9 replies to this topic

[Lucydog]

Id like some info from someone who knows about cars please. I have a Mitsubishi shogun automatic which I love and until recently have been able to drive without any modifications. As of late my condition has got worse and Im realising Im going to need hand controls sooner rather than later. I really dont want to have a motability car as I cant afford the down payment for what I want, so can I get my current car converted instead? Can I get this done through motability or do I have to pocket the cost myself. And finally would anyone know roughly how much it will cost? Just a guesstimate would do.

Thanks very much

Lucy

T11/12 incomplete

[kanga2433]

Lucy,

Not a problem to convert. You just need a brake / throttle lever fitted to the right of your steering wheel and you are in business. Have a look at Alfred Bekker who are in Yorkshire. They have local fitters who can visit you to put the controls on your car and the price is only about £300. Driving is odd to star with by no problem once you get going.

(You have told DVLC about your condition haven't you? You also need to tell your insurer if you fit hand controls as they are counted as a modification)

[Lucydog]

Thanks for that, its exactly what I needed to know and Ive acted accordingly. I have been in touch with the DVLA, but hadnt thought about my insurance. Id forgotten this counts as a modification!
Thanks a lot Kanga.

[Lee]

Shouldnt make any difference to your insurance in price but you will have to let them know. Ive driven with handcontrols since ive been able to drive at 16 and never had problems with insurance. All but 2 of my 14yrs now psat my test have been my own private insurance, not motability etc.

cheers lee

[russ1]

Have a look at this thread for some examples of good and not so good hand control installations or here for pictures of properly done ones. The good ones cost a little more (I paid about £400 - £450 for controls on my wifes mini cooper similar to the examples of the good) but you don't have to accept loads of rods and stuff making the adaption 'in your face'.

I much prefer a centre ring accelerator with a brake lever - this means that you don't have to use two hands all the time (one to steer one to control accelerator) but can use one hand on steering and accelerator at same time freeing the other up to dip headlights, use indicators, control radio, unwrap sweets etc etc. It's a lotr less tiring to use than the more common push pull brake accelerator. It's a bit more expensive but if you work you can get access to work to pay for it.

There's some guidance here as to all the different types of hand controls you can have

Edited by russ1, 17 April 2006 - 07:32 PM.

[Lee]

Lucy, im only down the road in consett and drive a discovery with basic controls. If you ever want to pop down or even a chat then post on here and i can give you my contact number. Husband, kids, dogs all welcome, lol.

Cheers Lee

[305hoss]

wow thats all a lot of good information.....has anyone ever used any of these devices and found any flaws or anything that could work better on them? thanks any info would be appreciated

[Lee]

As long they are fitted properly, you should have no problem at all. I have had contols in cars over 3 years without an ounce of bother and i have had many cars. I am currently driving a landrover discovery which have had the contols in for over two years with no problem what so ever.

cheers lee

[jsh2k7]

Lucydog, on Apr 13 2006, 07:47 PM, said:

Id like some info from someone who knows about cars please. I have a Mitsubishi shogun automatic which I love and until recently have been able to drive without any modifications. As of late my condition has got worse and Im realising Im going to need hand controls sooner rather than later. I really dont want to have a motability car as I cant afford the down payment for what I want, so can I get my current car converted instead? Can I get this done through motability or do I have to pocket the cost myself. And finally would anyone know roughly how much it will cost? Just a guesstimate would do.

Thanks very much

Lucy

T11/12 incomplete

i understand what you mean,, the AP for a Shogun type car on motability is rather high,,,iam going for a $x4 but dont know what one yet.. just wait and see

[lune14]

I had hand controls in one vehicle for over 10 years and then transfered those controls to a new car which I had for over 8 years.... never had a single problem. They were still in fine shape when I sold the 2nd vehicle. However I once rented a car while travelling to Philadelphia and when I requested a hand-control operated vehicle they came out to my location and installed a set of controls on the spot. The next day as I was travelling 40+ mph down a busy roadway the accelerator was stuck (and climbing). I managed to turn off the 4 lane road onto a residential sidestreet and eventually stop the car.

So my advice would be, don't fear hand controls as I've never seen a bad set in 25 years, but do be careful who installs them and make CERTAIN you test drive them once they are installed. I always have someone who uses them daily install mine at the mobility shop.