Most modern cars require you to rely heavily on your feet for driving. In case you can’t do so, it becomes difficult to drive those cars. Many times, due to unavoidable circumstances, drivers cannot control the car pedals with their feet. In that case, they find it difficult to drive the car.
The problem becomes even more acute for people who are handicapped or have incapacitated feet. They need to then rely on others to drive them around.
Fortunately, there exists a perfect solution to this problem. You can use hand controls to control your car. The issue is that if you do not choose the right hand controls, driving will not be easy.
Freedom Staff 2.0 Hand Controls stand out at the top of our 10 best portable hand controls for cars.
While searching for portable hand controls for cars, you will come across many different types of controls. The controlling mechanism and the sensitivity of 1 control set it varies from the other. You have to choose one which is easy to use and provides you with precise control.
To help you out, we have spent hours researching the different portable hand controls. After careful research, we have compiled this detailed list of top 10 Best hand controls for cars. At the end of the list, we will also share a buying guide with you to help you with your buying decision.
Name | Image | Weight | Brand | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Freedom Staff 2.0 |  | 3.4 Pounds | Sylvan Inc. | ||
QuicStick Hand Controls |  | 2 Pounds | QuicStick | ||
Portable Handicap Driving |  | 3 Pounds | RJ-Modini | ||
Niome Handicap Driving |  | 3.6 Pounds | Niome | ||
Sago® Portable Handicap Driving |  | 3 Pounds | Z-18 |
10 Best Portable Hand Controls for Cars
#1 Freedom Staff 2.0 Handicap Driving Hand Controls
How about a versatile set of hand controls?
The hand control set, which we are speaking about now, is suitable for any vehicle. Even if you have a truck, rental car, or a golf cart, these controls can work for any vehicle.
The USP of these controls allows you to control all the vehicle functions with your two hands. The universal fit means that installation is not going to be a problem either.
The design is such that you can handle the wheel with your right hand. The left hand is free to operate the hand control device.
There is a steering wheel knob for one-hand steering. One-hand steering quickly frees up your second hand for the other functions.
The customizable length and height of the controls allow you to use them as per your preference.
Wondering about the construction quality?
The controls use aluminum and stainless steel material. Both of these materials are lightweight and long-lasting. They are rust-resistant, which means that wear and tear is not an issue.
The acceleration mechanism is easy to operate, as well. You need to pull the lever towards you to accelerate your vehicle. To stop the vehicle, you need to push the lever towards the ground. It will activate the braking mechanism.
Many other subpar hand controls require you to use your thumbs for the same. That leads to hand fatigue. With this set of portable hand controls, you will not suffer from this problem.
When not using these controls, you can store them in a small carry bag. The carryback comes along with it. Consequently, you can carry the controls with you wherever you go.
The high durability and excellent versatility of these controls for cars make them one of the best hand controls for cars.
Key Features:
#2 QuicStick Hand Controls Handicap Driving Aid Equipment
The USP of these portable hand controls is that they are suitable for left and right-hand drivers. The mechanism is such that you can easily accelerate your vehicle and brake it.
The pre-assembled design means that installation is not going to be a problem. The construction is such that these are portable and support tool-free installation.
The T6 aluminum construction facilitates heavy use. The compatibility with most vehicles frees you up from installation worries.
The USP of this hand control set is that very light pressure is needed to brake or accelerate your vehicle. When you’re going for a longer trip, this light pressure will not cause any hand fatigue.
The controlling mechanism is so easy that the learning curve is barely 10 minutes long. You need not practice for hours together to use these portable hand controls.
The fact that these portable and controls require very little pressure is what helps them stand out.
Key Features:
#3 Portable Handicap Driving Car Hand Controls
Which we are highlighting now is suitable for left-hand as well as right-hand drive.
The controls consist of steering wheel spinner knob and the black brake handle. You can push the brake handle to stop the vehicle. On the other hand, to accelerate, you can use your thumb.
For easy installation, you can use the strap which comes along with it. Using the strap, you can fix the hand controls to the steering column.
As for the rest of the installation, you do not require any tools. The controls are compatible with every vehicle, which facilitates easy installation. The hand controls are compatible with any automatic transmission vehicle.
The lightweight design means that handling them is easy without any fatigue.
When you’re not using them, you can easily collapse them. Once you collapse them, storage becomes very easy. Mounting it in and unmounting it from your vehicle is easy and time-saving.
These hand controls are also suitable for left-hand drivers as well as right-hand ones. One of the main advantages that there is no need to grip these controls. You only need to push them. So, Operation becomes easy due to the same.
You also get a free steering wheel spinner knob along with it. It allows you to control the vehicle direction in a much better way. Also, the spinner knob certainly reduces the learning curve.
Along with the controls, you also get detailed instructions. The detailed instructions ensure that you will not face any problem while using them.
The versatility and the ease of use of these hand controls for car certainly makes them much superior to many other options available.
Key Features:
#4 Niome Handicap Driving Handicap Aid Equipment for Vehicles
The confluence of aluminum and stainless steel material is the highlight of these portable hand controls. The confluence of these materials also makes the controls rust-resistant. Both these materials are lightweight, so, handling the controls is easy.
The quick installation and removal aid their use. You get quick connect hardware, which means that you don't need to buy anything extra for installation. The quick-connect hardware is perfect for long and short trips.
Want to adjust these controls?
Worry not!
You can adjust them in length according to your requirement. The bolting action, along with multiple holes to adjust these controls, allows you to customize them according to your requirement.
When you’re not using these controls, you can store them in the storage bag. The storage bag comes along with the set.
The controls are also compatible with any vehicle. Whether you’re driving a sedan or a van, you can install them easily.
The smooth controls shorten the learning curve significantly. A single person can install these controls and can remove them in a jiffy. You can refer to the detailed manual which comes along with these controls.
The convenience, which these provide, gives you no reason to complain.
Key Features:
#5 QuicStick Car Portable Hand Controls
The USP of this portable hand controls for cars is their preassembled design. The preassembled design certainly reduces the time needed to install them. There is no need for any tools for the same as well.
Additionally, you will get knob and a free travel bag. The wheel knob can make it easy for you to control your vehicle.
The travel bag comes in handy when not using these.
The T6 aluminum construction certainly helps them stand out. The aluminum construction ensures that wear and tear is not going to be a problem. There is no need to search for a replacement anytime soon.
The adjustability feature, according to the preference of the driver, is another reason to go for them. Compatibility with almost all vehicle types certainly makes them convenient to use.
The quick connect hardware that comes along with these controls helps. You can install these controls and remove them in a jiffy.
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Also, the precise control which they provide helps you in reducing hand fatigue as well. If you take a lot of long road trips, these controls can be your best friend.
The controls take up little space. The compact design makes them compatible with sedans and hatchbacks. Additionally, you don’t require a large vehicle to install them.
The limited pressure design and compatibility with most vehicles, help these hand controls for cars stand out.
Key Features:
#6 Portable Hand Controls for Automatic Car
The hand controls that we are speaking about now consist of stainless steel material. The stainless steel material makes these lightweight. Also, these are rust-resistant due to the same material.
The advantage here is that these controls are compatible with all gas and brake pedal variants. There will be no issues arising regarding the compatibility of these controls with your vehicle.
The quick connect hardware ensures that no additional hardware is needed. The clamps that come along with the controls make it easy for you to attach them to the pedals. Not only those, but these controls are easy to install and remove.
When not using them, there is a storage bag that comes with them. The storage bag also helps you in taking these controls with you wherever you go.
The adjustable design allows complete customization. The controls are compatible with almost all the automatic car models, including sedans and hatchbacks.
In case of any confusion, there are instructional videos that you can refer to. These videos make installation a breeze. If you have any queries regarding the actual use, these instructional videos help you out with that as well. Once you buy the product, you also get the links to these instructional videos.
The low-pressure threshold means that these are perfect for long trips as well. The stainless steel construction material and the ease of installation make these controls probably the perfect and best hand controls for cars available.
Key Features:
#7 Sago® Portable Handicap Driving Hand Controls
These controls have become popular due to their ease of use. You have to just push to brake your vehicle. You have to use your thumb to accelerate it. You also get the strap, which means that you can easily attach these controls to your steering wheel. This strap mechanism ensures that the hand controls are very easy to use.
Moreover, you can install them for left hand driving or right hand driving as per your choice.
For installation, you do not require to use any tools either. You can install and remove the hand controls at will.
The adjustable length of the controls allows you to customize the operation. You get a free wheel spinner knob, which makes it easy to control your vehicle.
The lightweight design of the controls reduces the pressure you need to apply. The weight is 3 lbs. The lightweight design comes in handy when you want to carry these controls with you wherever you go. These hand controls are collapsible. Combine this with the easy installation and removal procedure, and you have a winner.
You can install them on cars with automatic transmission. Also, these are suitable for right hand and left hand use. With rigorous testing and evaluation, you can be sure that these are reliable, sturdy, long-lasting, and convenient to use.
If you’re looking for portable hand controls that are tested time and again and easy to use, these meet those requirements.
Key Features:
#8 Liberty Staff Portable Hand Controls For Vehicles
The reason why you should go for this portable hand control set is that you can install it in just 10 minutes. Also, you can install it in any vehicle. You can install it not only on cars but also on golf carts and trucks. The compatibility is excellent.
The steering wheel knob allows you to control the direction of the vehicle easily. You can control the steering with a single hand.
Moreover, you can adjust the size and height of the controls according to your requirement. With the help of length adjustment, controlling your car becomes easier.
The aluminum and stainless steel construction ensure that durability is excellent. Also, precise control certainly makes it simple to use.
You can fold and store the set in the storage bag which it comes along with. The portable design allows to carry the hand controls set with you wherever you go.
When going with these controls for cars, you will not have to worry about construction quality. The aluminum and stainless steel construction take care of that. All in all, it is an option which will stand the test of time.
Key Features:
#9 Kinbelle Disabled Hand Controls Driving Handicap Aid Equipment
The best feature of this portable hand control is that it is available in 2 color variants. You can choose it in the orange color or grey color. The choice is yours.
The non-rust construction means that wear and tear is not an issue. The rust-resistant construction is due to the stainless steel and aluminum material. Moreover, these materials are quite lightweight.
The adjustable design makes customization possible. Also, compatibility with most vehicle types means that installation will be a cinch.
Another advantage of this hand control is that it is suitable for the right hand and left-hand use.
The quick-connect hardware comes to your rescue. The easy installation and removal make it perfect for short and long trips.
The smooth driving mechanism certainly makes it easy to use. In fact, it is easier than driving with pedals.
The ease of driving certainly gives you no reason to complain.
Key Features:
#10 Thumb Controlled Drive Assist Portable Hand Controls
The pre-assembled construction of this portable hand control set certainly helps this set outscore over others. T6 aluminum construction is another reason to buy it.
The adjustable design adds to the convenience. Compatibility with all vehicle types adds to the convenience.
You also get a wheel knob to control the direction. The travel bag allows you to carry it around easily.
The fast installation and removal mechanism allows you to install it on any vehicle. The quick-connect hardware that comes along with it means that you get the entire set.
The light pressure threshold allows you to control the vehicle easily. Along with these, you also get videos, manuals, and other details for installation in use. It ensures that even if you haven’t used such controls before, you can use this set quite easily.
The superior quality certainly helps it outlast others. If you’re looking for portable hand controls for cars that offer smooth driving, you must consider this one.
Key Features:
Instead of going through numerous portable hand controls for cars, it is better to choose from our list of top 10 options above.
Our carefully curated list will help you choose between the best options quite easily. We will now share a buying guide with you to help you understand how you should choose between these ten options.
It will be a good idea to have a car stereo with backup camera while you're driving with hand controls.
Best Hand Controls for Cars Buying guide
To choose the best portable hand controls for cars, you should compare them on a few parameters. These parameters include:
Construction quality
If you are buying hand controls for cars, you will, of course, use it for a long time. In case the construction quality is not good enough, you will have to search for a replacement. Instead of falling into that trap, it is better to choose one made from aluminum or stainless steel. When that is the case, these hand controls will undoubtedly stand the test of time.
Installation
You have to ensure that the set which you are buying is easy to install. If it comes along with its hardware, it is a definite advantage. Finding compatible hardware from third-party vendors is not an easy task. Instead, you should get portable hand controls for cars that come with their hardware.
Adjustability
Not every driver requires hand controls of the same length. Some of them might require longer, whereas others might require shorter ones. The problem is that if they are not adjustable, they are of no use to you. You will feel the discomfort while driving in that case.
Instead, buying an adjustable portable hand controls for cars is a perfect choice. You can customize them, which makes things easy for you.
Compatibility
Firstly, you have to look at the type of vehicles with which the portable hand controls for cars are compatible. If you own a sedan, you have to determine whether these controls are compatible with the sedan. Similarly, if you own an SUV, you have to find out their compatibility with SUVs.
Secondly, you have to figure out whether these controls are compatible with automatic transmission cars or manual transmission cars or both. You have to remember the type of transmission which your car has and then make this buying decision. When you look at these compatibility factors, after that, only you can choose the right set of portable hand controls.
Comparing the top 10 options on these four parameters will help you choose the right one.
It is not that difficult to control your car with your hands. You, however, need to buy the best hand control for cars to do the same. Our list and guide above can help you do so. Now, it is time to drive your car using your hands by choosing any one of the ten hand controls for cars highlighted above.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do hand controls work on a car?
Hand controls are the special kind of push and pull lever system that help people with “different kind of ability” to drive their car at ease. The levers of the hand control may be attached to the steering wheel or to the floor of your vehicle. When you pull the lever, your car accelerates and when you push on it, you can brake your car.
Can hand controls be fitted to a manual car?
Primary hand controls can be fitted to both manual and automatic cars. These hand controls mainly control the gas and brakes. On the other hand, the secondary hand controls handle the windshield wipers, indicators, horn, headlights, air conditioning and some other functions.
Does Medicare pay for automobile hand controls?
Medicare is a federal program that helps to pay for vehicle modifications under some special circumstances. In some cases, Medicare can pay for your automatic hand controls. It completely depends on your state of disability. After an evaluation made by a qualified practitioner, if satisfied, the program will cover the cost of your automobile hand control.
Can a person with no legs drive?
By the grace of technology, people with physical disabilities are no longer falling behind in their day to day activities. People having no legs are driving cars and trucks professionally by using hand controls. Simply by moving the lever with their driving hand forward and backward, they can control the gas and brake of their car. The mechanism also helps them to easily manage the speed of the vehicle. This amazing hand controlling device is now making disable people “differently able” to drive their vehicles.
Do you use both feet when driving an automatic car?
No. You should never use both feet while driving an automatic car. If you accidentally step on both pedals at once, you can do serious damage to the torque converter, transmission fluid, and brake fluid of your car. Always remember, unintentional application of both of the pedals at the same time, is the main reason for serious accidents of the automatic cars.
Can you drive if you're in a wheelchair?
Yes, in this era of science you can certainly drive even if you are in a wheelchair. There are a lot of adaptive vehicle modifications and driving equipment available nowadays. People who are paralyzed, who have a very limited limb function or who are confined to a wheelchair can re-learn to drive using primary and secondary hand controls.
Last Updated on January 13, 2021 by Marcus Ford
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