Drive-by-wire steering systems having a steering wheel return mechanism

A drive-by wire steering system (10) comprising a steering shaft (16) and a steering wheel return mechanism (59) is provided. The steeling shaft comprises a first geared portion (52) and a first end, where the first end is connectable to a vehicle's steering wheel (14). The steering wheel return mechanism comprises a torsion spring (130) and a second geared portion (68). The first geared portion and the second geared portion are operatively engaged such that a first angular displacement of the steering shaft about a first axis (82) imparts a second angular displacement about a second axis (84) to the steering wheel return mechanism. The torsion spring is configured to generate a returning torque on the steering wheel return mechanism upon the second angular displacement of the steering wheel return mechanism. The returning torque has a direction opposite the first angular displacement, and is proportional to the second angular displacement.