What are the WC19 Standards for Transport Wheelchairs?

The WC19 wheelchair certification distinguishes whether a wheelchair is safe to use as a seat in a motor vehicle, such as a van or a bus.

Standard WC19, officially known as “Wheelchairs Used as Seats in Motor Vehicles,” was approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in 2000. The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) is responsible for testing individual wheelchair models and certifying them as WC19 compliant. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has also created standards for safely using wheelchairs as passenger seats in vehicles.

Despite the existence of all these wheelchair transportation safety standards, they are not legally enforced. Instead, they are voluntary standards that can protect wheelchair users in the event of a vehicle accident during transport. Mobility device manufacturers should follow these standards when manufacturing wheelchairs.

7 Elements of a WC19 Certified Wheelchair

If you want to provide your NEMT clients a safe and superior transport journey every time, make sure the wheelchairs in your fleet meet these WC19 standards:¹

1. The wheelchair must pass a 30-mph, 2G frontal impact crash test in which all chair components operate as expected without failing. 
2. The wheelchair must have labels certifying its WC19 compliance.
3. The wheelchair must contain four securement points on the frame that are easy to access.
4. The wheelchair must have a pelvic belt restraint that anchors directly to the chair.
5. The wheelchair must have securement geometry that accepts a securement strap end-fitting hook.
6. The wheelchair must be compatible with in-vehicle passenger safety belts.
7. The wheelchair cannot have any sharp edges.

Having a WC19 transport wheelchair certification also means that a manufacturer or supplier can make specific claims about their product’s performance. For example, they can state that WC19 compliant wheelchairs are durable or stable when being used as a seat in a motor vehicle. Additionally, they can also provide assurance to consumers regarding safety features such as brakes, leg supports, IV poles, and other wheelchair accessories.

By having this certification in place, wheelchair manufacturers give NEMT providers and people who regularly travel in wheelchairs peace of mind that their chosen wheelchair has been tested against rigorous safety standards and will provide an acceptable level of mobility for everyday transport.

In conclusion, obtaining a WC19 transport wheelchair certification is an important distinction for both manufacturers and consumers alike. It certifies that a manufacturer has taken the necessary steps to ensure their product meets certain safety standards for vehicle travel. This type of certification provides assurance that a wheelchair is safe and reliable.

References

1. Buning, M. E., Bertocci, G., Schneider, L. W., Manary, M., Karg, P., Brown, D., & Johnson, S. (2012). RESNA’s position on wheelchairs used as seats in motor vehicles. Assistive Technology: the official journal of RESNA, 24(2), 132–141.

Recommended Products