A brake pedal apparatus for actuating a vehicle brake assembly includes a stationary structure, a brake pedal emulator assembly, and an emulator override device. The brake pedal emulator assembly includes a brake pedal operatively engaged to the stationary structure, and a brake pedal emulator operatively engaged between the stationary structure and the brake pedal along a centerline. The brake pedal emulator is configured to electrically operate the brake assembly. The emulator override device includes a mechanical linkage operatively engaged to the brake assembly, and a latch configured to selectively connect and disconnect the mechanical linkage from the brake pedal emulator assembly. The mechanical linkage is configured to mechanically operate the brake assembly via at least in-part movement of the brake pedal along the centerline.