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-   Disabled Section (https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=198)
-   -   fly by wire Throttle / Brake (https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=287163)

silverback02 Oct 5th, 2018 04:39

fly by wire Throttle / Brake
 
Hi All,
I have a 2004 C70 convertible that I love to drive.

Unfortunately it looks like i'm going to lose my right foot and poss lower leg. (The toes have all ready gone)

As my car already has electronic "Fly by wire" Throttle controls on the Accelerator,
can these be adapted by putting in a second set of potential meters to mimic the foot controls so that I can "Rev up" using my hands on a paddle or something and then also do the same with the brakes.
All without braking the bank. ???

ripstandem Oct 5th, 2018 09:47

Fly by wire brakes, probably not, this would be a safety issue, a total loss of power equals total loss of brakes

Do not despair there are many ways of assisting drivers with impairments (both financially and physically).

Your level of impairment will be unique to you as will any adaptions to your car.

Many firms specialize in disability needs, they will help and also give advise on where to access financial help.

Keep your hands in your pockets until you have looked at all options.

Citizens Advice Bureau will be a great help too

St Evelyn Oct 8th, 2018 20:58

My wife had her right leg amputated above the knee 3 and a half years ago, so we ended up having to sell her brand new Micra - it was a manual and there was no sensible option for a suitable modification.

She now drives an XC60 with a flip-down throttle, which she drives by using her left foot to both accelerate and brake in the same way I would my right - if I understand your signature correctly your C70 is an auto so might this be an option? This type of set-up allows the car to be driven by my wife in the way that she needs, yet it can also be driven as a standard vehicle by a driver such as myself who is more used to a right-foot throttle.

The XC60 was supplied by motability, along with the adaptation (no additional charge for that), however, I'm considering adapting my V90 so that she can drive it as and when necessary; here's a couple of links that I've previously found that you may find of use - removable left foot throttle and electronic steering wheel throttle. You may also be able to convert to a flip-down throttle if you don't need a removable option, however, I believe that you would need a top-mounted accelerator for this - sorry, not sure if the C70 has this or floor-mounted.

The ideal solution for us would be the guide-simplex steering wheel adaption (allows you to continue to use the foot brake as normal whilst accelerating with your hand, although they also do rings that will brake as well as accelerate), but this is an awful lot of money (if I recall correctly it's about £2-3K), whilst the left-foot throttle options come in at less than a grand - still a lot of money but an investment if it gives you the independence / satisfaction you need.

stuartvolvo Mar 2nd, 2019 15:24

adaptations
 
Silverback02,
I would say that the advice that has already been mentioned on this post would probably be the best way forward, to seek advice from companied that specialise in this and find out what all your options are before shelling out your hard earned cash. Do your research first and take it from there.

Regards
Stuart


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