NEW SEARCH NEW SEARCH, STATE - NSW
Next
Last
DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.
Item Details
Buyers Guide - Spinner Knobs
ILC Reference NO 51:11:001
Item sourced from ILC NSW database
Short Description
This information sheet is designed to familiarise clients with the design features of spinner knobs, and in particular those features that need to be taken into consideration when purchasing a spinner knob. Consideration should be given to the shape and size, attachment method, positioning, and licensing regulations for the attachment of a spinner knob to a motor vehicle.
Price Guide
Approx Price: $0.00
Price Date: 14/03/2008
More Details
*Spinner knobs enable a person who only has the use of one hand to be able to drive.
*There are a range of spinner knobs which are available to suit people with varying abilities.
*Spinner knobs assist people driving with hand controls.
*Spinner knobs can be used with either the right or left hand.
*Usually only very strong people are able to maintain full one handed control of a vehicle without power steering.
*When initially using a steering wheel spinner there is a tendency for people to oversteer, particularly if the steering is power assisted. Care should be taken when negotiating corners and turning.
*Spinner knobs vary in their attachment to a steering wheel, and certain types may not fit all wheel diameters, also the clamping device may, over time, damage the surface, that is cut into the covering.
If you have any further queries about the medical, legal and practical issues of driving with any injury, please contact the Occupational Therapy Association and asked to be referred onto a driver trained occupational therapist. Read Licence & Insurance Requirements before purchasing.
Models
Some of the Types of Spinner Knobs Available
*Conventional spinner knob - these are useful for drivers who have full use of only one steering hand and arm.
*C-Spinner knob - used by quadriplegics who have a functional wrist and slightly functional grip.
*Quad fork spinner (or tuning fork spinner) - used by quadriplegics with at least partial functional use of their wrists and some use of the extensor muscles of the hand. The hand is inserted into the opening at the top of the device and is held in a vertical position.
*Tri-pin spinner - used by people with quadriplegia who have tensor hand muscle function. The hand and wrist are stabilised and the device resists efforts of the hand to pull out of the device. The hand is still free to lift up and out of the device.
Factors To Consider
Points to Consider When Purchasing a Spinner knob
*The shape and size of the spinner knob.
*The positioning of the spinner knob on the steering wheel. For those using the right hand/arm to steer, the suggested attachment point is at 2 o'clock, for the left hand at 10 o'clock, as these provide the most leverage when turning the wheel.
*The type of attachment necessary to fit the spinner knob to the steering wheel.
*The ease of fitting and removing the spinner knob from the steering wheel.
*The suitability of the spinner knob for gripping.
*The length and conditions of guarantees.
*Using a spinner can require some practice. The spinner knob gives significant mechanical advantage in turns and people can easily oversteer in cornering.
Also activating the indicators whilst using a spinner can be difficult to master, as the hand must remain on the spinner knob at all times.
Licence & Insurance Requirements
Licensing Regulations
*For legal and insurance reasons the recommendation is that the driver should purchase the spinner knob from an engineer registered with the RTA to ensure the spinner knob meets the Australian Standards and is installed correctly.
A 'quick release' removable knob is necessary so other people driving the vehicle can remove it easily.
The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) guidelines do not allow a person to drive independently with a spinner knob without having completed an RTA Disability Driving Test or alternatively having completed an occupational therapy on road assessment to establish their safety. The spinner knob is then endorsed on the drivers licence. Once the spinner knob is not required the person would need to demonstrate to the RTA that they could drive safely without it, before the endorsement could be removed from their licence. This is done by being retested by a driver trained occupational therapist (see Driving Assessment & Education minor group on this database)
*Each case needs to be carefully judged according to the safety issues, and as described taking into consideration the legal, insurance and standards implications.
Standards
Specific Australian Standards or other Standard(s) may be applicable for materials, manufacturing processes, or installation of some types of equipment. Compliance with relevant Standards is indicated by written certification that a product has been tested and assessed as compliant with specific Standards. Purchasers are advised to check with the supplier or manufacturer of this item as to its compliance with relevant Standard(s).
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
Additional /images
No additional /images apply to this item
First
Prev
Next
Last
