Freedom StaffFreedom Staff 2.0 Handicap Driving Hand Controls Upgraded Version

This device works surprisingly well. My need arises from progressive idiopathic neuropathy. My coordination is mediocre, so I felt I needed to drive around the neighborhood in 10-20 minute sessions for about a week. At first it was frightening. I gradually expanded my range and am running errands about 2 weeks after installation. This morning a bicycle veered suddenly in front of me and I reflexively pushed the brake lever. Muscle memory established.Installation is simple, but instructions are meager, so it took me awhile. No tools are needed, but keep track of washers. The ball bearing springs were very strong so it took me a while to adjust them. The strap should support both rods and goes over the steering column assembly. I set the lever just under the steering wheel to provide freedom of movement in steering. I replaced the spinner with a black nylon one that clips directly on the steering wheel.The device is not fixed, so the lever glides back and forth horizontally. Consequently, I had to learn to control its position and coordinate my steering hand movement while cornering. I also needed to learn timing of shifting from forward to reverse and vice versa when backing out of a parking space or doing a Y turn. I have not attempted parallel parking yet.The device is stainless steel and is sturdy, with the exception of the foam handle sleeve. I would have preferred a harder rubber and suspect that the handle sleeve will need replacement. The remainder of the rig will outlast me.I don't know whether a fixed installation would be more satisfactory. I don't expect to ever find out, as this device, once learned, is entirely satisfactory so far.

I have been driving using hand controls on cars since 1988 and while all of my personal cars have always used permanent mounted controls, the Freedom Staff PHC-3 Portable Hand Controls have been used many times in the past. It is an excellent device for the person that can not use their legs to control the brake and gas pedals of a car and want to be able to drive a car other that is not one they have specifically had modified. They have given me the freedom to chose any car with an automatic transmission when renting a car or driving a friend's car.I gave the product a 4 Star rating, which would have been higher, but not yet a 5 if there were various categories in ranking the product. It is very portable and easy to transport weighing less than three pounds and only 18" when folded. Attaching it to any car with an automatic transmission makes that car able to be driven in about five minutes of actually attaching the unit to the car, and perhaps another five minutes to adjust the brake and gas motion to the personal position of the driver. The company designed them to be used with a strap that slides over the steering column to stabilize the controls in position, but I have heard of some people not using the strap only holding them in their hand or resting on their lap, which. in my personal opinion is that driving with the controls not mounted in some manner is dangerous as they are liable to become caught on clothing or otherwise not be capable of performing properly if needed. Likewise, on long trips, I believe it would be fatiguing to have to maintain 100% control of them instead of being able to use the cruise control while still having them in position to respond if needed rapidly. The company designed them to be used with the strap and I doubt they would approve of being used otherwise.The only problem that I have encountered is with the nylon strap going over the steering column sliding into a groove. If the strap were made of some other material that is slip resistant, I believe that would make this issue much easier to deal with and raise it to a 5 star product. Perhaps a rubber sheath that could be placed in the middle of the current strap that would be about 8" long and sit on top of the steering column would be an inexpensive solution to the issue of the nylon strap sliding down or at all without the driver actually wanting it to be moved is something to be investigated. (Having written that just now, I believe I will look for an item that will do that. Possibly double sided carpet tape.)

What an awesome product! It was easy to install, easy to adjust to fit me, and super easy to use.I have been slowly losing the use of my legs. I finally had to stop driving as it was getting dangerous. This device has given me back the ability to drive. I actually drive better with my hand than I did with my feet! It has put the fun back into driving for me again.I’m 6’8” tall and drive a 2018 Nissan Titan. It fits securely below the steering wheel, and is easily accessible with my left hand. It is easy to fine tune the fit and function. I put it on, drove around my neighborhood and then took it to a vacant shopping center to practice. It only took about 30 minutes to get comfortable with it. I now drive to work and back in heavy urban traffic and it’s easy ! I put the spinner on, but took it back off as I did not like using it. Nothing wrong with it, just a personal choice.I would highly recommend the device for anyone who is temporarily or permanently in need of hand controls. Money well spent!

I had great concern about being able to drive again after I became a double btk amputee. I searched the Amazon recommendations and "took a chance" with the Freedom 2. The reviews are correct-the spinner knob that comes with the equipment is junk. However I ordered another type from Amazon and it is great. Now to the controls!! The reviews and instructions were correct-it took a neighbor 10 minutes to install. The simplest set up you could imagine. It took me about 3 -4 trips out driving in my small community to get the hang of the controls. Its a not so simple matter of forgetting you used to use your feet to run the gas and brake peddles and that now you use your hand to either push the bar down to brake or pull up to accelerate. In less than 90 minutes I had it down pat. Started last Tuesday when they arrived and was driving in heavy in town traffic by Friday. I now drive anywhere and everywhere. I have total confidence in the safety of the system and the safety of everyone on the road when I travel. Still in Rehab 2 days a week and they all came out today to see the Freedom 2 and took pictures. They are as excited as I am. "Free at last! Free at Last"