crew at PME just did the most excellent job, fitting a hoist and hand-controls for our Kia Sportage.
Their attention to detail was amazing, they really listened to us and develop... Read More
Bill and the team at PME were simply amazing. Nothing was too much trouble for them, they modified our Pajero beautifully and even dropped us off and picked us up from the local shopping centre.Read More
PME has made it possible for me to continue to have adventure in my life. They dealt with me professionally and courteously and their work is faultless.
Hand controls are another world, requi... Read More
To reinforce my appreciation for everything you have done for me. I am so appreciative of you getting me back on the road asap.
I appreciated much more how much time it takes to design, probl... Read More
Very impressed. We had extremely good service. Picked up our car one day and had it back the following day. Once again many thanks.
Ailsa
Read MoreA BIG THANKYOU :) for your generosity in completing the alterations to the Shoalhaven modified car. I am very happy and excited to now be able to improve the options to Shoalhaven residents needing... Read More
Thank you for designing and making the Easyspin... It has truly made my life easier and made me more independent... You truly make a robust unit as I never expected it to still be going strong afte... Read More
Kye is really enjoying the freedom of his car. Thanks for all your help. Thanks to all your workers too :)
Read MoreThanks for your help, understanding and compassion. The look on my wife's face whenever we go driving is worth every penny spent. Keep up the good work, the disabled community needs more people lik... Read More
My name is John Mullins and I became an incomplete quadriplegic in 1975. After rehab I was fullly employed for more than 27 years and during this time I drove my self to and from work every day in ... Read More
The humble Spinmaster from PME has made my life so much better. Much better than I ever realised, until I lost the use of it for a couple of weeks.
The Spinmaster simply makes it possible for... Read More
