Driving with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD): Is it safe?

Last updated Oct. 23, 2025, by Lisa Marie Basile
Fact-checked by Patrícia Silva, PhD

Late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is a rare, inherited condition that leads to progressive muscle weakness and wasting, especially in the hips and shoulders (the limb-girdle area). These changes can affect daily activities, including driving.

If you’re living with LOPD or caring for someone who is, you may wonder whether it’s safe to get behind the wheel.

Because LOPD can affect both limb strength and the respiratory system, driving with LOPD can sometimes be difficult or even unsafe. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to give up driving altogether.

The impact varies from person to person, depending on symptoms, disease progression, and whether you use vehicle adaptations.

How LOPD can affect driving

A study of how LOPD affects quality of life revealed that driving is still possible, although driving habits might change. Some people said they still drive. Some said they stick to driving close distances or use motorized mobility devices. Others said driving longer distances can be painful.

Besides pain, LOPD can make driving challenging for a few other reasons:

• Limb weakness: This may make steering, braking, or operating controls more challenging.
• Fatigue: LOPD can make you feel easily fatigued.
• Medication side effects: Certain medications for LOPD may cause drowsiness or dizziness, which may impact your driving.
• Anxiety: If you’re anxious about driving, it may interfere with your focus on the road.

LOPD typically progresses more slowly, so you may be able to drive for longer. However, your individual symptoms play a key role. Ultimately, only you and your care team can decide what feels safe and comfortable.

Signs it might be time to reassess driving ability

There may come a point when driving starts to feel a little less safe. Or, it might just stress you out to get behind the wheel.

Because LOPD changes your muscle strength, breathing, and stamina, you might notice that certain driving behaviors are harder than they used to be.

Here are some warning signs to watch out for:

• You’re having slower reaction times.
• You’re having trouble holding the wheel or operating the pedals safely.
• You find yourself out of breath or needing respiratory support while driving.
• You’re getting more and more anxious on the road.
• You find yourself getting more and more fatigued on the road.

If you’re still wondering if you’re fit to drive, an occupational therapist — a healthcare provider who helps you improve your ability to perform important daily tasks — can also help by providing an occupational therapy driving assessment.

Tools and adaptations that can help

If driving has become harder for you, there may be ways to make it easier or safer.

Research suggests that assistive technology for drivers can help people with LOPD regain a sense of independence and that those who embraced mobility assistance had relatively stable emotional well-being scores.

Some adaptive driving tools to consider include:

• Steering aids: Adjust your grip or limit wheel turning to one arm only.
• Secondary control units: Turn on functions, like windshield wipers or turn signals, with a click of a button rather than reaching.
• Extenders: Bring your main controls closer to you.

Again, working with an occupational therapist can help you assess your fitness to drive and identify ways to make your vehicle more suited to your needs.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also offers tips on adapting or buying a car to accommodate your driving needs.

Alternatives if driving is no longer safe

If driving is no longer a safe option, there are still ways to stay mobile and independent. Depending on your needs and location, you might consider:

• Paratransit services: Many states and cities provide door-to-door transportation for people with disabilities.
• Rideshare or taxi services: Apps or local companies can help you get to appointments or social activities without driving yourself.
• Public transportation accessibility programs: Some regions offer discounted or accessible bus and train services.
• Medicaid transportation benefits: If you’re a Medicaid recipient, the program may cover rides to healthcare visits or treatments.
• Community or nonprofit programs: Local organizations sometimes provide volunteer drivers or shuttle services.

Exploring these alternatives can help you maintain independence and stay connected, even if driving is no longer an option.

Pompe Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.