I am looking for a replacement for my car due to a recent disability that made it difficult to use my right leg.
i currently have an electric bike, and that has worked wonders in being able to get around, but i can only go ~7-10 miles away from my house - in the suburban sprawl of southern california, this isnt even enough to go to my closest friend’s house.
i feel unsafe driving (trouble pressing the brake hard enough if needed beyond one-pedal driving), and i am looking for a vehicle that
- doesnt require the use of my foot/feet (big problem in my toes, so no toe shifting)
- can carry my wife, groceries, and/or both
- has a range of at least 100 miles
- can be ridden on the freeway
- (not required, but would prefer) electric motor instead of gas-powered
i had the idea of an electric motorcycle with a variable transmission and sidecar, but i have been unable to find anything like that on the market. i dont really know anything about motorcycles - i have never driven one but i am willing to learn.
i understand my needs are a bit odd, but i was wondering if anyone had some insight or any recommendations i may not have thought of to get around.
thank you!
I support your goal of finding a not-car for you needs, and the other commenter discussed more about the electric motorcycle + sidecar idea.
That said, regarding operating a car without foot controls, my understanding is that there are add-ons which convert the typical foot controls (accelerator and brake) into hand levers. A random example. These range from mechanical linkages to the existing pedals, but could also be more complex or bespoke for a given car. That said, I have to imagine there’s a learning curve to using these controls, so it wouldn’t be dissimilar to learning how to ride a motorcycle.
I’m very pro-micromobility but also recognize that when nothing else in the toolbox fulfills the need, then it’s alright to use a car. I just wanted to make sure that option wasn’t overlooked.