PET is a faith-based, volunteer-powered, humanitarian, and worldwide organization, registered as tax-exempt 501(c)(3) under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
Early PET prototype
Early PET prototype with car-like seat
Beginnings
Mel West at drill press
PET began in 1995 when Reverend Larry Hills, missionary in Zaire (now Congo), Africa, told Reverend Mel West of the great need for three-wheeled, hand-cranked wheelchairs for victims of polio and landmines.
Earl Miner on early PET
Mel contacted Earl Miner, product designer and long-time friend and mission partner, and the process of the prototype design began.
In 1996, When prototype development was ready for field testing, four were shipped to Larry Hills
Larry Hills on early PET
with the instructions to “put these in the worst place you can find, and see if they pass the test.” Larry did, and the PETs did. Shipments began to Zaire, where Larry had set up a place to receive the frames, put on the wooden beds, and distribute them. See history at the PET International website for the full story.
