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Foot-Controlled Pickup Truck
Foot-Controlled Pickup Truck
Foot-Controlled Pickup Truck

Lomira, WI, farmer Joel Luedtke, with the help of Dynamic Mobilities (Madison, WI), has created a Foot-Controlled Pickup Truck that allows him to open and close the driver-side door, start and steer the truck, plus operate its in-cab accessories by foot—all without hindering others from using the vehicle. His automatic door opener consists of a Rycon motor mounted in front of the passenger seat and a rod running from it to the door. As the motor turns in one direction, the rod pushes the door open; as it turns in the other direction, the rod pulls the door shut. (The door is opened from the outside by a magnetic switch on the side of the truck that's activated by a wrist-worn magnet). Luedtke starts the truck with his right foot by flipping an ignition toggle switch then, with the same foot, stepping on a momentary push-button switch. His steering mechanism (Fig. 2) includes: (a) an aluminum disk with pivoting foot sleeve mounted on a rotating shaft protruding from a steel plate bolted to the floor, plus (b) sprockets mounted on both this shaft and the truck's steering shaft and connected by a loop of roller chain. As he rotates the disk with his foot, the truck's steering shaft also rotates, turning the truck. Lever extensions added to the heating, air-conditioning, and radio controls allow Luedtke to adjust them with his feet. To operate the directional signals and windshield wipers, he bumps with his shoulder spring-loaded pads that cover push-button switches mounted on the driver's side door. A large toggle switch mounted in front of the pads allows him to control the horn. Also, the CB radio has been equipped with enlarged toggle switches.

Estimated Cost Cost range: See below

Limitations Limitations Addressed by Product: Upper extremity, Lower extremity


SourceJoel Luedtke
340 Clover Lane
Lomira, WI, 53048
Phone920-269-4208

SourceDynamic Mobilities, Inc
Est. Cost$10,000
Last updated: Dec 29, 2023


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