Archive for Hand Controls

Electronic Hand Controls

Electronic hand controls on the Motability Scheme are almost always electronic accelerator with a standard mechanical brake. They are designed for people who have a need for hand controls to operate the brake and accelerator but who also may suffer from upper body weakness. (The purpose of making the controls electronic is that they are extremely light and easy to operate compared to the mechanical variety).

As well as being some of the most technically advanced adaptations you will encounter on the Motability Scheme, they also come in all shapes and sizes for different people’s disabilities:

You can have Over Ring, Under Ring, Trigger, Twist Grip, Satellite, Floor mounted, Standard Push, Radial, etc… Not to mention the 5 or 6 different manufacturers listed on the Motability Scheme.

When it comes to adaptations, I would recommend that, as a Motability Specialist, you make sure your customer has had advice from an accredited Adaptation Specialist and/or Driving Assessment Centre. Assessing a customer’s requirements can be very complicated and there is a risk that, otherwise, they may end up with something that is unsuitable, causing real inconvenience to the customers (and yourselves).

Motability are now insisting that any Adaptation Specialists working with the Motability Scheme are fully trained and accredited by the Adaptation Manufacturers directly. This means the list of approved fitters around the country is now much smaller and this ensures that only the most experienced are able to fit these controls on the scheme.

Electronic Hand Controls are a fantastic product and have made it possible for many disabled drivers to drive when they would have struggled to do so with mechanical systems. However, seeking professional advice is essential before ordering.

Please click here to see further product information on our website.

Discreet Push/Pull Hand Controls – a Better Way to Drive

Electronic pull acceleratorPush/pull hand controls are one of the most commonly fitted vehicle adaptations, providing thousands of people the option of driving without the use of their legs. These adaptations are also often used alongside a steering ball, making the driving experience much easier and more comfortable.

The basic idea and use of push/pulls hasn’t varied much in 50 years, but there is a variance in the quality of some of the push/pull hand controls on the market.

We always recommend the highest quality discreet push/pull controls where possible… and here’s why:

  • The rods are hidden behind the dashboard. Why? Rods running on the outside of the dash not only look unsightly, but drivers can catch and hurt their knees on them when entering or leaving the car.
  • The clamps around the pedals are high up so they don’t get in the way when the driver wants to use the standard pedals. Pedal clamps that sit too low can hit the driver’s feet when the pedals are being used. Crucially they can also get in the way of knee airbags.

There are a number of manufacturers who offer discreet hand controls on the Motability Scheme – and every approved adaptations company can choose to fit them if they so desire… but incredibly many still fit the old fashioned ones.

Although a few specific vehicles may not be suitable for discreet hand controls, the majority are, so you should always insist on discreet hand controls wherever possible.

Don’t compromise. Everyone deserves the very best driving experience – and a disability shouldn’t have to get in the way of that.

Please click here to see further product information on our website.

Ergomobility Sussex
Units 1 – 4, Crosspost Industrial Park,
Cowfold Road, Bolney,
West Sussex, RH17 5QU

Telephone: 01444 882233

Ergomobility Thames Valley
Tylorstown,
Caversham
Reading, RG4 7XW

Telephone: 0118 321 8193

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Ergomobility is a trading name of Equivalent Engineering Ltd. VAT Registered Number 776341117
Company registered in Cardiff number 4321179 Registered office – Units 1 to 4, Crosspost Industrial Park, Cowfold Road, Bolney, RH17 5QU