Right Leg Disabilities

Right Leg Disability – Rear Brake Control Options

When a disability affects the right leg, using the standard rear brake pedal may be difficult or unsafe. Most motorcycles use a right-foot-operated rear brake, so alternative control methods are often required.

Twin Lever Systems:

The most common solution is a twin lever unit mounted on the handlebars.

Twin lever systems contain two master cylinders in a single housing. Each lever operates independently:

• When mounted on the right handlebar:
  Right hand controls both front and rear brake independently.
• When mounted on the left handlebar:
  Left hand controls clutch and rear brake independently.

Two leading options:

• K-Lever2 twin lever unit
  https://www.kliktronic.co.uk/the-k-lever2-clutch-brake-system/
• PFM twin lever unit
  https://www.pfmbrakes.com/universal-twin-mastercylinder

Both:

• Designed specifically for disabled riders
• Suitable for cable and hydraulic systems
• Compatible with 7/8” and 1” handlebars
• Manufactured to high engineering standards

Thumb Brake:

• A hydraulic thumb-operated rear brake is another option. It is mounted on the handlebar and operated by pushing forward with the thumb.

  Options include handlebar-mounted and fork-mounted units.

  ⚠ Important:
  Many thumb brakes were originally designed for racing use and may not meet MOT standards for road use.

  Currently, Hel Performance is the only manufacturer to have confirmed their systems operate to MOT standard:

  • https://www.helperformance.com/hel-solid-billet-bar-mounted-adjustable-rear-thumb-brake

  • https://www.helperformance.com/hel-solid-billet-fork-mounted-adjustable-rear-thumb-brake

  Always confirm MOT compliance before purchase.

Footpegs:

If the disability affects sensory feedback or foot stability (e.g., below-knee amputation), replacing a standard footpeg with a footplate is strongly recommended.

Benefits:

• Larger surface area
• Improved stability
• Reduced risk of foot slipping

For additional stability, use a footplate with:

• Raised heel rim
• Or raised front rim (sport bikes)

⚠ Never secure a prosthetic leg to the motorcycle in a way that prevents natural separation in an accident.

Additional Concerns:

For information relating to Above Knee Amputations and/or other disabilities affecting the weight-bearing strength, range of function or ability to stabilise a stationary motorcycle safely, efficiently and comfortably, see the ‘Above Knee Amputees & Additional Concerns’ article.

Rick Hulse

NABD Chairman