Amigo Mobility International Inc, founded by Allan R. Thieme

Allan R. Thieme

Entrepreneur Allan R Thieme invented the first Power operated vehicle/scooter, the Amigo in 1968....

 in 1968, changed the mobility industry by inventing the first power operated vehicle/scooter (POV). Located in Bridgeport, Mich., the company manufactures multiple lines of products for healthcare, commercial, transportation services and active lifestyle/travel applications worldwide. As an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Amigo also designs, manufactures and utilizes components to work with companies creating custom mobility solutions.

The first Amigo sold was the Front Drive, a small model made for easy in-home use. Today the healthcare line includes more than nine POVs, two car lifts and specialty options, including a halachically-approved Shabbat module

Shabbat module

The Shabbat module is a technology solution for Orthodox Jews who need to use an electronic appliance on Shabbat. The module usually overrides the usual, everyday operation of the electrical appliance and makes the operation of the appliance comply with the halachic rules of the Torah...

 (also referred to as the Amigo Shabbat or a Shabbat scooter) added to select models for use throughout observance of the Sabbath, and the SmartSensor by Amigo

SmartSensor by Amigo

SmartSensor by Amigo is an impact avoidance system added to select Amigo power-operated vehicles. SmartSensor technology measures the distance of an obstacle in front of the Amigo power operated vehicle , then sets the speed of the Amigo to a safe level. Distances are measured from 60 inches...

 which is an impact-avoidance system using SMART technology to measure the distance of an obstacle in front of the rider, setting the speed of the POV to a safe level of approach. The SmartSensor is used, primarily, in retirement villages and independent living environments. It was developed after Al Thieme was asked to consider a safety system by a Pennsylvania retirement community concerned about its residents driving POV/scooters and causing property damage or impact accidents with staff members and other residents.
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Amigo introduced the first electric shopping cart made for retail environments. Fred Meijer was the first to purchase Amigo electric shopping carts for his Meijer store located in Flint, MI in 1976. Since then, electric shopping carts have become a staple in many grocery store chains, government commissaries and big box retailers. Amigo's commercial line includes five different models distributed internationally.

Amigo POV/scooters are also available in other public settings. Libraries of all types are purchasing motorized scooters for the convenience of their disabled patrons. Woodridge Public Library in Illinois and Laramie County Library in Wyoming both have Amigo scooters available for use .

In 2009, Amigo Mobility was named one of the Inc. 5000 fastest growing companies, ranking at No. 2,717 . Amigo Mobility was first named to the Inc. 500/5000 list in 1982, ranking at No. 212 .
Timeline of Amigo

1968 - Allan R. Thieme invents and sells the first Amigo mobility scooter, a small yellow front drive model

1970 - First Amigo Shopper (motorized shopping cart) is sold to Meijer Thrifty Acres store in Michigan

1977 - Social Security law is changed to include POVs

1980 - Al Thieme received the United States Small Business Person of the Year award

1981 - 10,000th Amigo is built

1982 - Amigo Mobility is first recognized on the Inc. 500 list, no. 212

1987 - Rear wheel drive introduction expands mobility to outdoor terrain

1992 - Amigo receives the Michigan New Product Award

1999 - Introduction of the TravelMate; world’s first folding power operated vehicle/mobility scooter

2008 - Green Business Certified (Certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council as a woman-owned business by Beth Thieme)

2009 - Beth Thieme was named a Top Woman in Grocery

2009 - Amigo Mobility received the Best of the Best Michigan Business in Manufacturing award

2009 - Amigo Mobility named to the Inc. 5000 list, no. 2,717

2010 - Amigo Mobility named to the Inc. 5000 for the second year in a row, no. 3,450
Certifications

• Green Business Certified by the Institute for Green Certification
• NAPH (National Association of the Physically Handicapped) Certified

Notable Amigo owners

• Mary Kay Ash
  Mary Kay Ash
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  , American businesswoman and founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics (1918–2001)
• William "Count" Basie, American jazz musician (1904-1984)
• Ron Bachman, motivational speaker and "Keep Going" Hall of Fame 2008 inductee (1957- )
• Totie Fields
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• Teri Garr
  Teri Garr
  -Early life:Garr was born in Lakewood, Ohio in 1947. Her father, Eddie Garr , was a vaudeville performer, comedian and actor whose career peaked when he briefly took over the lead role in the Broadway drama Tobacco Road...
  
  , Academy Award-nominated actress (1947- )
• Joseph Hartzler, lead prosecutor of the Oklahoma City Bombing case
• Pam Krause, wife of former NFL player and NFL Hall of Fame member Paul Krause
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• Ray Kroc
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   into the most successful fast food operation in the world (1902-1984)
• Joe Louis
  Joe Louis
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• Vicki Bridges, Multiple Sclerosis and disability advocate, columnist for healthcentral.com
• Rachel Barton Pine
  Rachel Barton Pine
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• Richard Pryor
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  , comedian, actor and writer (1940–2005)
• Colonel Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (1890–1980)
• Trisston Wright-Burrows, Ms. Wheelchair America/Alabama 2005 (1975- )
• Hal Foster, Canadian-American illustrator, creator of Prince Valiant comic strip (1892-1982)
• Eddie "The King" Feigner, American softball player (1925-2007)
• Jimmie Heuga, American alpine ski racer (1943-2010)
• Louie Unser, race car driver and mechanic for the Unser brothers
• R.A.D. Ford, Canadian ambassador to Russia
• Olin Teague, Texas Congressman (1910-1981)
• Charles Potter, U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator (1916-1979)