How to Secure a Manual Wheelchair

The task of securing a manual wheelchair in a vehicle is important. In order for a manual wheelchair user to be transported from place to place, the chair needs to be secure in the vehicle. When securing a manual wheelchair, it is important to use the Wheelchair Tie-down Occupant Restraint System (WTORS). This system will secure the wheelchair while providing the occupant with a seat belt to protect not only the chair but his body.

Things You'll Need

• Wheelchair
• 4 tie-down straps
• Lap belt
• Shoulder belt

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Instructions

• 1

  Place the manual wheelchair in the vehicle facing forward. The wheelchair should be facing toward the windshield. Put the wheelchair in the upright position; it should not recline while secured in the vehicle. The vehicle you are using should be made for wheelchair use.

• 2

  Attach the tie-down straps to the manual wheelchair. The four tie-down straps should be mounted onto the floor of the vehicle. The straps should be tied tightly to the four anchors on the wheelchair. The anchors are hooks that are located behind the back wheels of the chair and above the front wheels of the chair.

• 3

  Snap in the lap belt and the shoulder belt over the occupant. The lap and shoulder belts should be attached to the four tie-down straps. The lap belt should be positioned across the front of the pelvis, near the upper thigh. The shoulder belt should be positioned across the middle of the shoulder and the center of the chest. The shoulder belt should attach to the lap belt.