6 replies to this topic

[sherbs]

Hi

I have been driving an Automatic Car since my SCI. It feel is now time to start to use Hand Controls, as the old legs are getting a bit, well just old. I have a car on the Motability Scheme and believe they are part of the car package scheme. I am due to change my car in September. I have never used Hand Controls before and am wondering if they are relatively easy to use, will I need lessons, eekkk.

Many thanks

[dancin' johnny]

Hi Sherbs,

Hand controls are very simple to use, you simply pull to accelerate and push to stop!

The addition of a steering ball {or whatever they are called} makes it easier to steer when braking.

I dont think it will be neccesary for you two have lessons as you already have driving experience but if you feel unsure have a little practice in a car park before you hit the roads.


Infact, defo practice first, I'm already putting sci drivers to shame with my exploits, we need someone to put the balance right!

[tintinboots]

I agree with Dancin johnny, I have been using hand controls since last July ( always had automatics before ) and yes, its just a case of push and pull really, and that steering ball is just a great thing to have fitted, you can turn the car on a penny!

The only problems I had for a while is I tended to brake too hard, but after a week or so, I got used to how much pressure was needed.

So if you go for the hand controls good luck, Im sure all will be fine,

Ian ; - )

[Murray]

dancin' johnny, on Apr 14 2009, 12:43 PM, said:

Hi Sherbs,

Hand controls are very simple to use, you simply pull to accelerate and push to stop!

The addition of a steering ball {or whatever they are called} makes it easier to steer when braking.

I dont think it will be neccesary for you two have lessons as you already have driving experience but if you feel unsure have a little practice in a car park before you hit the roads.


Infact, defo practice first, I'm already putting sci drivers to shame with my exploits, we need someone to put the balance right!

Across the pond, those colonists call the "ball" a neckin' knob (won't go into the explanation - you can figure it out) or a suicide knob. Back in the day, before power steering, you could make a turn, and if the physics (speed, lay of the land, all that jazz) were just right, the steering wheel would come whipping back at ya' and bust a finger or two. It was kinda fun actually. Just had to stay on your toes.

I'm gettin' the portables put on my wife's car soon. We're doing some traveling this summer and I want to take some of the driving load off her shoulders. Getting the portable controls asap so I can start practicing.

[andypool]

Ive had hand controls for a year now, and its just push to brake and pull to go. You have a ball aswell on your steering wheel. Its easy and you will pick it up quick

[Lucydog]

http://www.mobility-centres.org.uk/

I suggest you contact your nearest which looks like Southampton and arrange an assesment. Trhey will take you driving with various controls to see how you get on and write you a full report. Its well worth the effort, I really enjoyed mine, and the people who do it are so encourging you will wonder why you didnt do it before!

[sherbs]

[quote name='Lucydog' date='Apr 17 2009, 06:52 PM' post='107105']
[url="http://www.mobility-centres.org.uk/"]http://www.mobility-centres.org.uk/[/url]

I suggest you contact your nearest which looks like Southampton and arrange an assesment. Trhey will take you driving with various controls to see how you get on and write you a full report. Its well worth the effort, I really enjoyed mine, and the people who do it are so encourging you will wonder why you didnt do it before!
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Thanks so much to all for replying, The mobility centre seems like a good idea, will check out the one in Southampton.

Thanks again