Rivian Mom
Active Wheeler
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2024
- Messages
- 297
- Reaction score
- 30
- Rivian
- R1S
As a proud Rivian R1S owner, I’ve been thrilled to hear about the company’s potential expansion into Europe with ALSO mobility. It’s got me thinking about how Rivian could take things a step further and offer a game-changing feature for drivers who rely on hand controls due to disabilities.
Since Rivian’s vehicles are already drive-by-wire with electronic brakes and accelerators, it feels like adding hand-operated controls—maybe even integrated into a steering yoke—could be a natural fit. It’s exciting to imagine Rivian leading the way in making driving more accessible without needing complex aftermarket mods.
I recently learned about an old concept from 2001 called the FILO, a drive-by-wire car by Bertone and SKF that used twist grips on a yoke for braking and acceleration. The patent for that design expired after 20 years, so it’s fair game for anyone to use now. For someone who currently uses portable hand controls like the Freedom Staff—costing $269 for a basic setup that’s not exactly cutting-edge—having a factory-built option would be a huge upgrade. It’d save money and hassle compared to the pricey, permanent modifications that have been explored in the past, like the $11,000 quote a family member of mine got in 2014 to outfit a Nissan Rogue with custom controls from Guidosimplex.
Here’s where I think Rivian could really shine: offering an optional yoke with built-in hand controls. In Europe, where fixed adaptations are legally required, this could sidestep the need for invasive mods that wreck a car’s resale value. In the U.S., it’d be a fantastic choice for owners who want something reliable without being stuck with a vehicle forever. Swap the yoke for a standard wheel at the dealer when it’s time to sell, tweak the software, and you’re good to go. I’d love to see Rivian consider this as it could make them a standout choice for drivers with disabilities while staying true to their innovative spirit.
Since Rivian’s vehicles are already drive-by-wire with electronic brakes and accelerators, it feels like adding hand-operated controls—maybe even integrated into a steering yoke—could be a natural fit. It’s exciting to imagine Rivian leading the way in making driving more accessible without needing complex aftermarket mods.
I recently learned about an old concept from 2001 called the FILO, a drive-by-wire car by Bertone and SKF that used twist grips on a yoke for braking and acceleration. The patent for that design expired after 20 years, so it’s fair game for anyone to use now. For someone who currently uses portable hand controls like the Freedom Staff—costing $269 for a basic setup that’s not exactly cutting-edge—having a factory-built option would be a huge upgrade. It’d save money and hassle compared to the pricey, permanent modifications that have been explored in the past, like the $11,000 quote a family member of mine got in 2014 to outfit a Nissan Rogue with custom controls from Guidosimplex.
Here’s where I think Rivian could really shine: offering an optional yoke with built-in hand controls. In Europe, where fixed adaptations are legally required, this could sidestep the need for invasive mods that wreck a car’s resale value. In the U.S., it’d be a fantastic choice for owners who want something reliable without being stuck with a vehicle forever. Swap the yoke for a standard wheel at the dealer when it’s time to sell, tweak the software, and you’re good to go. I’d love to see Rivian consider this as it could make them a standout choice for drivers with disabilities while staying true to their innovative spirit.
