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What is a Crash Tested Wheelchair and why it is important for you
11th May 2026
If you are going to be using community transport then having a crashed tested wheelchair is vital as without this the carrier will likely not take you using your wheelchair, but why is this the case?
First lets explain what Crash Testing means, it relates to a specific ISO specification that gives a list of criteria that the chair must meet. The specific specification is ISO 7176 part 19. The main points of the specification are that the chair will be accelerated to achieve a deceleration speed of 30 gravities. The chair will have a test dummy fitted and the dummy will weigh 80kg. When the chair is “Crashed” first the dummy must remain upright in the wheelchair with no parts of the wheelchair detaching. The wheelchair is likely to be damaged beyond repair but the idea is that the dummy should not be damaged by any wheelchair components.
A crash tested wheelchair is not a guarantee that you will not be harmed in a crash it means that you, as a wheelchair user, will be on an equal basis to the person sitting next you in the standard car seat.
The image above is of one of our wheelchairs preparing to be crash tested.
How to identify a crash tested wheelchair.
First check the user guide it will state clearly if the chair is crash tested and should show how the chair is secured.
Secondly on the frame of the wheelchair look for four marks at the front and back indicating where the tie down straps should be fitted.
You do not need to purchase securing straps these should be supplied by the community transport operator.
Because of the additional engineering and testing needed to manufacture a crash tested wheelchair you will normally find these are more expensive than non crash tested versions. Both are completely safe to use but if transportation where you want to remain in the wheelchair is to be used then the crash tested version is necessary.
The wheelchairs supplied by The Mobility Outlet that are crash tested are