Crash Tested Wheelchairs: What You Need to Know

Why Wheelchair Transport Safety Matters

When I first started working with wheelchair users as an occupational therapist ten years ago I was surprised to find out how many people didn’t know the difference between standard wheelchairs and those tested for safety during transport. This isn’t just an academic question – it’s a safety issue.

I’m writing this guide based on my ten years of professional experience and conversations with hundreds of wheelchair users but I want to be clear – I’ll stick to verified information and I’ll tell you when I’m sharing my opinion versus facts.

What Makes a Wheelchair Crash Safe?

From my experience fitting and assessing wheelchairs I’ve learned that crash tested chairs differ from standard chairs in several ways:

• Reinforced frames to maintain structural integrity during impacts

• Integrated, tested tie-down points to attach to vehicle restraint systems

• Seating systems tested alongside the frame to ensure they stay in place

• Clear labelling to indicate compliance with transport safety standards

In my experience these features add some weight to the chair – typically 1-3kg for manual wheelchairs – but most users find this is a reasonable trade off for the extra safety.

The Real Costs and Considerations

Let’s talk honestly about cost which is often the biggest barrier to getting a crash tested wheelchair.

Based on current market prices (as of April 2025) you can expect to pay approximately:

• £1,200-£2,500 for crash tested manual wheelchairs* £3,500-£15,000+ for crash tested power wheelchairs

This is more expensive than standard models – typically 15-30% more. However there are several funding options that may help:

• NHS Wheelchair Services can sometimes provide or fund transport safe chairs based on assessment of need

• The Motability scheme includes several crash tested options

• Charities such as Whizz-Kidz, Independence at Home and the ACT Foundation offer grants for mobility equipment

I always recommend speaking to these organisations rather than making assumptions about eligibility.

Living with a Crash Tested Chair

Many of my clients worry that a crash tested wheelchair will be less practical for everyday use. In my experience most people adapt quickly and notice minimal difference in day to day use.

Mark, a wheelchair user I worked with in Birmingham (who kindly agreed to be mentioned) said: “It took me about a week to get used to the slightly different weight distribution but now I don’t notice any difference in how it handles. The peace of mind when travelling is definitely worth it.”

Safe Transport Practices

Having a crash tested chair is just the first step. Based on best practice guidelines from the Posture and Mobility Group (a UK professional network for wheelchair professionals) here are key safety recommendations:

1. Position the wheelchair facing forward in the vehicle

2. Use wheelchair tie-down restraints AND separate occupant restraints

3. Ensure tie-downs are attached to the designated points on the wheelchair

4. Position vehicle mounted belts properly across the body (not just over the wheelchair)

5. Remove accessories that weren’t crash tested with the chair when possible

These recommendations align with the training we provide to transportation providers and carers.

Common Misconceptions Clarified

In my years of practice I’ve come across several misconceptions about wheelchair transport safety:

Misconception: “Heavy power wheelchairs don’t need to be crash tested because their weight keeps them stable.” 

Reality: Weight alone doesn’t ensure safety. Unsecured heavy chairs can actually cause more damage during sudden stops.

Misconception: “I only need a crash tested chair for highway travel.” 

Reality: According to transport safety research many incidents occur during routine journeys at lower speeds.

Misconception: “Adding after market tie-down points to my existing chair makes it transport safe.” 

Reality: Crash testing evaluates the entire wheelchair system under stress not just the tie-down points.

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Chair

When I help clients choose a wheelchair I recommend asking:

• Can you show me the certification for this specific model to ISO 7176-19?

• Where are the tested tie-down points and are they marked?

• Was the seating system tested with this frame?

• What is the maximum user weight for transport safety?

• How will using this chair in transport affect the warranty?

Resources for Further Information

If you want to read more about wheelchair transport safety from the experts:

• The UK Wheelchair Managers’ Forum guidelines for wheelchair provision

• The Posture and Mobility Group professional resources on wheelchair assessment

• RICA consumer guides on transport accessibility

• Your local NHS Wheelchair Service for individual advice