Control of car

Modification for accelerator and brake as well as for control of the steering wheel - make it possible for a person with a high spinal cord injury to drive
User at the wheel
User at the wheel

The steering wheel has a special handle shaped as a lever for the right hand, which the user holds, and a cradle that supports the wrist. There is a counterweight on the opposite side of the wheel. The user has a weak elbow extensor that makes it difficult for her to turn the steering wheel with her elbow extended. The counterweight helps her do so without strain.
She uses her left hand manipulate an extended lever that controls the accelerator and brake. Her wrist is stabilized by a three-point cradle.

Users comments
From the beginning after the injury, the user had neither triceps nor thumb function. Following hand surgery she now has weak elbow extensor function and a weak active grasp by bending her thumb.

Made by
Hedemora Anpassning (modifications) which today is part of Star Mobility, starmobility.se/internationell (last checked August 2020).

Paid for by
Swedish Social Insurance Agency

Whose idea
Hedemora Anpassning

Steering wheel with steering handle and counterweight
Steering wheel with steering handle and counterweight
Steering wheel with steering handle and counterweight
Steering wheel with steering handle and counterweight

Related tips

Attaching wheelchair and seat belt in modified car
Attaching wheelchair and seat belt in modified car
Modifications that make it safe for a person with disabilities to drive while seated in a manual wheelchair. 2012
Modified car key
Modified car key
- suitable for people with impaired hand function. 2011
Modified minivan
Modified minivan
- allows user to drive while sitting in a manual wheelchair. 2011

Author: Yasmin

Yasmin bor i en lägenhet. Hon arbetar deltid. 1999 skadade hon sig och har en C-5 skada. Hon har fått opererat armsträckare i båda armarna, knipfunktion i vänster tumme samt pronation i båda underarmarna. Tipsen innan 2008 har hon inte gjort någon handkirurgi. Hon har 24 timmar personlig assistans, varav 7 timmar jour.
See all the author's tips

Type of disability

High tetraplegia with partial function in arms/hands (C5-6)

Latest tips

More tips in Driving a car

Aluminum hook

A gripping aid to reach into the car trunk – suitable for wheelchair users

Protection for car seat

Custom sewn covers for the car seat protects both the user and the car seat from dirt when he...

Modified garage

Modified garage for a person who drives a minivan equipped with a ramp on the side

Adapted minivan

Minivan – modified for a person with high spinal cord injury