How to safely transport your powered wheelchair
When choosing a new wheelchair, the focus tends to be on fit, features and functionality.
Another important consideration that’s often overlooked, however, is how easy and how safe the wheelchair will be to transport.
Transport - especially taxis - plays an important role in the lives of those living with a disability, often required to take them to work or study, connect them to family, friends and the community, or help them access services, such as healthcare.
With such a dependency, we’ve put together some important safety features you need to look out for in both your chair and the vehicle transporting it to make your journey as safe as possible.
Australia’s high standards
Did you know that Australia has some of the strictest standards when it comes to wheelchair transportation? This especially applies to people who need to stay seated in their wheelchair for transport.
Although it isn’t currently a legal requirement, it is strongly recommended that the wheelchair used complies with Australian Standard AS/NZS 3696.19 “Wheeled mobility devices for use as seats in motor vehicles”. Wheelchairs that meet this standard have been “Crash Tested” to withstand crash forces (48km/h at 20 g) in an accident.
Safe transportation relies on a number of important safety features that include appropriate tie-down anchor points and approved headrests.
Wheelchair accessible taxis
For passengers using powered wheelchairs, specially equipped taxis are required for safe transport.
Available in both metropolitan and regional Australia, Wheelchair accessible rank or hail vehicles (WAVs) provide essential transport for people with disability or mobility difficulties.
To ensure the safety of passengers, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) must meet a range of important Commonwealth requirements as set out in the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (DSAPT).
It’s the responsibility of the vehicle owner and the driver to ensure:
Each vehicle is equipped with the necessary restraint systems to safely secure each wheelchair and its occupant
The vehicle has a functioning air conditioner/heater and
All the equipment is maintained in good working order.
Driver Accreditation
When it comes to commercial passenger vehicle services, only 'W' endorsed accredited drivers are permitted to transport passengers in wheelchairs.
Driver accreditation conditions include a number of requirements relating to the operation of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles.
A ‘W’ endorsed accredited driver can only carry a passenger in a wheelchair if the vehicle meets the WAV specifications outlined earlier.
Wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint system (WTORS)
Safe transportation relies on having the appropriate wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint systems (WTORS) in place. All restraints installed must comply with the applicable Australian/New Zealand standards: AS/NZS 10542.
Wheelchair tie-down systems are used to secure the wheelchair firmly to the floor of the vehicle. These are most commonly a four-strap system attached to specific tie-down points on the chair. It’s not safe to attach tie-down straps to any point other than approved transport lugs. If there are no specific tie-down points indicated on the wheelchair, the wheelchair should not be used for vehicle transportation.
On top of securing the wheelchair, the wheelchair user must also be restrained independently using an occupant restraint system. These are lap/sash belts that attach to the vehicle and are separate to any postural harnesses used.
It’s always important to check that the restraints being used are appropriate for both the weight of the wheelchair and the user. Heavy-duty restraints are required for wheelchairs over 120kg. Wheelchair accessible taxis often only carry standard restraints so users may need to carry their own restraints if required.
Australian made for Australian standards
With Australia’s high safety standards, it’s important to make sure the wheelchair you choose is fit for transport.
Did you know that “crash tested” wheelchairs may not always come with transport lugs attached? For overseas models, transport lugs can often be optional making them unfit for safe transport in Australia.
All Glide chairs are crash-tested and certified to Australian Standards. With multiple tie-down points available wheelchair technically becomes part of the vehicle when anchored in position.
You can find a full list of tie-down locations for Glide chairs here, and you can even download a complete PDF printable guide.
Plan ahead for a safe and seamless journey
To allow you to be transported safely it’s important to make sure both your chair and the WAV you’re using meets Australian Standards.
You should familiarise yourself with how you and your wheelchair should be restrained while being transported and contact the on-demand transport service with any questions or concerns you may have about your safety.
At Glide, we’re proud to be a trusted local manufacturer of powered wheelchairs that are crash-tested and certified to Australian Standards. Contact our team to find out more about our range of Australian-made wheelchairs.
