Left foot accelerator pedals
Left foot accelerator pedals are designed for drivers with limited use of their right leg, enabling the operation of the brake and accelerator with the left foot.
An additional accelerator pedal is fitted to the left of the brake and both accelerator pedals are hinged to flip up and down so that the vehicle can be driven using either the right foot or the left, depending on the driver. The twin flip folding system, which is the most commonly fitted, links the left and right accelerator pedals, so when one pedal is flipped down ready for use, the other flips up out of the way automatically.
Left foot accelerators will fit all automatic vehicles except those that feature ‘organ style’ (floor mounted) pedals.
Floor mounted left foot accelerators
Very similar to the twin flip folding system, the floor mounted left foot accelerator is designed specifically for vehicles with ‘organ style’ (floor mounted) accelerator pedals.
The system features an additional accelerator pedal, fitted to the left of the brake. This accelerator pedal is linked to the original accelerator so that when it is depressed it pushes the existing accelerator with a roller, giving a smooth and progressive throttle response. The existing accelerator pedal is protected by a pedal guard so that it can’t be accidentally pressed with the right foot.
The pedal guard features a quick release mechanism and can also be fitted over the left foot accelerator pedal easily, so the vehicle can be driven using either the right foot or the left, depending on the driver.
Electronic left foot accelerators
This system is designed specifically for vehicles with ‘organ style’ (floor mounted) accelerator pedals and provides an alternative solution to the floor mounted left foot accelerator. The electronic left foot accelerator works in a similar way to this system but does not require a pedal guard to protect the pedals that are not in use, allowing for more leg room in the footwell.
The system features an additional accelerator pedal, fitted to the left of the brake. The two accelerator pedals are then cleverly wired so that you can simply flip a switch to select which pedal is to be used for acceleration, left or right. The opposite pedal is automatically ‘switched off’ when the other is active, which means the foot not being used to drive can be rested comfortably on the other pedal, without activating the accelerator. In this way the system also allows for conventional driving with the right foot as an option.
Pedal guards
Pedal guards are used alongside hand controls to prevent the pedals being pressed accidentally, or the feet getting stuck behind the pedals. They are particularly helpful for drivers suffering with involuntary leg movements or spasms, who are at higher risk of accidentally hitting the pedals.
Pedal guards are available in a single, or double pedal size. Single pedal guards are often fitted to protect the brake while the accelerator pedal is adapted with a hinge, so it can be flipped up out of the way (see: Other Pedal Adjustments). This serves the same purpose as a double pedal guard but it allows the right leg to be stretched out in the space where the accelerator pedal would normally be.
Pedal guards are fitted with a quick release system, so they can be removed easily, allowing for conventional driving.
Pedal extensions
Pedal extensions are a great solution for drivers who struggle to reach the pedals comfortably. The distance of the extensions is made to measure, suiting the requirements of each driver individually; however, for extensions of 3-4 inches or more, a raised floor will also be recommended.
Pedal extensions can be fitted with a quick release mechanism, allowing them to be easily removed depending on the requirements.
Pedal extensions with raised floor
In cases where the pedals are extended by 3-4 inches (or more) a raised floor will be recommended, because it is unlikely in these instances that the driver’s feet will reach the floor of the vehicle naturally.
The raised floor and extensions can both be removable, allowing for conventional driving depending on requirements.
Other pedal adjustments
Hinged accelerator pedals
Hinged accelerator pedals are designed for drivers who use hand controls for brake and acceleration. The pedal simply flips up out of the way, reducing the risk that it will be pressed accidentally, then flips back down to allow for conventional driving. This also gives the driver the option of stretching their right leg out in the space where the accelerator pedal would normally be.
Hinged accelerator pedals are often used alongside brake guards, which are designed to prevent the driver from accidentally hitting the brake pedal.
Removable pedals
For drivers using hand controls to brake and accelerate, removable pedals can provide a good alternative solution to pedal guards, particularly for those who need additional leg room in the footwell. The pedals are fitted with a quick release mechanism so they can easily be removed and fitted, depending on requirements.
Removable brake and accelerator pedals are both available, although removable accelerators have largely given way to their hinged counterparts, as they are generally a simpler solution.
Other adjustments
Drivers may find that the height of the pedals, or the distance between them causes difficulty or discomfort. A number of adjustments can be made to the pedals to resolve these problems, from bringing the height of the pedals in line with one another, to increasing the space between them, depending on requirements.
