What You Should Know About Wheelchair "Swing-Away" Joystick Mounts

What You Should Know About Wheelchair “Swing-Away” Joystick Mounts

A mounting arm for the joystick with an articulating (hinged) joint that makes it possible to swing the control away and back. Most models have a tension mechanism for locking the arm into the forward position. These items can be obtained from the wheelchair manufacturer or a number of aftermarket sources. Depending on the source, there are slight differences in design. These devices are primarily used to allow powered-wheelchair users to get closer to and under tables, desks, workstations, etc.

Because of the great flexibility in aftermarket products, “joy-sticks” can be mounted just about anywhere desired on a wheelchair. There are two types of mounts – bolted-on (permanent and usually slimmer) and quick-release (requiring a release-device or lever including suction-cups).

The most complex part in configuring a custom, joystick controller can be in determining and implementing the mounting. The layout of the buttons, comfortable placement of the hands and obstructions determine the dimensions of the control panel and the placement of the controller box. Because the mounting depth is determined by the length of the joystick's shaft, different models of joysticks have different distances between the top of the mounting-plate and the bottom of the ball-top meaning some joysticks should be installed much closer to the surface.

The main goals are to place the joystick at a height suited to the “play-style” of the user and to have the joystick-body hidden securely under a smooth surface. Many users like to rest the side of their palm on the panel while using the joystick at a specific, relative height. If you feel like you need a more detailed analysis of the “mounting-depth”, you should get a feel of the actual joy-stick, itself, to determine how deep it should be placed.

In the United States, there are at least five after-market manufacturers of joystick-mounts ranging in price from $ 20.00 to $ 300.00, custom-mounted.

PROS

• Makes it possible to move the joystick “out-of-the-way” to get closer to tables, desks, and workstations and under counters.

• Increases functionality, comfort and independence.

CONS

• The position locking mechanism or the moving parts may loosen after some time, making the joystick-box “wobbly” and difficult to lock and/or hold in place, on rare occasions.

• User may not be able to manage the device, independently.

• This device is, often, an optional upgrade to the wheelchair and will add extra expense.

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