Guide

if the ramp is deployed to a raised sidewalk than to road level. A wheelchair rider is in danger
of tipping over backward when using a steep ramp (e.g., with a 1:6 grade) without assistance.
When using a ramp, the driver or assistant pushes the wheelchair with its occupant up the
ramp, usually front-first (facing in) when boarding, and, when exiting, guides the wheelchair
backwards down the ramp (passenger facing in). The direction faced by the passenger could
vary with the vehicle design. The driver or assistant always keeps his/her body between the
wheelchair and the bottom of the ramp. When exiting, the driver or attendant's body should
face the wheelchair but he/she should look backward in the direction of motion while keeping
a firm grip on the wheelchair so that it will not roll down the slope of the ramp. (This guide
does not have space to go into other matters, such as safe negotiation of a curb by
wheelchair users. It is recommended that these topics be consulted in a search engine.)
Procedures for using wheelchair securements
The photos below show how the wheelchair securements are used to attach the front and the
rear of the wheelchair to the floor of the vehicle.
The image below illustrates the "wheelchair securement-point" specified in the international
standard, ISO 7176/19. Increasingly this symbol will hopefully be found on wheelchairs to
indicate safe attachment points for their proper securement when transported in
vehicles. If the wheelchair is of an older type or does not have tie-down points
marked, four strong points on the wheelchair frame must be used as attachment
points to secure the wheelchair. Points on the wheelchair frame that are lower than
the seating surface are preferred. Tie-downs should never be attached to
removable parts of the wheelchair such as arm supports, foot supports or to the wheels.
The rear tie-downs should be positioned directly behind the securement points on the
wheelchair, so that the rear tie-down straps run close to parallel. Rear tie-downs should
never be crossed.
It is desirable for front wheelchair tie-downs to make a straight run from wheelchair frame to
anchor points on the vehicle floor. Floor anchorages that are wider apart than the wheelchair
frame avoid interference with wheelchair foot supports and also increase lateral stability
during vehicle movement.
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