Acceleration and Braking: Unlock Comfort and Control in Your Accessible Vehicle
From hand controls, steering aids, to extension levers, adaptive equipment can transform the way you drive, keeping you safe and in control behind the wheel.
What kinds of adaptive braking equipment are available?
There are many types of braking equipment for someone with mobility limitations. A particularly useful piece of equipment for individuals that drive from their wheelchair or transfer seat is the electric parking brake, which gives the driver complete control of the power brake through a toggle switch. It is available for cars, vans and trucks. Another piece of braking equipment is the parking-brake extension lever. This lever attaches to a foot-operated parking brake in order to adapt it to hand use. A pedal block, which can be used for the gas and the brake, guards against inadvertent engagement of gas or brake due to a spasm.
What types of driving equipment can be used for by people in a wheelchair?
A hand clutch control is perfect for drivers with weakness or loss of use in the left leg only, and a quad hand control is designed for quadriplegic drivers with little wrist or hand strength. It consists of an extra L-shaped attachment and is used with a dimmer switch and horn button.
Finally, pedal extensions are used when a driver’s legs are not long enough to reach the gas and brake pedals. These pedals are often used together with a false floor in order to rest the heels while operating the vehicle.
How do I purchase these acceleration and braking products?
Determining what type of equipment you need to drive your vehicle is entirely based on your mobility needs. Consulting an accredited Quality Assurance Program mobility dealer can help you decide what kind of acceleration and braking equipment is right for you. It’s vital to work with a mobility professional you can trust. These Quality Assurance Program accredited specialists can help you get behind the wheel and out on the open road in a wheelchair accessible vehicle custom built for your unique needs.
The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is an advocate for mobility and accessibility for drivers with disabilities. If you need help with converting or buying a handicap accessible car, truck or van, please consider one of our mobility equipment dealers. Find a dealer near you: www.nmeda.org/dealerlocator