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Hi

Some (if not most) of the new cars I've looked at have that foot-operated handbrake. I have a problem with my left leg that I can't use that kind of handbrake. Do you know anyone in Wellington (or NZ) who may be able to replace this handbrake with the pull-and-twist handbrake? Presumably it can't be replaced with the usual between the front seats handbrake?

cheers

It is possible to replace a foot-operated handbrake with a pull-and-twist (umbrella-style) handbrake, but it will depend on the model. In most cases the conversions will not require specialist certification.

Contact Wellington Disability Services in Lower Hutt before you buy the chosen car to discuss your options (ph. 586-0062, email wellington.disability@gmail.com).

However, it may be possible to find a car with a conventional handbrake, and it is becoming more common for new cars to be fitted with a simple push-button electric handbrake, so it may pay to check other models before committing to the extra cost of conversion.