13 replies to this topic

[Bkizz]

Hi everyone. I just got back to driving and love having independence again. It's amazing how much a spinal cord injury can change. One of the many things is having to ask for rides. I hated that...I hated feeling like a child. Since my injury on September 4th, 2009 I have made it my personal goal to get back to being fully independent again. I can do everything for myself after 4 months and I plan to keep working on getting better.

As for my car, I recently bought a 2006 Infinity G35 coupe. I have always been a huge car guy and refused to drive anything less than sporty. It's just me and a van is not. I opted for the Menox hand control and paid $1,950 installed. It is a little rediculous how much they charge for handicapped equipment. Why is it so damn expensive? How can a spinner knob REALLY cost $400?! I took mine off after a day anyway...think I can get a refund? haha

Well is my car and my new controls. I posted a video on youtube (click the link at the bottom) because I couldn't find any when I was shopping around. I highly suggest these controls. They allow the hand and arm to be relaxed...unlike the other push/rock controls I had learned on. Take a look and let me know what you think! Good luck and whatever you do, get back out there and drive!

My car:

[ericr]

thats a really nice setup. I just took my driving class on saturday and passed so im ready for my car. i was wondering about how easy the g35 is getting in and out. i had one before my accident and loved it mine wasa 4 door. also your controls are one the right side any reason for that? the car i drove was on left i may be better having on right since my right hand is not asgood as my left bieng a quad.
i was looking at the new mustang any thoughts on that car?

[edlee]

How do those work?? I assume push forward to brake,,,, but how do you hit the gas??
ed

[blckchns]

Nice whip man. I feel yeah about people telling that all you can drive is a mini-van. I currently drive a 08 Evo MR. I might have to steal your idea about putting carpet in to protect the interior of the car. Great idea!

[JohnnyO]

Nice set-up Dude.....and congrats on getting back out on the road!

[Bkizz]

thats a really nice setup. I just took my driving class on saturday and passed so im ready for my car. i was wondering about how easy the g35 is getting in and out. i had one before my accident and loved it mine wasa 4 door. also your controls are one the right side any reason for that? the car i drove was on left i may be better having on right since my right hand is not asgood as my left bieng a quad.
i was looking at the new mustang any thoughts on that car?

Actually, I don't think I could have picked a better sport coupe that is accessible as this one. It has many great features that make it a perfect candidate for us. First off, the power seat switches are directly next to the center console so I do not have to try to lean across to the passenger door to move the seat from the side lever. Also, the lever to flip the passenger seat forward is on the back of the seat...so it is easy to reach back, flip up the seat and toss the wheels in the back. Another great feature is how wide the doors open. It makes getting in and out much easier. The bluetooth function is also a lifesaver...I never have to worry about picking up my phone. I just hit a button on the steering wheel to make/receive a call. The radio buttons on the wheel also make driving with the hand control and changing chanels easy. The last feature that I love is the gas door is on the passenger side. This gives me plenty of room to get out of the car on the drivers side and then wheel around. All my other cars were on the drivers side and that would have made gassing up a PITA.

The reason the controls are on the right is to give you plenty of room to get in and out. You do not have to worry about whacking your knees on linkage. Also, since there is no linkage under the wheel, the tilt and teloscoping function of the wheel still works.

[Bkizz]

Nice whip man. I feel yeah about people telling that all you can drive is a mini-van. I currently drive a 08 Evo MR. I might have to steal your idea about putting carpet in to protect the interior of the car. Great idea!

Thanks for the reply. I've been eye ballin' pics of your car. That thing is beautiful! Just an FYI: the "carpet" I used is actually velcro...the fuzzy side of course. I got 15 feet of the 2" and it worked out very well. If you lay it down right, it looks like one solid piece. Good luck!

[ericr]

you should work for infiniti..lol yeah I figured that all the features that the g comes with was convienent I will definetly consider another one. thanks for the info.

[JesseB]

amazing hand controls! pretty expencive though. 2 grand..... i plan on buying a car for that much lol.

[COOL Mobility]

I'm a C6 quad and have beenm driving post accident for 32 years now. I too, am not a van person and love the normal feeling of driving.

I've mainly had SAABs (six in last 25 years) and current drive is a black Saab Aero Turbo but it is getting old so have bought an Audi A3 that will soon be adapted with Italian hand controls as a Carospeed unit like these would require me to drive using my left hand (in Australia we drive on thr Right side of the car) and that has little feeling or function.

Hand controls with drive by wire throttles are not cheap either and mine will be over $5,000 complete. My old Monarchs will be retired as will my Saab - pity but necessary.

Beauty of new controls will be the fact that, with a switch, the foot throttle will be deactivated making spasms much safer - I'll be able to use old throttle as a foot rest!

Sports cars are more accessible now as the seats are higher.

I've been using self stick Velcro loop as protection too. It saves paint under door from w/chair fork spindle carriers and is incredibly tough - lasts about three years before I replace it and then it is usually because it is peelling not worn through.

Nice ride you have and I agree with your opinion of your controls - wish my hand feeling/function would allow me to use them as linkages under column are a pain.

Colin

[Kev-O]

I drive a 07 g-35 sedan with menox and i love it. Great car and great hand controls

[ss770640]

BKiZz

Nice car. I also have menox fitted. Word of advice.. Keep an eye on the bolt that connects the push/pull arm to the vertical lever. The bolt on mine worked almost loose after a while. Imagine the consequences! Recommend you buy a 'self locking nut'. This is a normal nut (as in nut and bolt) but has nylon plastic threads at one end. When the nut is tightened, the nylon plastic eats into the thread and
prevents it working loose.

I'm picking up a new Audi RS5 in July. So am trying to decide whether or not to stay with menox. I always find the push/pull lever makes my leg twitch when it rubs. Am considering jeff gosling or Alfred bekker type controls next (google them).

[bigal]

Nice controls Im trying to find a place close to me that installs them i would greatly appreciate it if u can give me a number for the place u went to

[Crappler]

Did Infiniti cover any cost for the hand controls?