Hardware for sim racers with disabilities

Hardware for sim racers with disabilities

Jan 21, 2021 2 Min Read Posted by OverTake Team
CSL ELITE STEERING WHEEL MCLAREN GT3 V2 Fanatec's McLaren GT3 wheel is the most prominent example of hand-control sim racing gear. The clues behind it are built-in throttle and brake pedals – or "paddles", as they are called when attached to the wheel. These allow people who cannot use their legs to control the car by using only their hands. The McLaren GT3 is a solid choice for around $200, but currently sold out in many regions and only up for pre-orders in the US. However, there are several alternatives that also come a bit cheaper. PODIUM ADVANCED PADDLE MODULE More flexible paddle options can simply be attached to an already existing wheel. The Advanced Paddle Module by Fanatec is screwed in place on the wheel itself and offers magnetic shifters and paddles alike. At roughly $180, it is at least slightly less expensive than the McLaren GT3 setup. Compatible wheels include several ClubSport models by Fanatec as well as the Podium Hub. CLUBSPORT STATIC SHIFTER PADDLES The Static Shifter Paddles follow a similar approach as the Advanced Paddle Module, except they are attached to the wheel base instead of the wheel itself. They are also primarily intended to be used for shifting, but can also be mapped with any other function while using moving shifter paddles at the same time. The static model is therefore a great hand-control alternative and at $100 available for half the price of the complete McLaren GT3 option. HAND CONTROLLER 3DRap's throttle and brake controller goes directly onto the hand of the racer. With the majority of it resting on the driver's knuckles, the accelerator and brake triggers are operated by the thumb – as demonstrated in 3DRap's video. The device uses a simple USB-connector to the player's system and comes at a fair price of around $75. DUAL RING SYSTEM A great source of tailored sim racing equipment is SimAbility – a private website operated by Glenn Sidman. Although currently at restricted availability, he offers a wide variety of innovative hand-control options compatible with popular steering wheels. One example is the Dual Ring System replacing throttle and brake pedals. You can find more information on its function in SimAbility's corresponding video. XBOX ADAPTIVE CONTROLLER Another approach at gaming for people with limited mobility is the Xbox Adaptive Controller. Its compatibility is limited to the Xbox and games for the console, but for those, the device is highly flexible: A number of additional joysticks or buttons can simply be attached via USB and operated with basically any part of the body, be it hand, foot or even the chin. Playable games also include casual racing titles such as Rocket League.

Get some inspiration for adaptive hardware options used by virtual racers with disabilities.

Photo credit: PARALIFE on YouTube

The world of virtual racing unites players through one quality alone: Their passion for sim racing. As such, it is wonderful to see sim racing becoming an increasingly diverse space over the last years. People with disabilites have long since established their place in real-life racing – thinking, for example, of Nathalie McGloin or Alex Zanardi. Impressively, all-disabled teams have now also entered the esports racing world: Line-ups like the ones of SimAbility or eTeam BRIT demonstrate real racing expertise.

While disabled members of the scene initially face different challenges from able-bodied racers, that does not stop them from exceeding in esports or engaging in their hobby. Supportive adaptions to the sim racing gear of a disabled person also don’t have to cost a fortune. Hand-control options for throttle and brake, for example, come in various forms and price classes. In case you want some inspiration, we collected our suggestions for you down below.

Most of these hand-control adaptive options are not custom-made and can be purchased on the official website of the respective manufacturer. For tailored gear such as the SimAbility ring option, there might currently be limited availability, even though the provider still takes e-mail requests.

Which hand-control option works best for you? Tell us on Twitter at @OverTake_gg or in the comments down below!

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