Throttle Adaptation Kits

There are many adaptations available for people who have difficulty operating the standard right-hand-operated twistgrip throttle on a motorcycle, scooter or trike.

Clip-On Throttle Assist:

For riders with limited wrist mobility but functional fingers and thumb, a simple palm-operate throttle paddle, such as the ‘Oxford Cruise Throttle Assist’ can reduce fatigue in the wrist, hand and fingers.

This simple yet elegant adaptation clips onto the existing twist grip, allowing much of the throttle control to be done with the heel of the hand.

I have been using the Oxford Cruise Throttle Assist for a few years to alleviate problems caused Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and it has served me well.

Key Features

Reduces wrist and hand fatigue.
Assists throttle when cruising.
Tool free installation.
Universal design.
Fits 28mm & 32mm twistgrips.
Also available to fit 32mm-36mm twistgrips (OX609).
Inexpensive to buy (recommended retail price £7.99 in December 2025).
Widely available.

For further information: https://www.oxfordproducts.com/oxford-cruise-throttle-assist-m-ox608.html

Similar products are widely available, each very similar to the next.

Right-Hand Thumb-Operated Throttle:

If wrist movement is absent or finger function is insufficient for operating a twist grip throttle, but the thumb remains functional, a thumb-operated throttle may provide a simple solution.

Right hand thumb throttles are fitted as standard on many quadbikes, so they can generally be used as a straightforward replacement for the twistgrip throttle on most motorcycles, scooters or trikes with 7/8-inch handlebars.

Key Features

Requires no flexion in the wrist.
Easy operation.
Reduces wrist and hand fatigue.
Fairly simple installation.
Fits 7/8” (22mm) handlebars.
Widely available.

Example:

The Honda Fourtrax range of ATV Quadbikes are fitted with an efficient and robust thumb-operated throttle control.
For further information: https://atvcity.co.uk/product/honda-thumb-throttle-assembly/

Other brands are widely available.

Left-Hand Twistgrip Throttle:

Genuine left hand twistgrip throttles are as rare as honest politicians, and currently we are unaware of any suppliers who can source them.

However, it is often possible to convert an existing right-hand twistgrip to left hand use. Guidance on this type of adaptation is available in the ‘Right Arm Disabilities’ section of the NABD website: https://nabd.org.uk/adaptations/

Left-Hand Thumb-Operated Throttle:

There are several thumb throttles advertised online as being suitable for left-hand use, most of them are not.

The ‘Goldfinger’ left-hand thumb throttle manufactured by Full Throttle Inc. was originally designed for left hand use on snowmobiles, but it has proven useful on a range of motorcycles and trikes.

For more information: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/126764169134

Mechanical Cruise Control:

There are a huge number of mechanical gadgets available that will set a throttle in position, usually by compressing the twistgrip tube to stop it rotating, in appearance they range from quite neat, to slightly obtrusive to conspicuously hideous and there seem to be mixed reviews on each of them.

A simple Google search for “motorcycle cruise control” reveals an eclectic array of them for sale, most with scant information about who manufactures them, what testing they have been subjected to, or how safe they are.

Suffice to say, I will not be adding any of them to the adaptation information on the NABD website until such time as we have had an opportunity to properly research and road test them.

Electronic Cruise Control:

There are many types of motorcycle cruise control systems. The majority of them appear to be only available as a ‘factory fit’ optional accessory.

Rewaco Trikes have recently added a very high-tech cruise control system to their range of optional accessories but this also seems to be only available as a ‘factory fit’ accessory.

There are one or two ‘aftermarket’ cruise control systems available as kits but, as yet, we have had no experience of them.

If the opportunity presents itself for us to road test any of these systems, I will update this information.

Until then I can only remind you that the old adage “Buyer Beware” is always the best approach to take when considering such things. Do lots of research, search for testimonials and reviews, and, if possible, arrange a road test, before parting with your money.

If you have firsthand knowledge of any of these or other types of throttle adaptation that are being used successfully, please let us know.

NABD Membership & Assistance:

If you have questions relating to these or any other type of adaptation, contact the NABD (National Association for Bikers with a Disability) for advice and support.

Contact the NABD: office@thenabd.org.uk
NABD Membership: NABD membership is open to all, you don’t have to be disabled to join. If you are not already an NABD member, join today https://nabd.org.uk/join/ and become one of this great family!
Financial Support: Whatever your motorcycle, scooter, trike, combo or quadbike, adaptation needs, the NABD Adaptation Grants system may be able to offer some financial support if you need it. https://nabd.org.uk/grants/

When it comes to motorcycling, a disability need not be a handicap!

Rick Hulse
NABD Chairman