The floor mounted push-pull accelerator and brake lever is one of a range of hand control adaptations that are available when a person is unable to use their feet to operate the standard pedals. The lever is fitted to the floor in front and to the left of the driver's seat in a standard car. The lever is pulled backwards to accelerate and pushed forwards to brake.
This adaptation can be fitted to most vehicles but the system is designed primarily for a vehicle with automatic transmission and for a person who is unable to use or has difficulty using their legs to operate the pedals for accelerating and braking. It is strongly recommended that these controls are fitted to a vehicle with power assisted steering.
Points to Consider
• There is more space and less risk of possible harm to a person's legs when accessing the driver's seat as there are no obtrusive rods connected to the existing accelerator and brake pedal as in some other types of hand controls.
• The position of the lever may restrict how far the driver's seat can be brought forward.
• The handle of the lever is fitted with a brake lock button to free the driver's hand to be able to operate the parking brake or gear selector. A switch can be fitted to the handle for secondary controls with the option of a function for cruise control, which would release the left arm from constant use when accelerating.
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Fitting of hand controls should not affect the operation of the pedals if another person wishes to drive the vehicle in a standard way. However, when a person is using hand controls when driving, a pedal guard is recommended to prevent accidental operation of the pedals or the feet from slipping underneath the accelerator and brake pedals. These can be removed easily when the car is driven with standard foot controls.
Floor mounted push pull hand controls can be used in conjunction with a steering wheel spinner which is a knob attached to the steering wheel to assist with turning. The use of a hand control, particularly when using a steering wheel spinner, may have an impact on your stability while driving. Ensure that you are sitting in a good position in relation to the controls and that you have adequate support from the car seat.
• An arm rest may be required to help in supporting the left arm to prevent fatigue when operating the lever.
• Constant use of the arms to operate all the car controls can be tiring. The use of a cruise control system can help reduce this on longer journeys.
• To determine whether this adaptation is suitable for your particular needs one of the Forum of Mobility Centres may be able to offer you an assessment using this adaptation. Contact details may be obtained by telephone 0800 5593636, email: enquiries@mobility-centres.org.uk and website www.mobility-centres.org.uk
• It is recommended that a person receives some tuition using a hand control before driving on the public highway. There is a Register of Driving Instructors for Disabled People and details of instructors in each county are available on 0800 5593636.
Whilst The Forum of Mobility Centres has taken every care to ensure the information provided in this document is accurate, the Forum does not endorse or make any representations as to the quality, cost or availability of the products, services, and suppliers listed here. The Forum of Mobility Centres cannot in any circumstances accept liability of any kind arising out of or in connection with the use of this information or any reliance placed on it by any person.
January 2006