Crash-Tested Wheelchairs: Travel Safely Without Leaving Your Chair

It’s a common misconception that all wheelchairs are safe for vehicle transport. In reality not all wheelchairs are designed to be used as a seat in a motor vehicle and it’s a big risk for the user during transport. 

The consequences of using a non-crash tested wheelchair are severe: you are not safe in the event of an accident. Emergency vehicles, taxis and buses may not transport an uncertified wheelchair, limiting your mobility options. For care homes this can also lead to compliance issues during inspections.

The solution is clear: use crash tested wheelchairs. These are rigorously certified to ISO 7176-19 standards and prove their safety for vehicle transport. They have visible markings and anchor points for securement, so you can have peace of mind and compliance.

The Science Behind Vehicle Safety

During a crash at 30mph your body feels forces 30 times your weight. For someone weighing 70kg that’s over 2,000kg of force hitting them. Regular wheelchairs with their lightweight frames and basic fittings can’t handle these forces. The wheelchair becomes a projectile and seriously injures the user and possibly other passengers.

Research by the Transport Research Laboratory shows non-crash-tested wheelchairs can collapse, tip over or break apart during minor incidents. The user can’t brace themselves properly and faces higher risks of head, neck and spinal injuries.

Legal Requirements You Need to Know

Under UK law anyone transporting a wheelchair user must ensure their safety. This includes:

• Taxi and private hire drivers: Must properly secure wheelchairs using approved systems

• Ambulance services: Must use crash tested wheelchairs or move patients to stretchers

• Care home transport: Responsible for ensuring wheelchairs meet safety standards

• Family members: Though not legally required, insurance claims could be rejected if accidents occur

Failing to use proper safety equipment can result in rejected insurance claims, legal responsibility for injuries and in extreme cases criminal charges.## 

What is ISO 7176-19: The Safety Standard That Matters

The ISO 7176-19:2008 standard is the international benchmark for wheelchairs used as seats in vehicles. This isn’t just paperwork - it’s thorough testing that could save your life.

What This Standard Covers

ISO 7176-19 covers design requirements, performance standards, test methods, labelling and user instructions for wheelchairs intended for use as forward facing seats in vehicles. It includes:

• Structural strength: The wheelchair frame must not break in a collision

• User protection: The design must reduce user injury

• Restraint compatibility: The wheelchair must work with vehicle restraint systems

• Durability: Safety features must remain effective throughout the life of the wheelchair

ISO 7176-19 Safety Standards

All crash tested wheelchairs must meet the ISO 7176-19:2008 standard. This outlines the design requirements, performance features and testing methods to determine if a chair is suitable for use in a vehicle.

What the Standard Covers

This includes:

• Strength of the wheelchair frame in a crash

• Compatibility with seatbelts and anchor systems

• Testing under simulated crash conditions

• Durability of safety features over time

The wheelchair must maintain its structure and allow for securement in a vehicle using a standard four-point tie-down system.

Crash Testing

Wheelchairs are crash tested using specialist equipment to simulate real world collisions. The process is controlled and data driven so engineers can measure forces on the chair and the occupant.

Key parts of the testing include:

• Simulated impact at typical road speeds (around 30mph)

• Use of a crash dummy to record the effect on the user

• Measurement of how the chair moves under pressure

Only those chairs that pass the test in full can be labelled as compliant with ISO 7176-19.

Crash Tested Wheelchairs

There are many crash tested models available and these are usually designed to perform well and be suitable for use in vehicles.

Self Propelled Wheelchairs

These have large rear wheels and are designed for independent users. Features often include:

• Lightweight frame

• Quick release rear wheels for easy storage

• Foldable frame for transport

• Adjustable armrests, footrests and seating options

These chairs are suitable for users who want to be independent and meet transport safety standards.

Transit Wheelchairs (Attendant Propelled)

Transit wheelchairs are compact and lightweight with smaller wheels. These are pushed by a caregiver and are often:

• Easier to maneuver in small spaces

• Fitted with attendant brakes

• Less expensive than larger powered models

• More compact for storage and transport

They offer safety for travel without the weight and bulk of powered chairs.

Bariatric Wheelchairs

For users who require more support bariatric crash-tested models are available. They usually include:

• Higher weight limits

• Wider seats for extra comfort

• Reinforced frames and wheels

• Larger wheelbase for stability and power delivery

These chairs are designed for durability and user comfort.

Cost and VAT Relief

As with other electric wheelchairs or powerchairs, crash-tested models can be more expensive. However, UK residents who qualify under VAT relief schemes can get discounted prices.

Who Can Claim

You can claim VAT relief if:

• You are chronically sick or disabled

• The wheelchair is for personal use

• You’re buying on behalf of someone eligible

Removing VAT can make a big saving.

Proper Securement: Why It Really Matters

Even the safest crash-tested wheelchair won’t protect you if it isn’t secured properly inside a vehicle. How the chair is fixed in place is just as important as the chair itself.

What the Vehicle Needs

If you’re using a car, van, or ambulance to transport a wheelchair, the vehicle must have:

• Floor anchors: Built into the vehicle’s frame

• Strong, tested parts: Can withstand a crash

• Correct positioning: Anchor points in the right place to hold the wheelchair

• Regular checks: Looked at often to make sure not worn or damaged

Four-Point Tie-Down System

This is the standard way to secure a wheelchair in a vehicle. It uses four straps:

• Front straps connect to the front of the chair to the floor anchors

• Back straps do the same at the rear

• Strap angle between 30 and 45 degrees

• Straps must be tight but not too tight to damage

Seatbelt

The person in the wheelchair needs to wear a proper three-point seatbelt — the same as in cars.

• Lap belt and shoulder belt

• Placed correctly (follow the instructions that come with the chair)

• Snug but not too loose, not too tight

• Check the condition and make sure it works

👉 Important: The tie-down system holds the chair in place. The seatbelt protects the person. You need both for full safety.

Choosing the Right Crash-Tested Wheelchair

Choosing the right wheelchair depends on your personal needs and daily routine. Think about:

• Can you move the chair yourself?

• Do you need help getting in or out?

• How far do you travel each day?

• Are your mobility needs changing over time?

Key Things to Look For

When comparing chairs, look for:

Safety:

• ISO 7176-19 certification

• Anchor points clearly marked

• Seatbelt easy to use and in the right place

• Frame strong and built to last

Comfort:

• Seat size (not too narrow or wide)

• Back support for your height

• Armrests comfortable and adjustable

• Footrests in the right place and sturdy

Practical:

• Easy fold mechanism

• Light weight if you’ll be lifting it into a car

• Tyres for your daily surfaces (indoor or outdoor)

• Storage space (under seat or baskets)

Choosing the Right Wheelchair for You

Choosing the right crash tested wheelchair means really thinking about what you need. It’s a big decision that affects your daily life and safety.

What to Consider First

Be honest about your mobility:

• Can you move the wheelchair by yourself?

• Do you need help getting in and out of it?

• How far do you travel each day?

• Is your mobility changing over time or do you expect it to?

Key Features to Look For

When comparing crash tested wheelchairs these features should be at the top of your list:

• Safety Features:

  • Look for clear ISO 7176-19 certification. This is a must have.

  • Make sure you can see the anchor point markings.

  • Check there are proper seatbelt routing guides.

  • The wheelchair should have indicators of its structural integrity.

• Comfort Elements:

  • Is the seat width and depth right for you?

  • Does the back support come up to the right height?

  • What’s the armrest style like and can you adjust it?

  • Consider the footrest positioning and options available.

• Practical Considerations:

  • How good is the folding mechanism if you need one?

  • What’s its weight and portability?

  • Think about the tire type and how much maintenance they’ll need.

  • Are there useful storage accessories?