Hand controls along with other driving aids have made the driving desires of the people with disabilities a reality. In order to drive wheelchair vans and vehicles, the disabled people have to go through proper driving lessons and equipment usage training from authorized training centers. There are different types of hand controls available in the markets and their operation methods are different. The different types of hand controls and the mode of operation are discussed below:
Push and rock type of hand control
One of the most popular types of automatic hand control systems is the push and rock type of hand controls. This kind of hand controls does not cause any kind of tiredness to the driver. As the design of the same is unique, there is no discomfort felt by the handicapped driver in long travelling hours. This hand control type can be fitted in any kind of vans, mini or maxi as they do not require much space for installation and can be fit into small available space too. As it is fitted on a little higher level of the driving panel, there is no uncomfortable contact between the push and rock lever the driver’s knees and legs.
How do they work?
A handle or lever is installed vertically on either the right or the left side of the steering panel for an easy grip of the handle. The driver in order to pull the brakes pulls the handle towards himself or herself and in order to accelerate the vehicle push the handle towards the dashboard of the vehicle. The mode of operation rather than being proper push and pull type is that of a rocking movement and thus people with limited finger movement too can operate this hand control and the driver does not feel any kind of fatigue.
Push and twist type of hand control
The push and twist type of automatic hand controls are similar to the motorcycle handle in its functioning. The hand controlling system is designed in such a manner that the handicapped driver does not feel any kind of fatigue or body cramps and long journeys too are comfortable rides. Other than the push and twist hand control handle, there is an additional lever attached on some of the handles. This attachment increases the throttle power of the vehicle and the long journey driving becomes very comfortable. The wheelchair vans do not need to be modified too much in order to fit this type of hand control.
How do they work?
They are installed in a horizontal manner on the right or the left side of the steering wheel and are easy to hold. The brakes of the vans are put into use by pushing the handle of the control bar towards the dashboard of the wheelchair aided vans. The push and twist hand controls for wheelchair vans are twisted like the throttle handle of the motorcycles in order to increase or regulate the speed of the vehicles. The braking systems of the vans are easier and the throttle response is better in this type of hand controlling systems.

Contact :
Contact Person: Mo Abusham
E-mail: [email protected]
Guidosimplex USA
Address: 8130 Parkway Dr.La Mesa, CA 91942
Tel/Fax: 888 540 8267
Website: http://www.guidosimplexusa.com/