Quick Summary:
- Hand controls let drivers operate accelerator and brake using a hand lever.
- Hola Car Rentals does not supply hand controls due to safety rules.
- Choose automatic SUVs, minivans, or vans for easier access and space.
- Plan ahead for comfort, transfer needs, and pickup accessibility at MCO.
When researching car hire in Orlando, you may come across “hand controls” as an accessibility adaptation. These devices can make driving possible for some people who cannot use standard foot pedals, but they are not universally available through rental fleets. This guide explains what hand controls are, why Hola Car Rentals does not offer them, and which standard vehicle types can still work well for different mobility and comfort needs.
What are hand controls on a rental car?
Hand controls are mechanical devices fitted to a vehicle that allow the driver to operate the accelerator and brake using hand-operated levers rather than foot pedals. The most common setup uses a lever near the steering wheel, where pushing or pulling performs acceleration and braking (the exact movement can vary by design). Many drivers who use hand controls also use a steering aid, such as a spinner knob, to steer one-handed while the other hand operates the lever, although steering aids are a separate adaptation.
In a rental context, hand controls are typically temporary adaptations that must be installed correctly for a specific vehicle, then removed after the rental. Because the fitting position, compatibility, and driver preferences vary, it is not a simple “one size fits all” accessory.
Why Hola Car Rentals does not offer hand controls
Hola Car Rentals focuses on standard vehicle car hire in Orlando through major brands and established fleets. Hand controls are not offered for several practical reasons that relate to safety, compliance, and consistency across vehicles.
Safety and fitment risk. Hand controls must be installed securely and aligned correctly with the vehicle’s pedals and driving position. Even a small installation error can affect braking response, accelerator control, or driver ergonomics. Rental fleets rotate vehicles frequently, and a device that fits one model may not suit another without adjustments.
Liability and inspection requirements. Adapted driving equipment usually involves additional checks, documentation, and specialist installation. Many rental providers require certified installers and specific procedures, plus clear responsibility for maintenance and condition reports. These requirements can be difficult to guarantee across a broad, fast-moving rental inventory.
Operational consistency. At airport locations like Orlando International Airport, vehicle turnaround times are tight. Keeping a selection of compatible vehicles available, with the right equipment and time for fitting and removal, is not always feasible without dedicated adapted-vehicle operations.
For these reasons, Hola Car Rentals does not supply hand controls or other permanent driving adaptations. However, you can still choose vehicle types that may make transfers, seating comfort, and travel with mobility equipment easier.
What you can book instead for car hire in Orlando
If hand controls are essential, you may need a specialist adapted-vehicle provider. If you do not need hand controls specifically, or you can travel as a passenger while someone else drives, standard vehicles can be chosen with accessibility in mind. The right option depends on your priorities, such as step-in height, door opening, seat comfort, and luggage space for mobility aids.
Many travellers start by checking pickup and drop-off logistics at the airport. Hola Car Rentals provides options for collections around Orlando International Airport. You can review the airport-focused choices via car rental at Orlando MCO and compare similar availability through Orlando MCO car rental.
Option 1: Automatic SUV for comfortable access and visibility
An automatic SUV can be a practical choice for car hire in Orlando if you want a higher seating position for easier entry and exit compared with lower cars. Many SUVs also offer wide-opening doors, supportive seats, and good visibility, which can reduce fatigue on longer drives between theme parks, hotels, and day trips.
Things to consider with an SUV include seat height relative to your transfer technique, and whether the vehicle has a flat door sill or higher step-over. If you use a folding wheelchair, check boot space and whether the rear opening height suits lifting and stowing. For travellers staying near the parks, you can explore SUV-focused options via SUV hire near Disney Orlando MCO.
Option 2: Minivan for sliding doors and flexible seating
Minivans are often the easiest standard choice for families or groups travelling with mobility equipment. Sliding doors can provide a larger, less obstructed opening in tight car parks, and the cabin layout usually supports more flexible seating arrangements. This can help if a passenger needs extra room for transfers, or if you want to keep a mobility aid within easier reach.
Minivans also tend to have lower load floors compared with many SUVs, which can make lifting luggage or a folded chair less demanding. They can be particularly useful if you want space for multiple suitcases plus equipment without blocking rear visibility. See minivan-focused availability at minivan hire Orlando MCO.
Option 3: Passenger van for maximum space and group travel
If your priority is cabin space, a passenger van can offer the most room for people, luggage, and bulkier items. Vans may suit multi-generational trips where one traveller needs more room to settle, or where you have several bags, prams, and mobility aids to carry together. The higher roofline and larger door apertures can also make loading simpler.
However, vans can be taller and may have a higher step-in height. If step height is a concern, focus on door opening measurements and the practicality of entering from the kerb. Availability varies by season, so it helps to plan early. You can read about van availability through van rental Orlando MCO.
How to choose a standard vehicle when you expected hand controls
If you initially searched for hand controls, it often means you are thinking carefully about comfort, access, and safe driving. Even without adaptations, you can narrow options by focusing on a few practical checks.
1) Driver and passenger roles. Decide whether the person with mobility needs will be driving or travelling as a passenger. If a companion will drive, prioritise passenger entry, seat comfort, and room to store equipment.
2) Step-in and seat height. Lower cars can be easier for some transfers, while others prefer a higher seat to reduce knee bend. SUVs and vans tend to sit higher, minivans often strike a balance with easier cabin access.
3) Door access in car parks. Sliding doors on minivans can be a major benefit for transfers in busy areas. Standard hinged doors may require more clearance, which is not always available at attractions.
4) Space for mobility equipment. Think about how you will lift, fold, and stow a wheelchair or scooter components. Boot lip height, opening width, and whether the rear seats fold flat can matter more than overall boot litres.
5) Driving comfort in Orlando traffic. Orlando driving can involve multi-lane roads, junctions, and frequent merging near attractions. An automatic transmission is typical for US rentals and is generally simpler for stop-start traffic.
Planning tips for accessible pickup at Orlando International Airport
Most visitors begin their trip at MCO, so it is worth planning around arrival time, walking distances, and how you will handle luggage and equipment before reaching the car. If you are travelling with someone who can help, coordinate roles in advance, such as who handles paperwork, who collects bags, and who brings the car to the pickup area.
If you are comparing airport options, Hola Car Rentals also provides UK-focused landing information at car hire Orlando MCO.
What to expect when hand controls are not available
Not having hand controls available through standard car hire in Orlando does not mean you have no workable choices. It means your decision shifts from “adapted driving equipment” to “vehicle practicality”. Many travellers find that selecting the right body style makes a noticeable difference to comfort and ease, even without specialist modifications.
FAQ
What exactly do hand controls do in a car? Hand controls let a driver use a lever to operate the accelerator and brake without using foot pedals, supporting drivers with limited leg function.
Can I add my own hand controls to a rental car in Orlando? Policies vary by provider and vehicle, and installation must be safe and compatible. You should confirm rules, liability, and fitting requirements before relying on this option.
Why can’t standard rental fleets guarantee hand controls? Hand controls need correct installation, compatibility checks, and consistent inspection. With rotating fleets and fast turnaround, this is difficult to standardise safely.
Which standard vehicle is most practical if I have mobility equipment? Minivans often work well due to sliding doors and flexible space. SUVs can suit those who prefer a higher seat, and vans can suit larger groups with more equipment.
What should I prioritise for airport pickup at MCO? Allow extra time, plan who handles luggage and paperwork, and choose a vehicle type that suits your transfer and storage needs for a smoother start.
