Car controls (view report contents)
Changing gear
Automatic vehicles
Most people simply opt for an automatic vehicle. They are not only
easier to drive but easier and cheaper to convert if you need anything
but the most simple special controls.
If using the automatic gear selector and its release collar is difficult
you can fit a mechanical lever to make this easier.
You use the palm of your hand or fingers to operate the release button
on this attachment from Cowal Mobility Aids.
It’s simple to fit. Around £90-£120
If you are unable to use a mechanical gear selector on an automatic vehicle,
a system can be fitted which electrically sets the gear for you. Some
have a set of buttons you push which correspond to each of the P R N D
settings on the gear selector. Others have a lever which you nudge until
you get the setting you want. Other variations are possible.
This EMC push button control panel can be fitted to an automatic car.
It selects the gear very quickly
Manual vehicles
Some cars have manual gears designed to be easy to use. These include
gears which are changed by pushing a button on the steering wheel or by
nudging the gear stick - forwards to change up and backwards to change
down. All of these work without using a clutch.
Push button gear change controls on a steering wheel - so far only on
expensive cars like this Mercedes
Push button clutch
A touch sensitive switch is mounted on the gear stick. As soon as you
touch it a motor disengages the clutch. Most systems have a creep function
which makes the car move slowly forward or backwards to help with parking.
Some systems disengage the clutch automatically if you brake sharply,
to prevent the engine stalling. You can switch the system off if anyone
wants to drive the car using the pedals. Around £1,000 -£1,500.
Some clutches work automatically as soon as the gear stick is moved -
there are no additional buttons to press.
The Guidosimplex clutch
MANUAL clutch
Another alternative is a floor mounted clutch lever. Note that these are not accredited for use on Motability vehicles. They cost from about £250.
Legal note
If your driving licence is for automatic vehicles only, you must make sure the clutch pedal is removed if you have adapted a manual gearbox.
Report Contents
Introduction
Starting
points
Standard
equipment that may help
Some features
you can find on new Cars
Good design
The controls
Seating
Primary
controls
Gripping
the wheel
Other ways of
steering
Controlling
speed
Changing Gear
Parking brake
Pedals
Advanced
controls
Secondary
controls
Combined
Controls
Maintenance
Custom building
Moving controls
Safety
Who can drive
& other useful information
Finance
Helpful organisations
Mobility
Centres
Useful
publications
Addresses
