How to Handle Wheelchair Passengers | Securing a Passenger with a Winch

When transporting a wheelchair passenger in a passenger wheelchair accessible vehicle or drive-from wheelchair accessible vehicle with a winch, understanding how to safely secure your wheelchair passenger is crucial for ensuring their safety and comfort during travel. In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to safely secure your wheelchair passenger inside a passenger wheelchair accessible vehicle or drive-from wheelchair accessible vehicle without a winch.

Step One: Attach the Winch and Secure the Front Restraints

First, grab the remote and press the on button to extend the winch. Then attach the web strap to the wheelchair and secure the front restraints. Switch on the power to the electric wheels.

Step Two: Attach Web Straps to Frame

Next, pull out the web strap and attach it securely to the main frame of the wheelchair at the bottom of the ramp.

Step Three: Power Off the Electric Wheels

Then switch the power off to the electric reels. This keeps everything secure while you move the wheelchair into place.

Step Four: Pull the Wheelchair

Then press the on button on the remote to slowly pull the wheelchair into the wheelchair accessible vehicle. Once the wheelchair is in place release the on button to stop the winch.

Step Five: Secure the Rear Restraints

Next, attach the rear restraints and adjust them properly to keep the wheelchair secure.

Step Six: Fit Lap and Diagonal Seat Belt

Finally fit the lap and diagonal seat belt to keep the wheelchair passenger safe and secure during the ride.

Step Seven: Power Down after use

When the vehicle is not in use, always switch off the electric wheels.

For more information about finding the right passenger wheelchair accessible vehicle or drive-from wheelchair accessible vehicle for you, including seating arrangements, adaptations and more, check out our buyers guide.