[Hackability] Mobility Scooter -Need ideas to Modify Fwd/Rev Hand Control for Small Weak 1 Hand Use

[Zach]

Hi Ed,
  I've hacked these types of mobility scooters before (not this brand specifically) to change some of these kinds of settings.  Have you brain stormed what an ideal driving situation would be like for her, control knob wise?  I would say that's the first step - talk together and find out what might be a comfortable alternative.
Those two pars that control forward + reverse are connected to a (very sensitive) precision logarithmic potentiometer.  Depending on your motor controllers "touchyness" you can wire that to another knob or foot pedal, or even stick somewhere on the scooter - all these can use a potentiometer.  

What I actually do for myself, since this action hurts my hands as well, is add a "cruise control" circuit by creating a dummy load to the "fully on" position.  Then I just use the small dial on top to control speed and steer often with just my elbows (I have carpal tunnel).
I'm in the process of designing a DIY version / kit for people to buy online (for cheap).  But that could be a little while coming.

Anyway, there's lots of options.  Do you have any hackerspaces in Florida or do you visit SF sometimes?

-Zach
--------------------------------------------
On Thu, 4/7/16, Ed Gans <snagdad at earthlink.net> wrote:

 Subject: [Hackability] Mobility Scooter -Need ideas to Modify Fwd/Rev Hand	Control for Small Weak 1 Hand Use
 To: hackability at lists.noisebridge.net
 Date: Thursday, April 7, 2016, 9:12 AM
 
 Just
 purchased TZORA “Easy Travel” Mobility Scooter for wife,
 stroke survivor with use of only left (non-dominant)
 hand.She does not have strength to steer 1-handed while
 at same time pushing FWD (away from body) on control
 lever.Experiencing thumb/finger joint
 pain.
 Anyone have experience modifying Lexis Light Foldable Mobility
 Scooter control
 lever?See: http://www.tzora.com/Lite-Scooter.html
 
 APPRECIATE ALL INPUT!Ed in Sarasota,
 FL
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