Why Buy a Crash Tested Wheelchair?
The first point to state regarding crash testing is that a wheelchair that’s passed a crash test is evidently superior in build quality than one the manufacturers have not sought to test. In the EU all quality wheelchairs have been crash test passed. The only reason to purchase a non-crash tested chair would be when you’d buy an occasional use chair solely for your locality and that you’d never anticipate using it in a car, taxi, van or ambulance. There’s not much difference in price so it’s best to always go with the quality of the crash tested wheelchair for confidence and security.
If you are a wheelchair user and wish to travel in any wheelchair accessible vehicle, the safest option is to transfer out of your wheelchair and into one of the cars seats. This may not always be practical, or possible. If you need to travel sitting in your wheelchair it’s important that the vehicle is equipped with the correct wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraints. The wheelchair itself must have passed a simulated crash test, to confirm that they are capable of withstanding the force of a crash without crumpling or disintegrating, causing danger to all occupants of the vehicle. The certification for wheelchairs that have undergone, and passed, a crash test is covered under EU ISO 7176:19-2001.
Wheelchair accessible vehicles cannot carry an occupied wheelchair user in a wheelchair that has not passed the above crash testing. Wheelchairs that have passed this requirement will have stickers on the base frame illustrating that the wheelchair has met the requirements as well as directing where the tie-downs should be attached.
If you are a travelling in an occupied wheelchair it can also be worthwhile to use a headrest that can be attached as an additional part to the back of the wheelchair. This is not compulsory but will give additional security and safety, minimising the risk of whiplash in the event of an accident.
