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For those of you driving or being transported in a wheelchair, knowing whether your chair is crash-worthy is important.  As I've said in previous blogs, the wheelchair-vehicle interface is important and one of those components should be whether the chair has been crash tested. 

Wheelchairs that have been designed and tested to be used as a seat in a vehicle are called a WC19.  They meet the design and performance criteria by the American National Standards Institute and the Rehabilitation and Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America ANSI/RESNA.  These chairs have four crash tested securement points so tiedowns can easily be placed.

Purchasing a wheelchair that meets the WC19 standard has four advantages over a wheelchair that does not meet the standards.  The wheelchair is strong enough to protect in a variety of crashes.  In laboratory testing the frame must not crack, it must have a firm supportive seat for the crash dummy and must remain well secured during the crash, keeping the wheelchair and the driver in the vehicle.  It is also easier to use. 

Securement points where the tiedown is attached to the chair are clearly marked and accessible for one handed use in less than ten seconds.  There is improved stability in the vehicle.  The standard requires manufacturers to measure and report lateral stability of the loaded wheelchair when tipped at a forty-five degree angle. The fourth advantage is that they are more compatible with seatbelts and allow for a better lap and shoulder belt fit.

It is important that wheelchair users who drive or are transported from their chairs advocate for a wheelchair that meet these criteria.  For more information, visit WC 19 standards. There is information on writing a letter of medical necessity justifying the need for a wheelchair that meets the WC 19 standards, just click here.

You may give this to your therapist or physician to request they use it as a template when writing a letter of medical necessity for your wheelchair.

Do you have to have a WC19 compliant wheelchair if you drive from your chair?  No, it is like some of the optional safety equipment on you car.  It may make you safer, but it is up to you to choose whether you want it and that can be based on a number of physical and financial factors.  If you do not have a WC compliant wheelchair now, make sure you discuss it with your therapist, physician and durable medical equipment vendor before you purchase your next chair.