A: In Australia there are presently no specific legal requirements stating which types of wheelchairs can or cannot be used in a vehicle.
However, for people who need to stay seated in their wheelchair for transport, 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. If you are unsure whether a wheelchair is “crash tested”, check with the manufacturer or supplier.
In addition transit approved wheelchair users should also comply with the following:
- Back support should ideally be at shoulder height
- Head support mounted to the wheelchair or to the vehicle
- Postural Support Devices (eg. lateral supports) should be integrated into the seating system whenever possible
- Wheelchair cushions should be of minimal weight and secured to the wheelchair
- Ancillary items (eg. trays) should be removed from the wheelchair during transport