If you have a physical disability but still want to drive your vehicle and explore the beauty of UAE with your loved ones, then driving aids are an ideal option. There are various driving aids available in the market that can modify a vehicle into an accessible vehicle so people with disabilities can safely and comfortably drive their vehicle. For people who have lower limb dysfunction, a hand control is perfect driving aid for them to operate a vehicle efficiently. There are pedal extensions for people who have limited lower body mobility. If you’re interested in converting your current vehicle into an accessible van, we are here to help you make the right choice.
In this blog, we will review what hand control driving aids are, their different types, and their functioning to find the best hand control driving aid for disabled drivers.
What Are Hand Controls for Disabled Drivers?
Hand controls are assistive equipment that allow drivers with disabilities to operate the brake and accelerator pedals without using their feet. There are various hand controls available in the market, Now the question is, where are these hand controls installed in the vehicle? Most of the hand control equipment can go on the right or left side of the steering wheel, depending on the user’s needs. Usually, the disabled driver uses one hand to operate the lever and the other hand to control the steering wheel. To make one-hand steering easier, drivers can have a knob attached to their steering wheel.
Types of Hand Controls for Disabled Drivers
1. Push/Pull Hand Controls
Push-and-pull hand controls are the most popular adaptive driving systems that allows disabled drivers to push the lever forward for the brake and pull it backwards to accelerate. This simple motion makes the hand control easy to use for people with disabilities. A good thing about this hand control system is that it can be installed in vehicles on either side of the steering wheel without any major modification to the vehicle.
This driving aid system requires minimal hand strength, which makes it ideal for drivers with limited mobility. During long drives, the smooth operation of this hand control reduces fatigue. If you are wondering where to find push/pull hand control in UAE, we’ve already sorted that out for you. At Manafeth Mobility Solutions, you can find high-quality Carospeed Classic Hand Control for disabled people. We ensure professional installation and proper positioning for safe, responsive control.
Benefits of Push/Pull Hand Controls:
- Simple, intuitive operation
- It can be used with one or both hands
- Works well for drivers with weak grip or limited finger movement
- Cost-effective compared to other adaptive systems
2. Steering Knobs
Steering knobs are a popular hand control to enhance control and manoeuvrability for disabled drivers. These knobs attach to the steering wheel and allow the driver to turn the wheel with minimal effort using just one hand. Disabled drivers can make sharp turns or adjust direction with a slight twist of the wrist. Even people with reduced grip strength or limited range of motion can operate this hand control easily.
If we talk about the installation of steering knobs, their installation is straightforward. Most steering knobs from Manafeth Mobility Solutions are universally compatible with standard steering wheels. Some models of steering knobs feature a quick-release mechanism that allows easy removal when not in use. Suppose you are looking for steering knobs with ergonomic design. In that case, Manafeth Mobility Solutions provides top-notch steering devices that minimize strain on the hand and wrist to make your long drives more comfortable.
3. Advantages of Steering Knobs:
- Improves steering control with minimal effort
- Reduces wrist strain for disabled people
- Fits most steering wheels for convenience
- Affordable and safe hand control for simple use
Suppose you want to enjoy your trip in Dubai without investing in hand control devices. In that case, you can rent wheelchair accessible vehicles from Mobility Express, with or without a driver, as per your requirements.
4. Left & Right Hand Controls
Left and right hand controls are uniquely designed to be installed on either side of the steering wheel. It allows disabled drivers who cannot use their legs to operate the brake and accelerator of the vehicle to use their hands. These hand controls provide increased independence and safety for people with disabilities who wish to drive.
Driver can smoothly control the vehicle’s speed and braking by pushing or pulling a lever. This design ensures that the shift from foot to hand control is user-friendly and straightforward. These aids are adaptable and can be customized to fit different vehicles and driving preferences.
Advantages of Left and Right Hand Controls:
- It can be installed on either side for driver preference
- Customizable for comfort and precise control
- Durable and reliable for long-term use
Choosing the Right Hand Control System for Disabled Drivers
It is better to consider your unique physical abilities and driving requirements while selecting the ideal hand control system. We understand that every disabled driver has different needs; that’s why our experts will evaluate your strength, coordination, flexibility, and other key factors to recommend the most suitable adaptive hand control system for your situation.
Understanding Your Strength
Your arm and hand strength determine which hand control system works best for you. Disabled drivers with greater strength can find steering knobs comfortable, while those with limited strength prefer push/pull controls that require less effort. Our specialist at Manafeth Mobility Solutions will assess whether left or right-side mounting would be more practical based on your arm’s ability.
Considering Finger Movements
The functionality of your fingers can influence which hand control style will be most effective. If you have limited grip strength, push/pull controls provide the easiest operation. For drivers with full finger mobility, our Carospeed Classic Hand Control is the ideal choice.
Prioritizing Preferences
By understanding your disability and the features of various hand control driving aids, you can determine which device feels most suitable for you. The hand control system should feel natural during both short trips and extended drives.
Suppose comfort is your priority while travelling in Dubai. In that case, you can book a wheelchair accessible vehicle rental from MobilityExpress at an affordable rental cost to have an unforgettable experience. Explore our wide range of accessible vehicles accommodating one or two wheelchairs to facilitate people with disabilities.
Conclusion
Disabled drivers can find a vast range of options regarding hand control driving aids, including straightforward steering knobs to push/pull hand control systems. With above mentioned information, now you can easily choose the best hand control system for you that offers independence and efficiency.
If you’re ready to get back behind the wheel, Manafeth Mobility Solutions is ready to help. If you are not ready to make this investment or modify your vehicle, then renting a wheelchair accessible vehicle is an ideal choice. You can contact us today to rent wheelchair vans for disabled people for a flexible period ranging from one day to one month.
