Transporting Powered Wheelchairs in Vehicles: Key WTORS Considerations

Powered wheelchairs can require additional planning in vehicle transport because of their mass, frame design, seating functions, batteries and accessories. The wheelchair manufacturer’s transport information and the installed WTORS should be checked before deciding how the wheelchair will be secured and how the occupant restraint will be routed. Why can powered wheelchairs be more difficult […]

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Can a Wheelchair Passenger Travel Rear-Facing in a Vehicle?

Can a Wheelchair Passenger Travel Rear-Facing in a Vehicle? Rear-facing wheelchair travel can be appropriate in some purpose-designed public-transport environments, but it should not be assumed to be suitable for every wheelchair accessible vehicle. The correct orientation depends on the vehicle class, installed securement or containment system, manufacturer instructions, applicable standards and local regulatory requirements. […]

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Wheelchair Space and Clearance Requirements in Vehicles

There is no single universal wheelchair-space dimension that works for every vehicle, wheelchair and occupant. The required space depends on the wheelchair, the passenger, the WTORS, vehicle layout, applicable standards and local regulatory requirements. Why does wheelchair space matter? Wheelchair space affects more than whether the chair physically fits inside the vehicle. It also affects […]

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Are All Wheelchairs Safe to Use as Seats in Vehicles?

No. Not every wheelchair is designed or tested to be used as the occupant’s seat in a motor vehicle. When a passenger remains seated in a wheelchair during vehicle travel, the wheelchair itself becomes part of the transportation safety system and its suitability for that use needs to be considered. What is a transport-ready wheelchair? […]

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