BILATERAL UPPER LIMBS

e.g amputations, nerve injuries, Muscular dystrophy, incomplete spinal cord injury, etc.

Where the driver has no functional upper limbs, a custom built system is required in order to accommodate their individual function. This can involve moving the steering to the floor or using a joystick control steering.

Where there is some residual arm on one side, a system needs to be custom built according to the length of the stump. In some instances it is possible to use a steering spinner however it is important to consider the position of the driver in relation to the airbag.  A prosthetic arm can be used that is fitted to the steering wheel or used on a spinner if it has adequate grip. The secondary controls will need to be controlled by the feet or voice recognition.

Secondary controls

Where there is weakness in both arms, the driver will be restricted to an automatic and the strongest arm should be used on the steering wheel. If there is inadequate grip then a spinner should be used.

Click here for more info on Spinners

Where both hands are missing or with limited function, one of them will need to use a spinner or prosthesis to ensure that at least one hand has a secure grip on the steering wheel.

JOY STICK CONTROL

The Guidosimplex 2-way joy stick control which controls the steering, is available through Easy Drive and EZ Drive. It is usually used in conjunction with electronic brake and accelerator as well as secondary controls.

SINGLE UPPER LIMBS

e.g amputations, nerve injuries, hemiplegia, etc.

Left arm affected

Where there is no functional left arm or where only the shoulder and upper arm is functional, the driver requires:

• An automatic car, as they are no longer able to change gears with their left hand.
• Steering spinner – to give an adequate grip on the steering while moving through the full 360 degree rotation with their right arm. Click here for more info on Spinners
• Indicators must be on the right where they can be easily reached by the right hand without having to completely release the steering wheel; OR if the left arm has enough function to manage the indicators they can be re-positioned by the use of a button or lever to where they can be activated by the left arm or a foot.

  

  Indicators – left hand

  
  
• Park brake preferably foot or electronically controlled, but this is not essential due to it being automatic. Many modern vehicles come with this as standard.
  
  

  Electronic park brake

  

  Foot park brake

With a functional left arm but no functional hand, an automatic is recommended. The use of a steering spinner is optional depending on whether the left arm is able to provide some assistance while turning a full 360 degrees. It is possible to drive a manual depending on the ability to use the park brake and do gear changes.
Where there is a strong grasp but difficulty with release, it is recommended not to use that hand on the steering wheel but rather drive one handed with the use of a spinner.

Right arm affected 

e.g amputations, nerve injuries, hemiplegia, etc.

Where there is no functional right arm or where only the shoulder and upper arm is functional, the driver requires:

• An automatic car, as they will have no hand controlling the steering wheel when they take their left hand off to change gears.
• Steering spinner – to give an adequate grip on the steering while moving through the full 360 degree rotation with their left arm. Click here for more info on Spinners
  
• Indicators must be on left where they can be easily reached by the left hand without having to completely release the steering wheel; OR  they can be re-positioned to be activated by buttons or lever by the right arm or a foot.

  

  Indicators – right hand

  
  
• Park Brake – It is preferable to have a foot or electronic park brake, but this is not essential due to it being automatic. Many modern vehicles come with this as standard. See pics above 

With a functional arm but no functional hand on the right, an automatic vehicle is recommended. The use of a steering spinner is optional if the right arm is able to provide some assistance with steering while turning a full 360 degrees. It is possible to drive a manual if the right arm has a prosthetic limb or steering attachment to ensure that it has an adequate grip on the steering wheel while the left arm is changing gears or releasing the park brake.

Where there is a strong grasp but difficulty with release, it is recommended not to use that hand on the steering wheel but rather drive one handed.