Tesla Cybercab doesn’t have any manual controls — but it does have a virtual joystick

<figure> <img alt="Tesla Cybercabs" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="AFP via Getty Images" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/gettyimages-2292810033.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Tesla Cybercab is <a href="https://www.theverge.com/transportation/990130/tesla-cybercab-nhtsa-investigation-fmvss-certify">notable for what it lacks</a>, namely a steering wheel and pedal. By design, there is no way for this vehicle to be manually controlled - or so we thought. Less than a week after the Cybercab was <a href="https://www.theverge.com/transportation/989501/tesla-cybercab-launch-robotaxi-austin-musk">officially launched in Austin, Texas</a>, some riders have discovered the Cybercab's secret manual controls that appears to be intended only for Tesla employees. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In at least two videos posted on X, Cybercab riders are encountering a virtual joystick that appears intended to control the vehicle's movements. A square-shaped screen appears in the lower left corner of the central display, with a toggle in the middle for manual driving. I …</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/transportation/991400/tesla-cybercab-virtual-joystick-manual-control">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>