CRAZY! A C4 Quadriplegic Driving a Wheelchair Accessible Van with an EMC Joystick

This is a newly released hand control setup - EMC's AEVIT 2.0 - which will take some getting use to. The primary functions (gas/brake/direction) are all through the joystick, and everything else is voice activated.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Quadriplegic
• Wheelchair
• Van
• Joystick
• AEVIT
• 2.0
• EMC
• Cyborg
• Accessible
• SCI

[brittneyk007]

Hey there, I just wanted to let you know that this is actually going to be my inspiration to learn how to drive. I am 21yrs old and I have Muscular Dystrophy, which confined me to a wheelchair. I dont have much strength in my legs/feet, so a hand control is necessary. Thank you for posting this. I do have a question, how long did it take for you to get used to the entire system? Thanks! :)

[canadianquadfather]

@brittneyk007 That is great news. Truthfully, it is not very difficult -- it just took about 3 months and a lot of practice. You catch on quickly.

Best,

Dan

[kevroks09]

How much does this system cost, and does insurance pay for it?

[canadianquadfather]

@kevroks09 The price varies depending on the particular electronics you purchase. My setup -- the single joystick, with the voice recognition -- is the most expensive option. The electronics (NOT INCLUDING THE VAN OR VAN MODIFICATIONS) was just under $100,000. Unfortunately, insurance would not cover any of it. Frankly, I find the cost insane. Good luck -- let me know how it goes!

- Dan

[micheal355]

Hey man that is such a cool thing, I myself have been looking to get an joystick powered vehicle, having muscular dystrophy. How would you suggest I go about getting one? any help is appreciated, :-)

[canadianquadfather]

Hi, Michael355:

Try to contact the company that you will have modifying your vehicle, and they can point you towards an OT or Driver Rehab specialist who can help prescribe the hand controls to you.

Get ready for lots of paper work! Let me know how it goes, and post a video of your van after it's done.

Best,

Dan

[wheelchaircreations]

thats what i needed. i crashed my van. i had a small wheel. good luck.

dave c2/3 incomplete.

[dvanwage]

Fellow quad here. Those hand controls are nothing like I've ever seen before!  The joystick looks extremely easy to use compared to a throttle/small-steering-wheel set up that I've seen. Pretty awesome!

[UnhappyDreamer]

I am on wheelchair and I've started studying for learner's permit and plan to get license in the near future... I can use my arms just fine but I am very nervous whether I'll be abel to learn how to drive or not... :-\

[WizzzardPenguin]

@brittneyk007

In Europe a new system has entered the market called JOYSTEER. I got used to it in 2 weeks. In my case it consists of a joystick for steering left and right and a gas/brake slide. You give signals, switch the light etc. with an infrared remote control, that is mounted on the slide. For further information search for joysteer. EMC systems are not allowed anymore in Germany.

[Blue4cuervo]

HI MY NAME IS DAN, I WAS HOPING TO SEE AND HEAR A TUTORIAL ON HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS, CAN YOU MAKE A VIDEO WITH PLAY BY PLAY ON HOW TO OPERATE YOUR VAN? THANKS'

[cristicb028]

Hello!

I like you video. my problem is that I`m from Romania and I don`t know such type of van to exist here.

How can I get one, except playng loto? :)

I have muschular distrofy and my mobillity is still good.

Thank you for your reply.

Good luck

Cristi