Wheelchair Tie Downs

At Van Products, our mobility consultants and professional technicians work hard to ensure the safety of the mobility products and services that we provide to you and your family.

Providing Wheelchair Safety

You never know when an accident is waiting to happen. Especially if you are in a wheelchair, making sure that you are secure while traveling inside of a moving vehicle is a top priority to prevent further injury. 

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any government or private organization offering public transportation must make provisions for wheelchair-bound people to be safely transported. That said, there are a number of methods for wheelchair securement, used by industry professionals around the world.

Types of Wheelchair Tie Downs

The following are two of the most common types of wheelchair tie downs used: 

4-Point Tie Downs

The 4-point system is the most common, manual wheelchair tie-down method. It consists of four straps that attach to the wheelchair and the vehicle/van floor. The straps are tightened using a ratchet mechanism. While incredibly effective and safe, this method is often not practical for those who are wheelchair-bound because it requires outside assistance to secure the tie-downs correctly.

Electric Wheelchair Restraints

Those who use electric wheelchair restraints are able to function more independently than those who use the 4-point tie-down method. For electric wheelchair occupants, the electric restraint system contains an anchored device that is mounted on the floor of the vehicle. 

The electric wheelchair contains a connecting component, affixed to the bottom of the wheelchair. The wheelchair occupant then guides these two pieces together, hearing an audible 'click' when the two components are properly connected. 

For some electric wheelchair restraints, there may or may not be some sort of security system to alert the user whenever the wheelchair is improperly connected. Regardless of what wheelchair restraint system you use, all wheelchair occupants should use a seatbelt. 

Wheelchair Tie Downs and Wheelchair Securement

When traveling by vehicle in your wheelchair, wheelchair tie downs are not only important; they are an essential component to ensure your safe transportation. At Van Products, we carry a varied assortment of wheelchair tie downs as well as wheelchair securement accessories and products. 

We recognize the importance of safety and quality in all of the products that we provide, which is why our mobility professionals will work with you to make sure that you receive the right kind of properly outfitted wheelchair tie downs necessary for your travel situation. 

To find out more information about our wheelchair tie downs, products or mobility accessories, give us a call, or stop by one of our two showrooms today.