A cigarette lighter adaptor for a portable electronic device is provided. The adaptor includes a handle and dongle coupled together by way of a mechanical stepper joint. The stepper joint includes a hinge that engages to resist angular forces applied to the handle relative to the dongle. In one preferred embodiment, the stepper joint includes a convex member with protruding members that act as gear teeth. The stepper joint has a corresponding concave member with détentes. When assembled, these features create the détente positions for the stepper joint. The détente positions are accomplished by allowing the dongle to translate along the axis of the adaptor away from the handle. The stepper joint is preferably held together with an elastic member wrapped about a pin within the stepper joint.