The Honda City was booked in early August. Delivery was slated four weeks from the date of booking. The first thing that I did after that was to look for a hand control kit. Since I am unable to step on the pedals, I have to control both the accelerator and brake pedals by hand.
There are currently three versions of hand control kits that are being used in Malaysia. Only one is suitable because the other two needed good hand function that I lacked. I chose the one Christine is using because of its simplicity. One stick controls the brake and accelerator. It is attached to the steering column just behind the steering wheel. The stick is pressed down for accelerating and pushed forward for braking.
The hand control kit in Christine’s car.
Photo by Wuan.
Christine got her friends to help me get the hand control kit from Singapore. The kit manufacturer, Mobility Product & Design of USA, have two dealers in the island republic, but none in Malaysia. It cost SGD800 – around RM1,900. The other more commonly used kit costs RM2,800 plus installation.
I got the left hand control unit instead of the more commonly used control for right hand. My main concern was that the kit installed for the right hand could severely impede my entry and exit into the car. However, the left hand control kit presented a host of other problems too.
… to be continued.
Related entries:
Project Drive For Freedom – Part 2
Project Drive For Freedom – Part 1
Answer Me This
First Step Of Another Journey
Test Driving The Civic
My Dream Ride
Reclaiming My Life