History
30 Years of Mobility: A Journey of Compassion and Innovation
What began as a heartfelt request from missionary Larry Hills in 1994 has transformed into a global movement, changing thousands of lives. Hills told Reverend Mel West about the critical need for three-wheeled, hand-cranked wheelchairs in Zaire (now Congo), Africa, for those disabled by polio and landmines. Mel, in collaboration with product designer Earl Miner, took action to design a solution. This timeline chronicles the remarkable journey of Mobility Worldwide, from its humble beginnings to the international effort it is today—bringing dignity and mobility to over 100,000 people across the globe.
1994
The Birth of a Mission
Larry Hills, a missionary in Zaire (now Congo), Africa, told Reverend Mel West about the great need for three-wheeled, hand-cranked wheelchairs for victims of polio and landmines. Mel contacted Earl Miner, a product designer and long-time friend and mission partner, and the process of designing the prototype began.
1995
Launch of PET Carts in Africa
When prototype development was ready for field testing, four were shipped to Larry Hills with the instructions to “put these in the worst place you can find, and see if they pass the test.” Larry did, and the PET Carts did. Shipments began to Zaire, where Larry had set up a place to receive the frames, put on the wooden beds, and distribute them. Later, the operation moved to Zambia and was known as PET Zambia at New Life Center, led by Delbert Groves, United Methodist Missionary, Kitwe, Zambia, Africa.
1997
Expansion of the Cart Project to Mozambique
Bishop Machado of Mozambique saw the cart and requested a project there. Others did likewise. With limited funds and operating out of the West’s garage, and a room at Community United Methodist Church, the project grew.
1998
Establishing Cart Production in Mozambique
Tom Algiere, shop teacher, was sent by the United Methodist Church to Mozambique where he set up two cart production shops which we helped support.
2000
PET Place Established in Missouri
Reverend Mel West set up a production, receiving and shipping facility in Columbia, Missouri USA. The PET Place facility receives parts made by volunteers and donated by businesses. Then the carts are assembled and shipped to various areas of need around the world. Missionary Larry Hills set up a production shop in Penny Farms Retirement Center located in Penny Farms, Florida USA to focus on mobility needs in Haiti.
2003
New PET Production Shops Established
Jake and Gwen Royall, members of First Christian Church, set up a production shop in Luling, Texas USA. PET-TX Luling transitioned to PET TX-Brazos Valley in 2009.
2004
PET International Established
Over 1,000 carts are produced and shipped from across the US.PET International is incorporated. (See name change to Mobility Worldwide in 2016.) Our founding Columbia shop held a fundraiser to jump start the operation of PET International. Our founder, Mel West, thought it was important to have an international level organization that would oversee the growing number of production shops and do quality control of the Mobility Carts.
2005-On
New PET Production Shops Continue to be Established
2007
Introduction of the Pull Cart
The Pull cart was developed for those who didn’t even have upper body power or coordination.
2010
New PET Shops and Introduction of Mini-Mart Kits
Mini-mart kits were developed as a way for some Mobility Cart recipients near populated areas to sell items and earn a living. These are sent with cart shipments when requested by our distribution partners.
2013
Seat Design Improvements
Significant changes were made in seat design for the crank carts for more adjustability and health of the recipients.
2015
Celebration of the 50,000th PET Cart
This achievement marked two decades of dedicated efforts to provide mobility solutions for individuals in need around the world. The milestone not only highlighted the impact of the PET initiative but also showcased the commitment of volunteers, donors, and production facilities in making a difference in countless lives.
2016
Rebranding to Mobility Worldwide
Mission wide family name becomes Mobility Worldwide for easier identification. Our production shop is now known as ‘Mobility Worldwide MO-Columbia’. More volunteers are trained and open production shops in the US and abroad. 60,000th Mobility Cart delivered
2019
25th Anniversary, Production Milestones, and New Beginnings
Mobility Worldwide celebrated its 25th anniversary, producing 1,856 carts in Columbia and shipping the 78,000th Mobility Cart by June. The year also featured the groundbreaking of the first owned production shop building in Columbia, paving the way for future growth and enhanced capacity to serve those in need.
2020
Opening of the Mel & Barbara West Cart Center
Construction continues on the 12,500′ Mel & Barbara West Cart Center. July 2020 moving begins. August 2020 full production and shipping operation.
2022
Budget Approval and Production Challenges
With generous supporters, our board approves an annual budget to build 40 carts per week. With continued issues in supply chains, we were only able to produce 1,420 carts YTD (27 per week). Still many more helped by you. Carryover funds allowed us to approve construction & shipping of more carts in 2023.
2023
Milestones in Production and Distribution
In February, we built the 30,000th Mobility Cart in Columbia. This year, we have updated our manufacturing process. With your kind gifts, we are striving to build 50 carts per week. Our whole mission family of production shops celebrated distribution of the 100,000 cart to a man in El Salvador (pictured).
2024
Celebrating 30 Years of Mobility Carts
Celebrating 30th anniversary in shipping Mobility Carts to those with leg disabilities. In May, our founder, Rev. Mel West, turned 100. We had a birthday party and open house to commemorate. Hundreds of persons from across the country came to wish him well.
