Tag Archives: Scooter

Adaptive Driving for Persons with Physical Limitations: Vehicle Selection

When choosing a vehicle for transportation there are several areas to consider. Your doctor, physical therapist or occupation therapist will have input and can help answer any questions, but a certified adaptive driving specialist can assist in making a vehicle selection with completion of the driver rehabilitation program.

Following are some areas to consider:

What are your transportation needs? Do you need a car, truck, full-size van or mini-van? Are you able to take public transportation?
What are your physical limitations that will effect your ability to access a vehicle or drive?
Will you be a driver or passenger?
Will you be able to handle the mental and physical stress of driving?
What is your ability to transfer into and out of the vehicle?
Will you require an assistive seat or lift to get into or out of the vehicle?
If you require a lift, what options do you prefer? Side door or rear door entrance/exit; electric; hydraulic; platform swing out or super arm, etc.?
Do you require a lowered floor or raised top and doors? What is your height, head to ground when sitting, and the length and width of your wheelchair or scooter?
Will you drive from a wheelchair or use a power seat?
Will you need special modifications to operate the vehicle?

Adaptive Driving for Persons with Physical Limitations: Adaptive Driving Aids/Modifications

With the use of appropriate adaptive aids an individual with most types of physical disability can continue to drive safely. A variety of devices are available to meet the individual driver’s needs and preferences. The following is a list of the more common modifications available. They should be tried in an actual driving situation before making a final decision. (For liability issues work with a certified adaptive driving specialist).

Automatic transmission: replaces clutch and manual shift

Power Steering: permits one-hand steering wheel operation

Power Brakes: needed for hand controls and other adaptive aids

Steering Devices: spinner knob, amputee ring, quad fork, tri pin, or custom device

Floor Mounted Steering: floor steering wheel for foot control

Modified Effort Steering: reduces strength needed to operate power steering or brake to accommodate low strength and/or endurance.

Left Foot Accelerator: eliminates left leg cross-over

Foot Pedal Extensions: raises height of brake and accelerator

Hand Controls: control operates brake/accelerator with single lever and activates secondary controls (horn, wipers, turn signals, etc.) *temporary or mounted hand controls are not recommended by Veterans Administration

Electric Gear Selector: permits left hand operation

Right Hand Turn Signal: permits right hand operation without cross-over

Remote Switches: reposition or build up secondary controls (horn, wipers, turn signals, etc.) to accommodate driver’s specific disability

Seat Belts: shoulder and lap belt adjustments may be needed

Power Seats: eases access for transferring to a regular captain’s seat

Custom Seats: creates balance, positioning, and stability

Lifts and Ramps: permits access into and out of vehicle

Wheelchair/Scooter Lifts: assists in lifting wheelchairs and scooters in and out of vehicle

Wheelchair Carriers: permits carrying of wheelchair outside of vehicle

Adaptive Driving for Persons with Physical Limitations: Driver Rehabilitation Programs

According to the Association of Driver Educators for the Disabled, a driver rehabilitation program should have a qualified driver rehabilitation specialist, the appropriate vehicle(s), and equipment to provide comprehensive services in the following areas:

Clinical Evaluation: applicable testing in the area of physical functioning and visual/perceptual/cognitive screening. Where applicable, a wheelchair/seating assessment should be completed.

Driving Evaluation: shall include an on-the-road performance assessment of the client in an actual driving environment using equipment similar to the prescribed equipment.

Vehicle Modification/Prescription: all prescriptions shall be based on the client’s demonstrated performance in an actual driving experience with equipment similar to that which is being prescribed. The prescription should include appropriate description and dimensions of the client’s vehicle and mobility aid (wheelchair, scooter).

Driver Education: shall include sufficient practice and training to enable the client to operate a motor vehicle with the prescribed equipment at a level that meets the client’s need for a driver’s license.

Final Fitting: the client shall receive a final fitting and operational assessment in their modified vehicle.