Mobility Info - Canada
Adaptive Driving Controls
Ever changing technology in adaptive equipment has brought back the freedom of the road to those with physical limitations. There are now hand controls that allow people to safely manage all aspects of driving through the use of their hand(s) instead of their feet. These tend to fall into the following categories:
Electronic hand controls
Mechanical hand controls
Portable hand controls
Steering devices/systems
Secondary hand controls
Accelerator/brake pedal modifications
Clutch systems
Let's take a closer look at each of the categories mentioned.
ELECTRONIC HAND CONTROLS
An increasing range of electronic and digital driving systems can now be fitted to vehicles. This new technology encompasses solutions for ignition, steering, accelerating, braking, gear change and ancillary controls.
One such solution is the Spacedrive system, a range of adaptations that can be totally customised to suit an individual driver’s requirements. Consisting of a selection of touch pad units, low-effort joysticks and levers, the components can be used alone or combined, and may be positioned for right or left hand use.
A 2-way accelerator/brake joystick and a 2-way steering joystick form the basis of the system. These can be used independently or combined in a 4-way joystick that is similar to the controls on an electric wheelchair. In addition, the electronic gear selector is ideal for selecting gears in an automatic vehicle using a touch pad.
This too can be used alone or incorporated into the secondary functions of one of the joystick controls. Other options include the mini steering wheel, a device that is easy to turn and can be fitted with suitable orthopaedic attachments to assist the driver. Used in conjunction with the accelerator/brake system, it can also include 4 secondary function buttons such as those for gear changing. An alternative to the joystick is the accelerator/brake lever, a single electronic lever that is adjustable for minimum effort.
Elap’s adaptations demonstrate the range of electronic solutions for accelerating. A ring accelerator can be fitted under or over the steering wheel for those with dextrous fingers; the trigger accelerator combines with a brake lever. The satellite accelerator is held in either hand and operated by a thumb button, whereas the radial accelerator is a lever that is pushed down in a radial motion to accelerate and pushed away from the body in order to brake. A further option is Elap’s floor-mounted accelerator and brake, offering a positive and comfortable response.
Other systems use consoles that employ infra-red control to allow the driver to operate up to 12 secondary functions such as indicators and horn. These handsets either attach to the existing steering wheel, with a quick-release mechanism, or they can incorporate a steering knob.
MECHANICAL HAND CONTROLS
These are manually operated devices that attach to a vehicle's steering wheel or instrument panel with a handle that is connected to the brake and the accelerator. The main difference between styles currently available is the way the control handle is moved.
There are four main styles: push/right-angle style, push/pull style, push/rock style and push/rotate style. Each has a slightly different physical and muscle requirement for stability and ease of movement. The following website has an excellent description of each type and its requirements. The Forum of Mobility Centres
PORTABLE HAND CONTROLS
These are portable versions of the mechanical hand devices. They are commonly known as PHC and are a good solution for many people. The PHC III by McSquared Designs (US) is an example of an easily installed, removable and transportable device. It relies on the driver's good grip and upper body strength and has a simple design - pull to go and push to stop. It's only 18" long, fits in its own storage bag, and weighs just a few pounds (just over a kilo). Quick Connection Hand Controls is another manufacturer of this portable type of device.
STEERING DEVICES
Spinner Knobs - are for a driver with full hand function who can grip the knob firmly with at least one hand.
Single Pin/Post - is for the driver who has a good grip and good use of steering arm. It keeps the wrist and arm in a neutral position while steering.
Tri-Pins - also called triple post, are excellent for hands that have no grip and/or limited wrist movement. The tri-pin has a secure base along the inside of the steering wheel. The pins are comfortable to use and they are covered in foam. This device has no strapping for the hand yet it is comfortable and secure in the three pin grip, letting the hand easily lift up and out at any time. The unit is fully adjustable allowing each driver to find a comfortable setting for their hands. The tri-pin design allows for mounting on either side of the steering wheel.
Palm Grip - this is also called a steering cuff or splint quad steering device. It uses Velcro to hold the hand in place, palm down. It's designed to offer complete control and hand support for a driver with a totally disabled hand and wrist. There is a short rod that locks in place at the base of the steering wheel near the palm of the hand to allow for easy steering. The device can also be placed at any point on the wheel to improve ease of use and personal comfort.
Steering Control V-Grip - also called palm spinner or quad fork. This device is for drivers with minimum grip to stabilize the driving hand. It also has a secure base that is adjustable for the individual driver. These devices are usually covered with foam for a comfortable grip and can be adjusted to create the steering grip that is comfortable for the driver.
Amputee Ring - this device is used for those drivers with a prosthetic hook or steering arm. The prosthetic should have pinchers made of a soft surface for the best functionality. The ring can be placed in any position on the steering wheel.
Steering Knobs - come in various styles and shapes. They all attach to the steering wheel. Generally they are designed to work in conjunction with other assisted driving aids. They are designed to fit normal steering wheels without damaging the cover or interfering with the airbag. There are standard, quick release and tetra grip versions as just a few examples.
If you're researching steering wheel options, be aware that there are many other steering modifications such as lengthened steering column, tilted steering wheel, vertical steering wheel, horizontal steering wheel, and alternative adjusted steering (joy-stick, etc.). There is a solution to suit most needs.
SECONDARY HAND CONTROLS
Not only is there a wide range of hand controls, accelerator and brake pedal solutions but there are also options for controlling the extras involved in safely driving a vehicle. These include lights, dimmer, horn, windscreen wipers, indicators etc.
Electronic Secondary Systems - There are many different manufacturers of secondary systems. In general they range from a simple control for one or two functions, such as cruise control settings, to more complex units that control indicators, windscreen wipers and washer fluid. Then there are the state of the art full function controls that allow the disabled driver to control up to 12 different functions. There are also units that control the parking brake that are manufactured by Electronic Mobility Controls (EMC) in the US and installed by DS&P Mobility Electronics in the UK.
ACCELERATOR PEDAL MODIFICATION
Computerized Hand Controls - just one example to look at is the Air Touch Extreme System - this is actually a Creative Controls (US) product for accelerator and brake. It can be used as a stand-alone device or in combination with other assisted devices. It requires minimal space and has the advantage of computer technology. The system actually has an IP address and has a unique communication capability with a variety of individually adjustable programs.
Accelerator Pedals and Guards - This isn't a true hand control but an accelerator pedal modification that is worth mentioning. Pedal guards are designed to be fitted in conjunction with hand controls to prevent the driver from accidentally moving the pedals. Most pedal guards can be easily removed so that other people can drive the vehicle conventionally. One installer of this type of product is Adaptacar. Their model has a quick release base, allowing the unit to be quickly installed and removed.
CLUTCH SYSTEM
As a general rule, it is easier to drive an automatic transmission if you require assisted driving aids. However, it might be that you can't afford to buy a different vehicle, or you don't plan to give it up - if that's the case, this type of system turns your manual transmission into a semi-automatic system. The clutch pedal turns into a fingertip control panel. The car can still be driven as normal by simply turning off the new system. Brig-Ayd Control (UK) is one of several companies who can fit these.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
There are unique requirements for each individual, and careful evaluation of each hand control will be required to find the best solution. When doing your research, consider the following:
Assess Your Abilities – think about the muscles that will be used for operating hand controls; for instance, the twist-grip control for acceleration uses mostly wrist muscles. This can easily fatigue the muscles involved.
Determine The Proper Fit - this is the fit between the car, driver and hand control and is key to comfort and proper functioning. The driver must fit comfortably inside the car while allowing room for the hand control to work. Remember that many hand controls require space between the knee and the steering wheel in which to operate.
Decide On Functionality - there are many different products and packages available. Each is a little different. The real question here is - will it allow you to do what you need to do?
Installation - is the hand control something simple that can be transferred from one vehicle to another, or does it require an installer, which may raise the cost? Do you need it for more than one vehicle?
Easily Adjustable - it helps if the hand controls can be adjusted so they are not too close to the steering wheel or door. The ability to increase or decrease the force required on the accelerator pedal might be important for those doing a lot of travelling. The force needed on the brake pedal is generally determined by the brakes’ own resistance.
Cost - assess the costs involved between the different devices - perhaps you only need something simple, or something you can install yourself?
Comfort - you are the one that is going to be using this hand control. Not only do you have to find it comfortable to use, but you have to be comfortable with your ability to use it. If, when sitting behind the wheel, the movement required to use the hand control is not a good fit and you don't feel confident about it, then it is not a good solution.
Assess The Extras - some companies package their hand controls with electronic 'extras' that can control indicators, horn and dimmer.
Make sure your choice passes the guidelines and regulations established in your country.
One of Europe's most experienced companies, Steering Developments Ltd, is worth checking out. Not only do they offer competitive rates on many of the modifications listed above but they also go one further and offer things like: infra-red beeper for secondary controls, horizontal steering, joystick steering, foot steering systems, electric brake/accelerator and electric handbrakes, tiller steering system and more. You can contact them for more information and price quotes.
SO WHAT WILL ANY OR ALL OF THESE ITEMS COST?
The prices for these products run from a few hundred to many thousands of pounds. I've only covered a cross section of products available. Depending on what modifications you need and what lifestyle you choose, you could have a custom ordered, fully equipped CenterVan Chrysler Grand Voyager by SDL with everything you could possibly need, costing thousands - or simple portable hand controls supplied by Lynx Hand Controls Ltd costing around £350, a basic push/pull system that can be self-installed. Several other competitors’ solutions fall into this same mid-price range, like those installed by Brig-Ayd Controls and Alfred Bekker Ltd coming in at just over £500, and rising.
