Driving with Hand Controls (Right Leg Amputee)

Here is my demonstration of how I drive a manual car (a 1991 MX5 or Miata) without a right leg. I am a through knee amputee, and use hand controls for throttle and brake. I can still drive Stick Shift, and have even driven 5 laps round the Nürburgring like this. I do regular track days and am pretty fast, especially for someone with less limbs than standard.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Amputee
• driving
• mx5
• miata
• stick
• shift
• manual

[turbo2g]

Hey can you tell me where you got that hand control? I'm looking for one to drive stick too.

[HonestJack]

@turbo2g Its a modification of a system made by a company called Adaptacar in britain. They make all their hand controls from scratch. However a company called Geoff Gosling make something very similar but instead of being bespoke they are available off the shelf, certainly in the uk. Good luck with your search

[joeyanaya]

This exactly what I want as a recent right hemipelvectomy person! Thanks for putting this video up now I know what to ask for when I start driving again.

[HonestJack]

@joeyanaya No problem, glad I can help.

[xJAYHEROx]

Hey, do you have a link to this kit? I am a right leg amputee utilizing the C-leg. I have a crx that I built prior to my amputation that Has over 400whp and would like to be able to drive it again as well as bring it to the track. Please, please help me with some info if you can. I cannot find something this simple on the internet. Any info would be appreciated. If you don't mind emailing me as well with any info it would be great! jkbboy85@gmail.com

[HonestJack]

@xJAYHEROx Lucky man having the C-Leg! I can't afford that. This is a home build modification of a system from the UK, something like the Geoff Gosling system might be available for export to the US from the UK.

[pantyflash]

Like, even though your right leg is hosed, you are very adept. Way to go, babe!

[maribel2509]

That's crazy...I have cerebral palsy and probably found to use the alternative gas pedal.but this is a definite cool idea

[HonestJack]

@somainglove This car has since undergone ECU modifications to raise the redline, I now don't change up until 7k on the track! My other car is for economy, this one is for fun! :)

[HonestJack]

@downburst1 One other thing, its a lot easier with the ball on the steering wheel that I now use. Pride prevented me from using it before, it made me feel disabled! However now I am using it on a regular basis it has made controlling the car in a slide a hell of a lot more smooth and controlled.

[HonestJack]

@downburst1 I use the left hand to steer only. It requires more planning and just making sure you are in the right gear at all times, but thats not a bad skill to pick up anyway! Its harder to accelerate if the wheel is turning as your thumb on the wheel means you have something to squeeze the throttle against, but after a very short time you become able to do it without your thumb on the wheel. I need to do some in car footage of me sliding on the track, it would make it easier to understand.

[downburst1]

Thanks for posting. Question, when you come to a junction and want to turn left. You engage gear and lift off clutch, is it easy to accelerate and turn the wheel at the same time. Am I right in saying you turn with the left hand only or does the accelerator turn with the wheel?