Electric Handbrake
Electric Handbrake
It’s not uncommon for people to struggle to pull on a handbrake. This can be due to disabilities or weakness in the hands, arms, elbows, shoulder, etc. With an electric handbrake we remove the standard handbrake and replace it with a simple to use On and Off switch on the dashboard.
Many vehicle models can now be manufactured with an existing electric handbrake as standard from the factory. However for those that cannot do not have this feature available we are able to retro-fit our own Electric Handbrake solution to a number of vehicles.
An Electric Handbrake puts on and releases the handbrake using an electric motor. So, instead of the driver having to push in the button and then pull the lever up, all that’s required is a press of a switch. The switch can be located where the traditional hand brake was, or on the dashboard. We will always try to accommodate your requirements but there are limitations to where it can be located due to dashboard shape and access to the back of the switch. This can partly be assessed with photos or information about the vehicle before a vehicle arrives with us, so please get in touch to discuss.
To apply the handbrake, push and hold the side with the “P”, for 3 to 6 seconds.
To release the handbrake, push the opposite side to the “P” and this will latch. The handbrake typically releases quicker than it applies.
This adaptation is possible on the majority of vehicles but please contact us to discuss vehicle suitability.
Please note that since these images were taken and videos recorded, we have updated the switch to be all black in colour, rather than red and green. The operation of the switch stays the same.
How the Electric Handbrake Conversion Works
We start with a free assessment to confirm vehicle compatibility, your handbrake type, and any existing adaptations. Fitting typically takes one to two days at our Derbyshire workshop or via mobile fitting across the Midlands. The conversion is fully tested before handover and remains compatible with MOT requirements. The original handbrake stays in the vehicle (disabled) so the conversion is fully reversible if you change vehicle. DVLA notification may be required depending on the level of adaptation, we will advise.
Vehicles We Fit Electric Handbrakes To
We fit electric and electronic handbrake conversions to a wide range of vehicles, including Ford, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia and most popular Motability scheme cars. Each conversion is matched to your specific make, model and year. We carry out a free vehicle compatibility check before fitting to confirm the conversion works with your handbrake type, electrical system and any existing adaptations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers to the questions we most regularly get asked. See our FAQs page for more or contact our team for anything more specific.
Yes, you can. Our Electric Handbrake solution or our Easy Release Handbrake can help if you have difficulty operating the original handbrake in your vehicle.
Prices for our Electric Handbrake can vary depending on vehicle make/model. Through the Motability Scheme adaptations are also subsidised. To quickly get an accurate price please contact us on 01332 863742.
The easiest way to find out is to simply contact us and ask. Our staff are familiar with these adaptations and can usually give you an answer straight away.
The Motability Scheme provides an affordable, worry-free way for people with disabilities to lease a car, scooter or powered wheelchair in exchange for their mobility allowance. Des Gosling Mobility are proud to be a Motability Accredited Company which means we are fully licensed to fit vehicles with all manner of adaptations. The Scheme is operated by Motability Operations Ltd, under contract to Motability, a registered Charity.
An electric handbrake conversion replaces a vehicle's standard manual lever or pedal handbrake with a discreet dashboard switch. The original handbrake is disabled and a fitted module engages and releases the parking brake at the press of a button. The conversion is fully reversible and integrates with the vehicle's existing electrical system without affecting other safety features. We supply and fit electric and electronic handbrake conversions across most popular Motability scheme cars and standard vehicles.
Electric handbrake conversions suit drivers with arthritis, limited grip strength, recovery from upper body injury or surgery, hemiplegia, amputation, or any condition that makes operating a manual handbrake uncomfortable or unsafe. They are also commonly fitted alongside hand controls so the parking brake can be operated from the same control area as the accelerator and brake. Drivers using one handed driving setups particularly benefit from the dashboard switch position.
