Different Types of Hand Controls for Cars

Hand controls offer an innovative solution for those who struggle or are unable to operate the standard foot pedals in a vehicle. In this article, we highlight the various types of hand controls for cars, how they function, and our top recommendations for safe and comfortable driving.

Overview of Hand Controls for Cars

Hand controls for disabled drivers are mechanical and electronic adaptations which are fitted within an automatic car to transfer the function of acceleration and/or braking from the foot pedals to a hand operated control. Enabling those who are unable to operate the standard foot pedals, be that because of amputation or limited mobility, to retain their independence behind the wheel. 

There are various types of hand controls available to suit different levels of mobility, grip options and vehicle compatibility. However every hand control will fall into either one of two categories; mechanical and electronic.

Types of Mechanical Hand Controls

Mechanical hand controls have a lever that mechanically operates the standard foot pedals of a car and are operated by the handle. Simply pull back to activate the acceleration and push down to brake.

Column Mounted Push/Pull Hand Controls

A Column Mounted Push/Pull Hand Control is the most popular hand control for cars in the UK, particularly for right-hand drivers. The controls are fitted along the steering column with fixtures onto the foot pedals and the handle sitting slightly behind the steering wheel. This design is more adjustable to suit the driver’s individual requirements and retains the use of the original foot pedals.  

Floor Mounted Push/Pull Hand Controls 

Floor Mounted Hand Controls offer a solution for drivers who need to operate the hand control with their left hand. They are positioned besides the centre console retaining the use of the original pedals for shared vehicles and full adjustability of your steering column.

Types of Electronic Hand Controls

Electronic hand controls require reduced pressure and strength to operate due to the acceleration being electronically operated. Most electronic hand controls are used alongside a mechanical brake.

Electronic Pull Accelerator & Mechanical Push Brake

The Electronic Pull Accelerator & Push Brake is fitted for your right hand behind the steering wheel offering a fatigue-free improvement to a mechanical pull accelerator.

Floor Mounted Electronic Accelerator & Mechanical Push Brake

Much like the mechanical version, a Floor Mounted Electronic Accelerator & Mechanical Push Brake offers a solution for left-hand drivers as it’s installed on the left hand beside the centre console.  The electronic accelerator offers a lighter response for fatigue-free driving. 

Electronic Ring Accelerator 

An Electronic Ring Accelerator is fitted either over or under the steering wheel and provides an alternative style of accelerating. Requiring very little strength to operate, ideal for those with limited hand dexterity, it offers the driver that familiar feeling of driving in a natural position with both hands on the steering wheel.

Customisation Options for Different Mobility Requirements

As we’ve highlighted above, each type of hand control offers a slightly different way to operate them and alternative grip shapes to suit varying levels of mobility and individual needs. 

Further to this most hand controls have multiple versions available to accommodate a range of mobility requirements. Indicator switches or secondary control functions (such as lights and wipers) can be added on which allows the driver to easily operate the indicators and other vehicle functions, all from the hand control device rather than having to take your hands off to do so. Explore our article where we highlight the different costs of hand controls to make an informed decision.

Comparing Ease of Use: Electronic vs. Mechanical Hand Controls

Mechanical hand controls are a popular solution for a reason as they fit into most automatic vehicles, ensuring your choice of vehicle is not limited. They are also recommended if you haven’t driven with hand controls before as they are simple to operate and provide a great controlled solution for beginners. 

Electronic hand controls provide a fatigue-free improvement to a mechanical pull accelerator and is typically a natural next step for those who have driven with mechanical hand controls before. And are particularly ideal if you regularly take longer journeys.   

Typically electronic hand controls will cost more due to the specialist installation required to tap into the vehicle’s electrics whereas mechanical hand controls are a more cost-effective option.

How to Choose the Right Hand Controls

Choosing the right hand controls is imperative to ensure you experience safe and comfortable journeys. You should consider and assess your individual driving needs, grip comfort and vehicle suitability to find the best solution for you. 

We can provide further advice about the different devices available and confirm vehicle compatibility to recommend the perfect match. And if you’ve never driven with hand controls before, we recommend visiting a Driving Assessment Centre where an occupational therapist and approved driving instructor will review your abilities and offer honest advice. A driving assessment typically consists of a basic physical assessment, cognitive assessment, a visual test, a 50-minute drive, an overview of driving adaptations and a full recommendations report. Explore our in-depth article which covers everything to expect during your driving assessment. 

Speak with our team of mobility experts who are available to help answer any further questions you have, provide vehicle compatibility advice and get you back behind the wheel with the perfect set of hand controls for your needs.

For those seeking adaptations for greater driving independence, explore our range of driving aids which offer a variety of solutions to improve accessibility.