How to Secure a Wheelchair

Securing of a wheelchair and occupant is necessary when traveling. Ideally, wheelchair users should transfer to a vehicle seat and use a seat-belt system. This may not be feasible in some circumstances, such as on a bus. When riding in motor vehicles, the proper equipment is essential for safety, according to the Travel Safer website. The website recommends WC19 or transit wheelchairs as being specifically designed to be used as seats in motor vehicles and having labeled anchor points on the chair for attachment in a motor vehicle. Other wheelchairs, such as motorized wheelchairs, can be mounted in a vehicle with proper installation.

Instructions

WC19 Wheelchairs

• 1

  Place the rider facing towards the front of the vehicle, as indicated by the Travel Safer website. Take the straps from a wheelchair tie-down restraint system and secure the straps to the anchor points on the wheelchair. Attach the straps to the mountings on the floor of the vehicle.

• 2

  Tighten the straps until the slack is gone. Protect the rider with a lap and shoulder belt. The lap and shoulder belts are part of a transit wheelchair. Lap and shoulder belts also are located on wheelchair tie-down systems.

• 3

  Secure a lap belt directly over the rider's thighs. The shoulder belt should cross over the middle of the rider's shoulder and be secured to the lap belt.

• 4

  Extend headrest component of your rider's wheelchair. This will protect the neck and head from injury in case of an accident.

Other Wheelchairs

• 5

  Ensure that your rider is facing forward in the vehicle. Lock the wheels in place. Turn the power off if the wheelchair is motorized.

• 6

  Secure tie-down straps on welded areas or where the wheelchair is bolted together. Avoid tethering the tie-down straps to removable parts of a wheelchair, such as armrests. Pull the straps until snug.

• 7

  Place the lap and shoulder belt across the rider. In some wheelchairs, you may need to maneuver the lap belt between the armrest and seat to avoid putting the lap belt over the armrest.