Wheelchair Securement

A wheelchair's brakes are never enough for a wheelchair user to be safely secured while driving or being transported in a vehicle. For either the driver or passenger position, there are two types of systems to safely transport a wheelchair and its occupant: manual and electric restraints.

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Q'straint 4-point tiedownWheelchair Tie Downs
The most common manual wheelchair tie-down is the four-point system, consisting of four straps that attach to the wheelchair and the van floor. A ratchet mechanism is included to tighten the straps. This system, when properly used, will safely secure almost any wheelchair. Because it is not practical for the wheelchair occupant to operate this tie-down independently, it is used only for wheelchair users in an attendant situation. When using this system, it is very important to ensure the tie-downs are not connected to any movable part of a wheelchair. Q'straint makes the QRT MAX, which is the first securement system that can self-lock and self-tension itself automatically. It is designed with a low profile to allow most wheelchairs to move into place without obstruction and can be operated with one hand.
 
 

Q'lock electric securement

Electric Wheelchair Restraints
The electric restraint system contains an anchored device mounted on the floor of the vehicle and its connecting part mounted to the bottom of the wheelchair. The wheelchair occupant guides the two pieces together, and when they are properly locked, an audible click is heard. Some electric models also contain an alarm system that will have a buzzer or light to indicate the system is not properly locked in place. No matter the system used to secure a wheelchair and its occupant for travel in vehicle, the wheelchair occupant must always wear a vehicle seat belt and/or shoulder harness to properly secure the wheelchair occupant to the wheelchair, which is in turn securely mounted to the vehicle floor. EZ Lock and Q'straint are the industry leaders in electric wheelchair securement systems.
Three- and four-wheel scooters and some wheelchairs cannot be secured properly for safe use as a seat in a vehicle but can be restrained for unoccupied transport.
 

Proper Use of Wheelchair Tie-Downs and Occupant Restraint Systems
Motor vehicle transportation, whether in public or private vehicles, is so vital to employment, access to quality healthcare and community interactions that transportation safety for people who are not able to transfer out of their wheelchairs is often a secondary consideration. This doesn't need to be the case. Although motor-vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death in the U.S., readily available technologies will significantly enhance transportation safety for wheelchair-seated travelers. The safest choice for wheelchair users is to transfer to the vehicle seat whenever possible and practical, so the seatbelt system provided by the vehicle manufacturer can be properly used. The unoccupied wheelchair should then be secured or stored in a cargo area.

For wheelchair users who cannot feasibly transfer, safe transportation requires using after-market equipment to (1) secure the occupied wheelchair facing forward in the vehicle, and (2) provide an effective crashworthy seatbelt for the person in the wheelchair. Commercial products that accomplish both goals are called Wheelchair Tiedowns and Occupant Restraints Systems often referred to as WTORS, Those that comply with SAEJ2249 Wheelchair Tiedown and Occupant Restraint Systems for Use in Motor Vehicles, which involves passing a relatively severe frontal crash test, should always be used.

The most common type of WTORS uses a four-point strap system to secure the wheelchair. These tie-downs are very effective and can secure a wide range of wheelchair types, but they require that another person attach and tighten the straps. For these systems to work properly, all four straps must be used as instructed by the manufacturer. Using four-point strap tie-downs is much easier if the wheelchair occupant has a crash-tested wheelchair that complies with ANSI/RESNAWC19, Wheelchair for Use as Seats in Motor Vehicles. This voluntary standard requires wheelchair frames to include four easily accessible brackets for attaching the tie-down straps. If the wheelchair does not comply with WC19, four structural points on the wheelchair base or seat frame must be identified and used to secure the wheelchair.

Wheelchairs can also be secured to the vehicle using docking-type devices that allow wheelchair users to secure their own wheelchairs. These devices are commonly used by people who drive from their wheelchairs and require the addition of adaptive hardware to the wheelchair for engaging with the docking device mounted to the vehicle floor.

No matter how the wheelchair is secured to the vehicle, a properly used and positioned crashworthy seatbelt, consisting of pelvic and upper-torso belts, is absolutely essential. Seatbelts are by far the most effective occupant restraint system for protecting occupants in crashes and reduce the risk of total injuries by more that 50%. They prevent occupants' ejection from and minimize injurious contact within the vehicle.

To be most effective, the lap belt must be placed low on the pelvis near the top of the thighs, and the shoulder belt should cross the middle of one shoulder and the breastbone and connect to the lap belt near the occupant's hip.

Most driver evaluation programs utilize vehicles with hand controls and steering devices to instruct their clients. Most programs operate a fully modified van for people who drive from their wheelchairs. This van may have a raised top as well as a lowered floor. It may also have a powered cargo door and a remote control entry device.

After entering the vehicle, the evaluator can determine if you will drive from your wheelchair or from a power seat. The power seat base moves electrically into position next to you so that your transfer may be comfortable and safe. Generally, if you can transfer, you should drive from the van seat, which is bolted to the floor. If you cannot transfer, an electric wheelchair tie down can be added along with special stabilizing belts to secure you and your wheelchair behind the steering wheel.