Hand controls can be added to existing cars, allowing individuals with disabilities to drive using only their hands. The process and feasibility depend on the car's make, model, and the type of hand controls needed. Generally, hand control installation involves modifying the gas and brake pedals with levers or extensions. To ensure proper functionality and safety, it's important to contact a United Access dealer near you. Our experts can refer you to a local driving evaluator to assess your specific needs and vehicle, provide guidance on compatibility, accessibility, and legal requirements, and ensure compliance with local regulations and safety standards.
Primary Hand Controls for Cars & Wheelchair Vans
Are you in search of a way to take the wheel of your own independence? Driving hand controls can give you the power to do just that! These devices can be fitted in any kind of car, such as accessible cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans, giving you greater control of your driving experience.
Unsure of which hand controls are the right fit for you? Take our needs assessment quiz and one of our experts will help you in your search for the ideal hand control for you.
Types of Primary Hand Controls for Cars
Frequently Asked Questions about Primary Hand Controls
Hand controls are special driving devices that allow drivers with limited mobility or strength to operate the car pedals like the gas and brake. They work by connecting to the existing vehicles pedals and replacing the foot motion with a lever or set of buttons that are operated by the driver's hands.
Yes, hand controls are specifically designed to not disrupt the regular functioning of a vehicle. You or your loved one can alternately drive the vehicle safely and comfortably.
The cost of converting a car to hand controls varies depending on factors such as the car's make, model, and required modifications. On average, hand control installation costs range from $2,700 to $8,000. Our experienced team can help you locate a local driver evaluator to assess your needs and United Access can evaluate your vehicle, and provide a detailed quote based on driver evaluator recommendations. We can also offer information on mobility equipment financing.
Hand controls refer to modifications made to a vehicle's standard foot controls (gas and brake pedals) to enable individuals with disabilities to operate them with their hands. These modifications typically involve installing additional levers that can be controlled by hand movements.
The installation time for hand controls in a car can vary depending on factors such as the make and model of the vehicle, the type of hand controls being installed, and the experience of the installer. United Access has trained and certified installers. Generally, the installation process takes several hours.
There are many different types of hand controls that can be used to operate a vehicle. Push/pull systems require someone to use a lever or switch to make the vehicle move. Push-button control includes small buttons or joysticks that allow someone to adjust speed and direction, while electric control systems require a hand-held controller and can be pre-set to certain speeds. Voice control also enables someone to accelerate and decelerate the vehicle with voice commands, while proportional control responds to the intensity and direction of motion given through a switch. Joysticks and infrared signals are also often used to direct the electrical signals and to control the speed of the vehicle.
The best hand control for a driver depends on the individual's needs and capabilities and the vehicle they are driving. All new drivers are required to get a driving evaluation to help determine the best set of hand controls.
The cost of hand controls depends on the type of controls and the make and model of the car. Prices typically range from $2,700 to $8,000 for hand controls.