Acceleration and Braking

Electric Parking Brake
This device offers complete control of the power brake by manipulation of a toggle switch. It is available for cars, vans and trucks. This unit is usually prescribed for individuals who drive a van from their wheelchair.

Hand Controls
There are four types of hand controls recommended for use in vehicles with power brakes and steering as they do not interfere with operation of the vehicle by able-bodied drivers. They are:

• Push-Pull
• Twist-Push
• Push-Rock
• Right Angle Push (also referred to as “universal” as it can be used for most disabilities)

Hand Clutch Control
The hand clutch is for vehicles with standard transmissions. It is recommended for drivers with weakness or loss of use in the left leg only.

Left-Foot Accelerator Pedal
With this pedal, accelerator functions of the vehicle are converted to left foot use for those with limited or no use of the right foot.

Parking-Brake Extension Lever
This lever attaches to a foot-operated parking brake in order to adapt it to hand use. With the lever, the driver still needs a grip sufficient to operate the regular brake and lever.

Pedal Extensions
These are used when a driver’s legs are too short to reach the gas and brake pedals. These extensions must be light enough not to depress the pedals unless activated and secure enough not to slip off while the car is being driven. They are often used together with a false floor in order to rest the heels.

Portable Hand Controls
Designed to be used on a temporary basis and require very strong arms. They are for people traveling with rental cars on which hand controls are not available.

Quad Hand Control
This consists of an extra L-shaped attachment for hand control. It is designed for quadriplegic drivers with little wrist or hand strength. It is used with a dimmer switch and horn button.
Servo-Controls: These consist of touch controls that provide reduced effort acceleration and/or braking control. Two levels of assistance are available:

• Low effort
• Zero Effort
• Emergency Back-up Systems (available to provide additional safety in case of control failure)

Pedal Block (for gas and brake)
To guard against inadvertent engagement of gas or brake due to spasm.

Manufacturers of these products include: