Driving With Hand Controls - On The Road | Quadriplegic (C5,C6,C7)

You might be wondering how people that are paralyzed drive vehicles. In this video, I drive using hand controls from my power wheelchair as a quadriplegic! How do you drive a vehicle?
The Process of Driving Again (VIDEO) - • The Process of Driving...
My Driving Setup (VIDEO) - • My Driving Setup - How...
Wheelchair Accessible Van (VIDEO)- • Toyota Sienna Van with...
📽️ How I Became Paralyzed (VIDEO) - • How I Became Paralyzed...
♿ Products That Make Living With a Spinal Cord Injury Easier - amazon.com/shop/masonellis/li...
📚 Books to Read After Spinal Cord Injury - amazon.com/shop/masonellis/li...
💵 SAVE MONEY
Active Hands 10% OFF CODE: AHME10 - activehands.com
Handi Accessories 10% OFF CODE: MASON10 - handiaccessories.com
Quadtools 10% OFF CODE: MASON - quadtools.com
SUPPORT THE CHANNEL
👍 Like!
💬 Comment!
📢 Share!
🔔 Subscribe! - www.youtube.com/@masonx54?sub...
🫴 Donate! - bit.ly/MasonEllisDonate
🍿 MY POPULAR VIDEO PLAYLISTS
All Video Playlists - www.youtube.com/@masonx54/pla...
Advice & Motivation - • Advice & Motivation
Exercises for Wheelchair Users - • Exercises for Wheelcha...
How To's - • How To's
Living Able-bodied Podcast - • Living Able-bodied Pod...
Live Streams - • Live Streams
Product Reviews - • Product Reviews
Spinal Cord Injury Information - • Spinal Cord Injury Inf...
Tips & Tricks - • Tips & Tricks
CONNECT WITH ME
✉️ Email - [e-mail]
🗣️ Facebook - / masonellis011915
📷 Instagram - / masonx54
👻 Snapchat - / masonx54
🧵 Threads - threads.net/@masonx54
🐦 X - / masonx54
📺 KZbin - / @masonx54
🌐 Living Able-bodied (My Website) - livingablebodied.com
📨 My Newsletter - newsletter.livingablebodied.com/
👕 Shop Apparel - livingablebodied.myspreadshop...
💯 Recommended Resources - livingablebodied.com/recommen...
ABOUT
Mason Ellis is a quadriplegic dedicated to mentoring people who have spinal cord injuries, helping people who have disabilities live life just like they would've able-bodied, and inspiring people who are able-bodied. Subscribe if you are interested in becoming more independent or what it's like to live life with a spinal cord injury!
#SpinalCordInjury #Quadriplegic #MasonEllis
*Disclaimer: Mason Ellis is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to www.amazon.com.
Disclaimers: All opinions are my own. Sponsors are acknowledged. Not medical advice, for educational and entertainment purposes only. Does not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information given.

[@masonx54]

How do you drive a vehicle? My Driving Setup (VIDEO) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSbkJKmrtFoo8k Wheelchair Accessible Van (VIDEO)- kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYHEgWefl5WAsJY

[@jasminejohnson5704]

Mason, I'm glad to see you get around in your van. My brother has lost his ability to drive due to M.S. I hope that one day he can regain his independence.

[@masonx54]

Thanks for watching! I hope that he will regain his independence as well!

[@derekaldrich4887]

@@masonx54 I hope you have a great weekend

[@kennyjohnson8479]

hey, bud like your video I am C5/6 I finished my driving test now in the process of getting a new chair and van. How long did it take you to adjust and feel completely relaxed driving alone?

[@masonx54]

Awesome! Not too long. But, I drove a UTV with hand controls for three years before I got hand controls installed in my van. I'd say within one week. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@derekaldrich4887]

You are a good driver

[@karmalilola]

This is completely awesome I hope to get a similar setup one day just like you have thank you for doing all the hard work and sharing it here continue to shine Mr Mason

[@masonx54]

I hope you get to drive as well! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@RejuvAesthetix]

Thank you for your content!!! You are truly inspiring!! Keep it up!

[@masonx54]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@raadraad660]

Dude that van looks awesome and I like the rims on it also 😍😍

[@dandaddavich4638]

Good to see you driving its so wonderful, keep up the position attitude.

[@masonx54]

Thank you for watching!

[@EcomJ]

Dude this video is so inspiring I can't wait to get back on the road!

[@masonx54]

Awesome! It's a great feeling!

[@carolinewang5935]

This is so cool!!! Thank you for making this video!!

[@masonx54]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@rickyslifeonwheels]

That’s awesome bro I’m hoping one day to drive my own car I had my van but just recently lost it which is a bummer but I know one day I’ll get another vehicle learn to drive💪🏼

[@autismstrong9069]

You so self sufficient amazing 💙💙💙

[@zackcollie3364]

Awesome video man! Really enjoyed watching you drive and checking out your set up. So grateful for technology that allows us quads to drive. I did have one question. What is a Dilly Bar? Haha

[@masonx54]

Thanks! I appreciate you watching the video and commenting! I'm thankful that I have the ability to drive. A Dilly Bar is white ice cream dipped in chocolate with a wooden popsicle stick stuck in it. Haha

[@zackcollie3364]

Got it! Thanks. Sounds delicious!

[@justinbingham6898]

You 2 kids are funny🤣dilly bars are😋the buster bar is a good 1 also. Expensive tho😉

[@arshiyasidiqaa]

Great video Mason Ellis

[@masonx54]

Thanks for watching!

[@sherylstrack2093]

This is so awesome, that it's set specific to your needs. Now I want some Dilly bars too.

[@masonx54]

It is awesome, and I'm thankful to have it! You better go get some Dilly Bars! Haha Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@horsewnoname872]

Excellent demonstration on Driving! You handled the drive-up window like a seasoned Pro. It takes 'guts' to deal with all there is to being independent, behind the wheel, too. Can't do better than Superior! DQ - B.B. or Trafalg...?

[@HighTen_Melanie]

Hi Mason, that’s an awesome car! I’m waiting on my second drive from wheelchair van which will be ready in a few weeks. Wishing you safe and happy driving. God bless x

[@masonx54]

I like mine! Awesome! What kind are you getting?

[@HighTen_Melanie]

Mason Ellis It’s a VW Transporter Shuttle. It’s right hand drive as I’m in the UK. Here is a link for the conversion company with the same conversion: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXPPpH6Qap2MZ7M

[@sheliamcbride430]

I think all your videos are great!

[@masonx54]

Thank you very much!

[@josephmirigliano8728]

Awesome video love it

[@masonx54]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@bretmartinez8212]

I'm new to the channel, wow this was a great video I really enjoyed it

[@masonx54]

Awesome, welcome to the channel! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@Layingflat]

Good video. I have bad ptsd after my motorcycle accident and never want to drive again. But I felt safe with you behind the wheel, your a good driver ❤

[@masonx54]

I experienced PTSD after returning home from the hospital, and it's not good. I encourage you to start driving again. Maybe not a motorcycle, but a regular vehicle. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@disfarm2216]

Awesome van, man. I have a Permobil C300 wheelchair too. I cut off the fenders and replaced the stock tires with 3.50-8 Shinko 421 Mini Trail Tire. Looks more aggressive and it'll go anywhere.

[@masonx54]

Thanks! My Permobil C300 is my favorite wheelchair that I have used. Wow, that's awesome! I would love to see it! Can you send a picture of it to me on social media? My social media accounts are in the description of my videos.

[@roberthickey71471]

I am a 51 yr old, para T5-T7. I was injured in "87. I guess that would be 36 years ago. I drive a minivan I picked up last April. My primary vehicle is a 06 Toyota Corolla . I use a hand control like you. I am having a welder friend of mine put a plate in the floor of my van so I can lock into place, not having to transfer from my wheelchair. I'm excited!! Lol. I love dilly bars.

[@masonx54]

Awesome! Yeah, not having to transfer is great! It's so much quicker, easier, and not as taxing on the shoulders. Goodluck! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@jenniferbodnar]

Just amazing good for you.

[@masonx54]

It is pretty cool! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@Aussie-quad]

That’s awesome mate

[@masonx54]

Thanks man!

[@neallianolewis3371]

I’m a c5 c6 I’m definitely about to start driving 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@masonx54]

Awesome! It's a feeling of freedom that I missed. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@patmygroin]

Dude, I love this video! I’m a c-5/c-6 incomplete for 5 years now. I haven’t gotten to the point of driving yet but can’t wait ❤️❤️♿️💪🏻

[@masonx54]

Awesome! It's definitely possible and feels like freedom! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@patmygroin]

@@masonx54 damn dude and you replied quick👍🏻 you just earned a sub brother

[@masonx54]

Awesome! Thank you very much! I always reply to my comments!

[@curtiswilliamsjr.m.div.9600]

I drive using EMC Joystick steering and braking and digitone for other functions

[@masonx54]

I appreciate you sharing how you drive. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@katrienremory5721]

You give good explanations. I was thinking how is that possible, two hands and so many things to do. It is possible 👍.

[@masonx54]

Wow, thank you very much! So true! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@manishtest]

Awesome tech.. sadly in India where I live we just have hand controls..transferring to driving seat need to take help..will post u my customization ..

[@jamesfrench7299]

What a nice V6 engine bark. It's moving to see someone otherwise physically very disadvantaged able to be like everyone else on the road.

[@masonx54]

I feel that way every time I drive. It's like I am on an equal playing field with everyone else. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@brittanymcclain]

You are freaking amazing! I've been watching quite a few of your videos just loving all the cool ideas your giving me! What is your video setup and software that you use? I was just BLESSED EXTREMELY with a 2014 Toyota Sienna by a person I had never met before and set a goal to be driving within the next year!! I have to start working on building my wrist & arm strength again (especially my left as it's more compromised) before I pay for my driver's test to get a quote for the driving equipment yada yada but your videos have been so helpful.. actually waiting on my therapy puddy from Amazon now! 😁 I'm going to continue to watch your videos to eventually find out I'm sure, but what's your level and how long have you been injured for? It like your arm movement seems a bit better than mine and that matters of course when it comes to equipment pricing... I am a C3-C5 incomplete.. how much did you end up paying for your adaptive equipment control system if you don't mind me asking...? Do you or anyone reading have any tips\ resources on how to get funding as well?

[@masonx54]

Wow, thank you for watching my videos! I'm glad that I am able to help! I use a Logitech C920 webcam to record videos at my desk and my Google Pixel 3 phone for recording videos away from my desk. I use Sony Vegas software to edit my videos. Wow, that is awesome! I was blessed with a hospital bed and alternating air mattress that I was able to get for cheap within a year after my accident and it has been great! That's a good goal to have! I will warn you that the process of getting hand controls, etc. does take a while but it's worth it! My right arm is more compromised but I am still able to turn the steering wheel with it, which has strengthened since driving. Are there any videos on topics that you wish I would make that I don't have? Awesome, the therapy putty really helped me my first couple of years after my injury. I broke vertebrae C5, C6, and C7 and was diagnosed as a complete C5 quadriplegic [How I Became A Quadriplegic (VIDEO) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2mbknaAg9mEesU]. However, I believe I have gained strength and function since and am more like a complete C7 quadriplegic now. I have been injured since January 19, 2015. Yes, but luckily you should be able to get funding to help pay for it! My family bought the van which already had the ramp and lowered floor. Then Vocational Rehab helped pay for the hand controls and driver's training. I don't know how much it cost because Vocational Rehab paid for everything so definitely look into that! Each state has it's own Vocational Rehab.

[@brittanymcclain]

@@masonx54 I've had people from all over add me on Facebook just from my few small corny videos trying to help others and would love to add you too if thats okay? I was injured right after you on Feb 27th, 2015!! Also considered a C5 but incomplete as I can still feel some below my chest line for example my right leg I can feel a lot especially that fire hot nerve pain that I pray you don't have to deal with but on the leg almost nothing, same with left hand 🤷🏼‍♀️ The body & brain are a miraculous set of tools that's for sure! I would love to keep up with you as we grow through our similar journeys that start at almost the exact same time! 💞🙏♿⚕️✝️👏👏👏👏 I have learned through all this especially my spinal cord injury group that we are each other's medicine! The group is called the Here & Now Project! We are starting to have out of state impacts. I have good friends was worse off than us that work for Apple helping to create assistive technology for those worldwide! Others who run strong advacy groups\campaigns making businesses have safe handicap entrys and having all state trails + travel the same. It's pretty awesome!

[@masonx54]

Yeah, that's awesome that your videos are helping others! Oh wow, just a little over a month after I got injured! I had that nerve pain really bad within the first year and started taking Gabapentin medication for it but the medication messed with my mind so I stopped taking it. Yes they are! Me too! Yeah, interacting with others that are in a similar situation as us is very helpful! That's awesome!

[@russy59ry]

Great video

[@masonx54]

Thanks for watching!

[@russy59ry]

You should try to do a outdoors video like nature themed and show how you navigate outdoors

[@masonx54]

Thanks for the video idea! I want to make a video showing how I hunt. I'll put your video idea on my list!

[@abu-rasul820]

Красавчик 👍👍👍 я тоже жду такую машину, на днях думаю приедет))

[@masonx54]

Awesome, thank you for watching and commenting!

[@abu-rasul820]

@@masonx54 And thank you for the video, yesterday I watched a lot of your videos, you are doing a good job👍👍👍🙋‍♂️

[@masonx54]

I appreciate it!

[@abu-rasul820]

@@masonx54 hold on bro, I'm also in the same condition as you, collar. you're good, keep it up 👍🤝 

[@stermichael4874]

Awesome video! Would like to see you make one driving your side by side

[@masonx54]

Thanks for watching! I have been meaning to make a video of me driving my side-by-side for a few years. I'll get to it eventually!

[@demdagwz]

Hi Mason, did you need to adapt the gear shifter? I'm looking to adapt my automatic one for a more accessible one but it is so difficult to find one :/

[@masonx54]

No, I didn't need to adapt the gear shifter. I'm assuming your gear shifter has a button that you have to press for it to move? Mine doesn't have a button. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@phoebegidayawan3413]

Hi Mason! all your videos are amazing!.Keep on encouraging other people.You're such an inspiring tho.Im a Caregiver of SCI patient.He was injured last 2015.And I didnt see much of progress in his case as yours.But im trying to help him as much as i can.Not that easy I knw.Did u went to this acupuncture thing as well?Could u pls give me some advise how to improve his condition.Any replies is very much apreciated.Thanks.Have a blessed day a head.

[@masonx54]

Thank you! I've never done acupuncture. What part are you wanting to improve?

[@phoebegidayawan3413]

@@masonx54 Like how you strengthen upper part of your body.Coz i noticed u can do so many things on ur own in your basic daily routine.While him is none even one.Feel so sorry to him.Till now he cant raise up his arms like in forward position as he will fall.Seems like he cant do balancing.Thank you so much to you.God bless.

[@masonx54]

Here is my video playlist for exercises: kzbin.info/aero/PLZHiEN9jrDvO8pijY_RH57E_plZzcQAU7

[@phoebegidayawan3413]

@@masonx54 thank you so much Mason.Really mean alot to me.Keep on inspiring people.Youre so amazing.God bless u more.🙏🙏

[@soplas0104]

Very nice. I have a mv1. With eletric ramp but. I cant drive it i need hand controls

[@masonx54]

Thanks for watching! That's good that you have a vehicle! Have you checked with Vocational Rehab to see about getting hand controls?

[@brandonhiggs975]

What’s the name of that torso strap ? Thanks for the video

[@masonx54]

I'm not sure but it says Permobil on the strap. Thanks for watching!

[@lonnierobinson5401]

It's looks easy can anybody drive with had controls I driving next year what kind of things do they test you on can you tell me

[@masonx54]

This video is what you're looking for: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXOyh2yupZafd5I Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@floridamargie]

nice video..just cant see much of how you use hand control for gas/brake as its off in the dark corner

[@masonx54]

Here's a video that shows how it works: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSbkJKmrtFoo8k

[@morgancalvi6675]

I forgot to ask..can you feel in your hands? Besides my broken neck, I have pinched nerves (C5/C6) which make my hands numb...so unless I see what I'm grabbing or holding, it falls. But can you feel the seatbelts and where they are?

[@masonx54]

I can feel my thumbs and index fingers but the rest of my hands are numb. I can feel from my armpits up as far as seatbelts go.

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@masonx54 oh, ok...

[@danielrusin1944]

Do you have to take a drivers test through the DMV

[@masonx54]

I didn't have to take a paper test or a driving test through the DMV. I took a driving tests through Easterseals. Here's my video explaining the process of being able to drive: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXOyh2yupZafd5I

[@katie_louise24]

How do u stop all ur muscles from atrophy I struggle with that being paraplegic complete

[@masonx54]

Atrophy is basically a guarantee, but there are some things that can be done to minimize it such as not minimizing spasms as much so the muscles are used, stretching, and standing. I've noticed paraplegics often have more atrophy than quadriplegics for some reason. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@gpeace1474]

Hie do you do anything to keep up with your thigh muscle ??

[@masonx54]

I stretch my legs every morning in bed and get in my standing frame everyday. Here's a video of me using my standing frame: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqrPqp-jZbafkK8

[@garyclarkiii730]

This is incredible to watch, so you can’t articulate your hands at all? I’m a nursing student and have been fascinated watching how quadriplegics adapt to activities of daily living. You oughta get a sim wheel setup with hand controls so you can play racing games and what not

[@masonx54]

Here is a video showing the use of my hands: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYPKea1torOKiNE Yeah, a driving simulator would be cool! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@user-lu9ng7xi5g]

I can’t find link for wheelstering spinner ♿️♿️ for a Quadriplegia

[@masonx54]

It's a Tri-Pin Spinner Knob. Here's one I found online but their are others at different prices: www.indemedical.com/Sure-Grip-Tri-Pin-Spinner-Knob_p_762.html

[@dustygoodson6447]

what brand tri-pin you have one i have it thicker harder get hand in

[@masonx54]

I'm not sure but I will check to see if it has a brand name on it.

[@masonx54]

I just checked and there is not a brand name on it.

[@lonnierobinson5401]

Did you have to get a driver evaluation done

[@masonx54]

Yes, here is a video explaining the process: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXOyh2yupZafd5I Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@danielrusin1944]

Hi mason. I hope your doing well

[@masonx54]

Hey, I'm doing well. I just finished my summer semester class.

[@danielrusin1944]

Mason Ellis that’s awesome. Are you still working remotely. I am assuming your high risk

[@masonx54]

Yes I am.

[@Bigday1111]

Frick! Now I’m craving a DillyBar! 🤣🤤

[@masonx54]

Haha They were good!

[@danielrusin1944]

How are you handling being quarantined. It seems like life is being put on hold. Plus permanent changes in how we live is Coming

[@masonx54]

It's getting old fast, especially since the weather is getting nice and we have to stay at home. Yeah, it's crazy how everything is being put on hold. It reminds me of how life was the first year after I became paralyzed, which felt like my world stopped and everybody elses just kept going! But this time, everyone's lives are on hold. What permanent changes are you talking about?

[@danielrusin1944]

Mason Ellis changes I’m talking about. More people will work from home. Schools might consider having more students do online learning. I won’t be looking at a fresh produce case the same again after the women coughed violently all over the produced causing $35’000 to be thrown out

[@danielrusin1944]

She did it intensionally. Yelling to everyone. “I have the virus now all of you are going to get sick”. She was charged with multiple felony’s

[@masonx54]

Yeah, I think businesses will look into allowing people to work from home as well.

[@chavale2]

Your car would have cost a fortune? 100K plus Mason? Your family rich to afford or Gov loaned program? Would it be more practical and safer to have on time Driver to take you on shopping? It BJ here Mason: on cost/Benefit Analysis as I heard you complain about the cost of your tucker hahahhh?

[@masonx54]

I'm not sure how much it cost, but it was almost half of that. Vocational Rehabilitation will pay for modifications to a vehicle. No, I need to be independent and not rely on someone to take me places. What do you mean by "tucker"?

[@chavale2]

tucker Aussie slang Foods for the Aboriginals like worms, snakes, rabbits, lizzards etc in the woods BJCASHMAKER@30000permonth @@masonx54

[@LotusHeightz]

A quadriplegic shouldn't be able to grasp things lmao either your 🧢 or u got some different type of paralysis

[@masonx54]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYPKea1torOKiNE