Hand Controls Installation for Cars, Vans, Trucks and SUVs
Hand controls let you operate the gas and brake by hand, using a control mounted on or near the steering column, so you can drive safely and independently even with limited use of your legs. AMS Auto works directly with the top hand control manufacturers in the world, and every install is done in-house, by us, not outsourced.
The original gas and brake pedals stay fully functional, so anyone else can still drive the vehicle without modification.
How Hand Controls Work
There are two basic types:
- Mechanical hand controls connect to the gas and brake pedals through a physical linkage. You push, pull, or rock a lever, and the lever moves the pedal for you.
- Electronic hand controls use an electronic actuator for acceleration, no mechanical linkage to the gas pedal at all. Braking can be mechanical or electronic depending on the system.
Neither type interferes with the factory pedals. This matters if you share the vehicle with family members who don’t need hand controls.
Hand controls are most often used by people with limited mobility or strength in their legs, including spinal cord injuries, amputations, multiple sclerosis, post-polio syndrome, and other conditions that affect the lower body but not the hands and arms.
Proud Dealers of the Leading Driving Control Manufacturers
Choosing the Right Hand Control for You
There’s no single “best” hand control since the right one depends on your strength, range of motion, the type of vehicle, and how you transfer in and out of the driver’s seat. We walk through this with every customer during a consultation, but here’s a quick overview of what’s available:
Steering Column Mounted
Steering column mounted hand controls are mounted on or near the steering column,
within easy reach of the wheel.
Push - Right Angle
Simply push the handle in a forward motion to brake and push it downward at a right angle to accelerate.
Push - Rock
Simply push the handle in a forward motion to brake and rock it back and downward to accelerate.
Push - Pull
Simply push the handle in a forward motion to brake and pull it to accelerate.
Floor Mounted
Floor mounted controls look like a gearshift and are mounted on the right side of the driver’s seat.
Thanks to their positioning, there is an unobstructed path for transferring in and out of the vehicle.
Push - Pull
Push - Rock
The Ring Accelerator
Finished in soft leather, the ring accelerator can be mounted over or under
the original steering wheel and it’s operated by using your thumbs or fingers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do hand controls cost?
Cost depends on the type of control (mechanical vs. electronic), the manufacturer, and your vehicle. Give us a call and we’ll walk you through pricing for your specific situation.
Will hand controls work in my vehicle?
Most cars, vans, trucks, and SUVs can be fitted with hand controls. Bring your vehicle in, or call us with the make/model/year, and we’ll confirm compatibility before you commit to anything.
Can other people still drive the vehicle normally?
Yes. Hand controls are added alongside the factory pedals — they don’t disable or replace them. Anyone else can still drive the vehicle with the standard gas and brake pedals.
Do I need training to use hand controls?
Every installation includes one-on-one training before you leave our facility. We don’t hand you the keys until you’re comfortable.
How long does installation take?
This varies by control type and vehicle. We’ll give you a specific timeframe during your consultation.
Mechanical or electronic — which is better?
Neither is universally “better”, it depends on your strength, range of motion, and preference. We’ll talk through the tradeoffs with you and, where possible, let you try before you decide.
Can hand controls be removed or transferred to a different vehicle later?
In many cases, yes. Ask us about this during your consultation since this depends on the specific control system.
Do you sell hand controls only, or also other adaptive driving equipment?
We also install foot controls, steering aids, transfer solutions, wheelchair lifts, and securement systems. If you’re not sure what you need, that’s exactly what the consultation is for.
Have Questions First?
We’re a family business. That means you can actually talk to us. If you’re not sure which hand control is right for your situation, give us a call or send a message. We’ll happily walk through it with you.