Guide to Driving Aids for Reduced Lower Body Mobility

26. May 2022 :

If you struggle or have reduced mobility with your lower body whilst driving, then there are a range of driving adaptations for disabled drivers that can be fitted to help you. Or if you’re under the impression that you can’t drive because of a disability, don’t be. These adaptations are commonly used by people with conditions including MS, spinal cord injuries, hip and knee conditions, leg amputations, stroke, and cerebral palsy, as well as those recovering from lower limb surgery.

We want to share with you the most popular driving equipment for disabled drivers with lower body disabilities that help to alleviate pain and create a more comfortable and safe driving experience.

You can also check out our blog post where we highlight some of the popular adaptive driving equipment for people with upper body disabilities here. 

Before any driving adaptation can be fitted, you’ll need a Driver Evaluation with a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (DRS). They’ll assess your specific mobility needs and recommend the right adaptations for you. Find out more about Driver Evaluations and what to expect.

Driving Adaptations

Hand Controls

Hand controls are a great solution for disabled drivers to retain their independence or if you struggle or have limited mobility with your lower body whilst driving. They transfer the operation of gas and brake from foot to hand through a push and pull or turn motion.

These are also especially helpful for leg amputees looking to drive.

Hand controls come in several motion types, push/pull, push/rock, and electronic, each suited to different levels of hand and arm strength. They can be fitted to most automatic, gas, hybrid and electric vehicles without permanent modification, and friends or family members can still operate the car normally.

Commonly recommended for: leg amputees, MS, spinal cord injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, and hip or knee conditions preventing pedal operation.

Each hand control within our range has slightly different features and benefits to suit different levels of mobility and individual needs. Take a look at our hand controls range.

Left Foot Accelerators

If you have a right leg amputation or have a disability in your right leg, then a left foot accelerator can be fitted which will allow you to operate the gas pedal on the left of the brake pedal with your left foot.

We offer both mechanical left foot accelerators and electronic left foot accelerators to suit a variety of different needs.  

You can find out more about the left foot pedals in our foot controls range.

Pedal Extensions

Pedal extensions offer a solution for users whose legs are unable to reach and operate the vehicle pedals effectively. Even sitting back and stretching your legs to be able to reach the pedals can cause strain and potential injury in your legs and lower back.

Having pedal extensions fitted will alleviate any discomfort and avoid these potential problems. They simply attach onto the original pedals bringing them closer to the driver’s seat, providing a safer and more comfortable driving position.

Pedal extensions bring the pedals closer to the driver seat by 2 to 8 inches using a quick-release system, meaning other drivers can remove them instantly. They’re available for accelerator, brake and clutch pedals, and include a heel shelf to support the foot at the new pedal height.

Commonly recommended for: drivers of short stature, achondroplasia (dwarfism), and those with reduced leg reach following surgery or injury.

Steering Aids

When hand controls are fitted, drivers need to steer with one hand while the other operates the gas and brake. A steering aid makes this significantly easier, allowing full control of the wheel with minimal grip strength.

Options include knob grips, tri-pin grips, and multi-function devices depending on your individual needs.

Vehicle Access Aids

Wheelchair Person Lift

Transferring from a wheelchair into a vehicle can be quite a stressful ordeal, especially as many just rely on the physical strength of a partner, family member or carer to lift and transfer them.

A wheelchair person lift is a great solution, whether you want to get behind the wheel as a driver or travel as a passenger. It will transfer you from a wheelchair into a car seat by gently lifting you up in a comfortable sling and lower you into place.

Perfect for safe, easy, and comfortable transfers from wheelchair to vehicle. Take a look at our MPL XR person lift, formerly known as the Milford Person Lift, for more details.

Transfer Board

Transfer boards provide a stable and sturdy platform on which to pause before settling into a car seat properly. This is a particularly helpful vehicle entry aid for people who can’t manage a standing transfer between their wheelchair and the car seat, or even if reduced mobility makes getting in and out in one movement a challenge.

View our wheelchair transfer boards.

How do I get driving adaptations fitted?

All driving adaptations must be installed by a certified mobility equipment dealer. The process typically looks like this:

1. Driver Evaluation – a DRS assesses your needs and recommends the right adaptations
2. Compatibility check – your vehicle is assessed for suitability
3. Installation – a certified dealer fits the adaptations, usually within a few hours
4. Training – you’ll be shown how to use your new adaptations safely

Our team are on hand to help with any questions you may have around driving adaptations for disabled drivers. Get in touch with us today to enjoy a more comfortable and safe driving experience.

Frequently Asked Questions