Mobility Device / Wheelchair Tie Down Terms and Definitions

MOBILITY SECUREMENT DEFINED

From standard wheelchair terminology to hyper-focused mobility securement terms, this guide will serve as a powerhouse resource for wheelchair education.

Looking for a great resource on wheelchair securement education? You have come to the right place! Here you will find industry specific terminology that will allow you to become an expert on the topic. Here is a collection of the terms you should know, adapted from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). For definitions in full detail, head over to: https://www.iso.org/standard/44224.html.

STANDARD WHEELCHAIR TERMS

WHEELCHAIR
Designed for a person with impaired mobility, this device is complete with a seating support system that provides mobility as its main function. Manual and powered functions are available, but this does not include devices such as mobility carts. Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.11

WHEELCHAIR MOBILITY DEVICE (WMD)
Wheeled technology for persons with impaired mobility. It provides assistance in a sitting, standing or lying down position.

TRANSPORT WHEELCHAIR
This device is lightweight and foldable with upholstered seating. Designed for propulsion, it is available with adult and pediatric adaptations.

POWER WHEELCHAIR (PWC)
Including an internal source of power, this wheelchair is electrically motor powered.

SCOOTER
This device has a platform base that offers foot support as well as support for the wheels, seating and steering components. The seating on this 3- to 4-wheeled power mobility device includes back support and a tiller.

OPERATOR
Either the occupant or the assistant that is operating the wheelchair.

OCCUPANT
The mobility rider that is physically sitting in the wheelchair.

ASSISTANT
Other than the mobility rider, this is the person that controls the wheelchair.

PART II: WHEELCHAIR TRANSPORTATION AND SECUREMENT TERMS

WHEELCHAIR TIE-DOWN AND OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEM (WTORS)
A restraint system of equipment for mobility riders that includes wheelchair tie-downs and belts.

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT
A restraint system designed to prevent ejection and contact with the vehicle or other occupants in the event of an impact.

FORWARD-FACING SECUREMENT
Orientation where the mobility rider faces the front of the vehicle.

REARWARD-FACING SECUREMENT
Orientation where the mobility rider faces the back of the vehicle.

FOUR-POINT TIE-DOWN
A tie-down system for wheelchairs that includes four individual securement points as well as four anchor points attached to the vehicle.

STRAP
Webbing material, often nylon, polyester or a woven aramid that is used for restraining the wheelchair.

DOCKING SYSTEM
Includes the assembly of the components that are used in the installation of wheelchair securement systems in vehicles. This is the system that the wheelchair will engage with and lock into.

ANCHOR POINT
Location in the vehicle where the anchor is attached.

ANCHORAGE
The way in which components and fittings are assembled where loads are transferred from either the wheelchair tie-down or from the restraint to the wheelchair, vehicle or interior component.

SECUREMENT POINTS
Locations on the wheelchair where the tie-downs are attached.

ATTACHMENT
Way of safely connecting/attaching mobility device to wheelchair securement. Options currently available are J-Hook, Carabiner, or Loop .

THREE-POINT BELT
A safety restraint system that includes a pelvic and shoulder belt that connect near the hip.

SHOULDER BELT
Belt restraint intended to limit head movement by restraining the shoulders and chest.

LAP BELT

Belt restraint intended to limit pelvis movement.

30MPH/20G IMPACT TEST
A crash condition that is simulated and dynamic to measure wheelchair securement effectiveness and response to impacts. The University of Michigan is a zenith test facility for wheelchair restraint effectiveness (https://wc-transportation-safety.umtri.umich.edu/).

FE500 SERIES
Manual securement systems that have passed the 30mph/20g Impact Test and meets ADA requirements.

FF600 SERIES
Retractable securement systems that have passed the 30mph/20g Impact Test and meets ADA requirements.

FF800 SERIES
Securement systems that have a minimum breaking point of 2,500 lbs per strap and meets ADA requirements.

INTEGRATED SECURMENT
A restraint lap belt that connects to the rear strap of the securement system. The belt’s restraint capability depends on the strength of the whole system.

MINIMUM BREAKING STRENGTH
The minimum static load that a wheelchair securement system component, strap, or belt can withstand before failure.

MOBILITY AID
Used to support a person with special needs, this can include a wheelchair or any other manual and battery powered mobile seating devices.

POSITIVE LOCKING
A wheelchair securement and restraint system design feature where the hardware has a spring loaded mechanism that prevents disengagement.

SEAT TRACK
A feature that allows for the repositioning of vehicle seats using Aluminum Track and seat studs.

L-SERIES
The most popular securement and restraint systems for wheelchairs use L-Series Aluminum Track or Floor Plates as anchoring points.

A-SERIES
An older version of securement and restraint systems that use heavy duty Steel Tracks or Floor Plates as anchoring points.