Tesla with hand controls for disabled people

[kalavarko]

What do you think about Tesla equipped with hand controls for disabled people?
Of course market for that kind of car is very limited but I think it is much cheaper to install it in Tesla then in any other conventional car and if anyone should do it, it is Tesla.

Any thoughts on that?

 

[S'toon]

I've been wondering about the feasibility of this myself. Not for myself or anyone I know, but out of general curiosity.

 

[TheTalkingMule]

Tesla vans for wheelchair passengers will be a HUGE business. Not having to deal with a drive-train running down the middle removes so many issues and compromises with ICE van conversions. Today they're done on Dodge Caravans and the Honda Odyssey for entry generally from the side. Falcon wing door tech will be a huge help too, just make it run half the length of the van.

 

[kalavarko]

Well I was thinking about Model 3 with hand controls or something similar. But definitely some kind of van in 5-10 years when Tesla offers full range of vehicles.

 

[Kevin Harney]

What do you think about Tesla equipped with hand controls for disabled people?
Of course market for that kind of car is very limited but I think it is much cheaper to install it in Tesla then in any other conventional car and if anyone should do it, it is Tesla.

Any thoughts on that?

My thought is that it will not be necessary in a couple of years. All Teslas will be self- driving.

 

[kalavarko]

I agree, but only on highways. I don't see self driving cars in real everyday situations for many years.

 

[TheTalkingMule]

Well I was thinking about Model 3 with hand controls or something similar. But definitely some kind of van in 5-10 years when Tesla offers full range of vehicles.

I would think hand controls will be easy as hell for the Tesla engineers to figure out. The whole operation is drive by wire, so theoretically you could probably drive it with your phone tomorrow afternoon. No so safe, but doable!

 

[Red Sage]

I remember someone who went by the name 'Hotwheels' or similar posted both here and at the Tesla Motors forum... He was wheelchair bound and extremely happy to take delivery of his Model S. He did have it converted to hand controls, and enjoyed it immensely.

 

[GoTslaGo]

I remember someone who went by the name 'Hotwheels' or similar posted both here and at the Tesla Motors forum... He was wheelchair bound and extremely happy to take delivery of his Model S. He did have it converted to hand controls, and enjoyed it immensely.

Here is the older thread (Hotwheels73):

My new baby! - Page 3

You will find that he has a twitter link which has a photo of the hand control, and in the thread he names the company that did it for him.

Thanks for remembering Red Sage!

 

[kalavarko]

I thing they could figure out something better, nicer and more practical and comfortable then just a lever that pushes pedals. Just my oppinion.

 

[Red Sage]

I have a Friend, NatKat, who has driven her Mustang with hand controls since the early 90s, after losing the use of her legs in a car accident. Another Friend, Michael, has also used hand controls in his cars without incident since being injured in a helicopter crash while in the Army. I've felt perfectly safe with them driving me around. I think it's rather awesome that they have full mobility and can take care of themselves and their transportation needs on their own. Plus, they both really like driving. In a pinch, someone else can drive their cars the 'normal' way if they need service, without having to learn anew.

 

[freds]

I remember someone who went by the name 'Hotwheels' or similar posted both here and at the Tesla Motors forum... He was wheelchair bound and extremely happy to take delivery of his Model S. He did have it converted to hand controls, and enjoyed it immensely.

I found a picture on his twitter account.

I also found two other videos links on this site: http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/37453-Hand-Controls-(Handicapped)-for-Model-S

Of the two the last one looks like it is the coolest with an actual digital interface to the accelerator for single pedal driving.

http://www.kempf-usa.com/handcontrols_car_list.html First picture below:




~

 

[kalavarko]

I must admit, these hand controls are prety good.

 

[Nick Patel]

Does anyone know who may install left hand control in Texas