13 replies to this topic

[Adil]

I use Monarch push/right-angle hand controls. I have used this same type of hand control in every car that I have owned over the past 27 years. They are safe, reliable, convenient, and out of the way. They also enable me to control the brake and gas with an open palm so that my fingers are free to toggle the turn signal and my thumb is free to control the steering wheel (Warning: using the thumb alone for steering is not safe and is not recommended). There is only one concern. Applying gas requires pushing down towards the floor. When giving it full throttle my knee may be in the way. I have to position my leg in order to avoid this problem. But with spasms, my leg position can shift and interfere.

To get around this, I am considering the following three hand controls types: 1) Wells-Engberg push/twist, 2) Sure Grip push/twist, and 3) Sure Grip push/rock. There is a fourth type, which is the push/pull. But I am not considering that one because it has too much play and is not as responsive as I would like. Click here to see a video of all 4 types.

All of these will prevent the problem of my knee getting in the way. But which is the best?

I have used the Wells-Engberg push/twist many years ago. It was by far smoother and more fun than the Monarch because of the motorcycle throttle. But if I recall correctly, it required more effort because the control had to be gripped with a closed fist. The fingers and thumb are not free for other controls as they are with the Monarch hand controls (see above).

The Wells-Engberg push/twist and Sure grip push/twist are very similar to each other. The Wells-Engberg has a true motorcycle type handle for both brake and gas whereas the Sure Grip has the same type of handle for brake plus an additional rotating lever for gas. The Wells-Engberg requires gripping the handle just like a motorcycle throttle with a closed fist whereas the Sure Grip can be operated either in the same way or with an open palm as a matter of preference. Perhaps the Sure Grip is better because it does what the Wells-Enberg does but it is less fatiguing.

The other choice is the Sure Grip push/rock. It can be operated with an open palm leaving the fingers and thumb free for other controls and it still rotates for gas like the push/twist type (they call it rock vs. twist because the handle is vertical vs. horizontal). But is it as responsive as the true twist types?

Based on what I have used and seen on the internet but without a side by side comparison, I am leaning towards either Sure Grip push/twist or Sure Grip push/rock.

Which hand control has the most responsive accelerator? Which is the best overall hand control? Do you have any concerns? I was reading that the Sure Grip may restrict steering wheel tilt. How about the Wells-Engberg? Your comments are appreciated. Thanks.

Edited by Adil, 17 December 2010 - 10:40 AM.

[LuckyinKentucky]

Out of your choices i have used only the monarch and the wells. I found that with the wells the little metal bar that extends from the base of the hand-grip to be quite useful for casual driving. Also due to its fixed stability and ease of throttling you can just rest your hand on top of it to roll it forward and back... or to hold it at given throttle.

[Adil]

LuckyinKentucky, on 18 December 2010 - 06:37 AM, said:

Out of your choices i have used only the monarch and the wells. I found that with the wells the little metal bar that extends from the base of the hand-grip to be quite useful for casual driving. Also due to its fixed stability and ease of throttling you can just rest your hand on top of it to roll it forward and back... or to hold it at given throttle.

Thanks for letting me know about the Wells metal bar. If that enables me to use the hand control with an open palm that may be the ideal hand control. I am still hearing a lot of buzz about the push/rock type. I guess I should see them both side by side before deciding.

By the way, is the metal bar on the Wells the same as the one in the video in this link?

[Tim13]

Been using Monarch style for years too but they absolutely won't work in my latest vehicle, recently found the Kempf accelerator ring, it's a little different but might be worth a look:

http://www.kempf-usa.com/indexNew.html

Edited by Tim13, 22 December 2010 - 01:58 AM.

[LuckyinKentucky]

Yes Adil the bar is just the same... unless your trying to do something really aggressive acceleration requires minimal effort.

Tim arent the push rings quite expensive, also I don't know if i would enjoy the gas & brake in different places. But the concept of one handed driving is strong.

[wheelywendy]

i use the elap over steering wheel ring, i love this as it feels so natural http://www.elap.co.u...ng-accelerator/

[Adil]

wheelywendy, on 23 December 2010 - 09:25 PM, said:

i use the elap over steering wheel ring, i love this as it feels so natural http://www.elap.co.u...ng-accelerator/

I presently use a steering knob when I need to make a sharp turn because it enables total control regardless of the amount of turn (360 degrees if necessary). I don't see how you could control the steering knob, the ring, and the brake all at the same time.

LuckyinKentucky, on 23 December 2010 - 07:36 PM, said:

Yes Adil the bar is just the same... unless your trying to do something really aggressive acceleration requires minimal effort.

Tim arent the push rings quite expensive, also I don't know if i would enjoy the gas & brake in different places. But the concept of one handed driving is strong.

Lucky, I am trying to get more info on the Wells. It seems like they have a great product. But they don't have local sales close by. I wonder if the Sure Grip product is close enough.

[wheelywendy]

I presently use a steering knob when I need to make a sharp turn because it enables total control regardless of the amount of turn (360 degrees if necessary). I don't see how you could control the steering knob, the ring, and the brake all at the same time.(Quote)]I dont think you could fit a steering knob with the over wheel steering ring, so prob not a solution for you, i cant say that i've ever really needed to do any really really sharpe turns so not had a problem, but all depends on what areas you drive and what the roads etc are like. but if your used to a steering knob you prob find it hard to adapt, i couldnt ge on with a steering knob and push pull control, i felt uncoordinated, hence when for the overwheeel option, everyone is diffrent. hope you find what your needing
[
Tim arent the push rings quite expensive, also I don't know if i would enjoy the gas & brake in different places. But the concept of one handed driving is strong.
[/quote]they are a bit on the pricey side, i must admit

Edited by wheelywendy, 30 December 2010 - 06:33 PM.

[russ1]

wheelywendy, on 23 December 2010 - 09:25 PM, said:

i use the elap over steering wheel ring, i love this as it feels so natural http://www.elap.co.u...ng-accelerator/

That's a Guido Simplex (Italian manufacturer) ring - elap just fit them as do many other uk mobility specialists. However I agree - best control available. However you can't use a steering ball with them but I've never found the need.

[Adil]

Wendy and Russ, you have my interest on the steering ring. If you have both hands on the wheel, then I see no need for the steering knob. But that means that you don't always have access to the brake. If you have one hand on the brake, then that means that you have to turn and apply gas with the other hand. What if you have to turn and apply gas at the same time? This may be possible but it seems like it lacks control. Please explain.

[russ1]

The is really never any need to brake and turn the steering wheel large amounts except at very slow speeds - this is easily done with the heel of your hand on the wheel in much the same way as you can change gear and steer at the same time when AB. Turning and applying gas at the same time is easily done and that's the beauty of the system but as you can't apply gas and brake at the same time anyway the brake gas steer thing is never an issue. It's actually totally intuitive when you use it and means that you can drive one handed for long periods when you're not using the brake.. consequently using the radio, sat nav etc is much safer than with a traditional push pull where you really struggle to steer at all while driving one handed.

[Tim13]

The guido-simplex systems are available in the US, there is very informative website, complete with contact information here: http://www.guidosimplex-usa.com/

[wheelywendy]

russ1, on 01 January 2011 - 01:12 PM, said:

The is really never any need to brake and turn the steering wheel large amounts except at very slow speeds - this is easily done with the heel of your hand on the wheel in much the same way as you can change gear and steer at the same time when AB. Turning and applying gas at the same time is easily done and that's the beauty of the system but as you can't apply gas and brake at the same time anyway the brake gas steer thing is never an issue. It's actually totally intuitive when you use it and means that you can drive one handed for long periods when you're not using the brake.. consequently using the radio, sat nav etc is much safer than with a traditional push pull where you really struggle to steer at all while driving one handed.

i agree with russ its really very simpilar to an ab changing gear yet still steering, the accelerator ring takes little pressure to accelerate so is easily done whilst steering with same hand (hard to describe but easy to do) as for braking and steering, with this method you cant brake and accelerate at same time as it has a saftey cut out if you brake you cant then accelerate until the brake is released as it cuts the accelerator for saftey reasons but so one handed if braking and doing a turn you couldnt suddenly over accelerate , i tend to use my fingers under the wheel to steer and my thumb on top to accelerate ensuring i always have good control of the wheel, its one of those controls you really need to try to find out how it works, they usually have one set up at mobility roadshows on the various stands, i knw the peterborough one did.

[Adil]

Russ, Wendy, Thanks for clarifying. After narrowing it down to the push/twist or push/rock hand control, it now seems like I have a new contender to seriously consider. It seems like you would prefer the ring over the other types of hand controls for overall driving. But would you also prefer the ring over others (let's say the push/twist) for sharp turns like u-turns?