At In Motion Mobility, safety and innovation go hand-in-hand.
We’re excited to introduce a new feature in our VICKi system that goes beyond compliance with FMVSS 114 standards—helping ensure adaptive drivers have full control of their vehicle before shifting out of park.
Why This Matters
In 2010, FMVSS 114 regulations were updated to require the brake pedal to be pressed before a vehicle can shift out of park. While this was a major leap in safety, it doesn’t fully account for the realities of adaptive vehicles.
In vehicles where brake and accelerator controls are relocated to hand controls or fitted with heavy adaptive hardware, the standard can fall short.
“The shifter is a safety-critical component in any vehicle—but especially for drivers with disabilities, who may not be able to react quickly to unexpected situations,” says Edwin Medina, founder of In Motion Mobility. “This safety check makes sure the driver is actually in control before the vehicle moves.”
What the Feature Does
Before VICKi allows the vehicle to shift out of park, it performs an operational integrity check. Here’s how it works:
- The driver is prompted to press and release each pedal one at a time
- VICKi confirms the pedals are functioning correctly
- It verifies that sufficient force is applied to confirm control
If something seems off, VICKi immediately alerts the driver and recommends professional service. In urgent situations, a built-in emergency override is available, but only after a warning is acknowledged and the event is recorded.
Common Risks This Feature Helps Prevent
- Shifting before the driver has proper control of the brakes
- Driving off without booting up the system
- Pedal obstructions triggering limp mode
- Malfunctioning or misaligned adaptive equipment
“This isn’t just about checking a box for compliance,” adds Medina. “It’s about giving drivers and dealers real confidence in how the driving system performs under real-world conditions.”
Our Commitment to the Community
As an active contributor to the adaptive mobility community and a long-time supporter of NMEDA’s safety-first mission, In Motion Mobility continues to develop solutions that prioritize safety, reliability, and driver confidence.