NEW SEARCH NEW SEARCH, STATE - WA
Next
Last
DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.
Item Details
A Guide To Selecting A Wheelchair Carrier Fitted To The Rear Of A Motor Vehicle To Assist A Person With A Disability
ILC Reference NO 51:23:999
Item sourced from ILC WA database
Short Description
There are a number of factors to consider when purchasing a wheelchair carrier which is to be fitted to the rear of a motor vehicle.
Price Guide
Refer to supplier details for pricing
More Details
Provision is made within the Road Traffic (Vehicle Standards) Regulations that enables a motor vehicle to be specially constructed, equipped or adapted when the vehicle is to be used by a person who is suffering from a physical disability.
However, where such construction and / or equipment is adapted to a motor vehicle, it is required to comply as close as practicable with the Road Traffic (Vehicle Standards) Regulations.
Where a wheelchair carrier is attached to the rear of a motor vehicle, its fitment must be such that:-
1. It is adequately mounted to a substantial member of the body of the vehicle similar to the method used when fitting a tow bar.
Situations have now arisen where powered wheelchairs are being cradled on rear mounted wheelchair carriers. These powered wheelchairs weigh in the range of 30kg to 110kg.
Where this applies it is necessary to have the wheelchair carrier designed by a qualified person (Chartered Engineer) and fitted accordingly.
Wheelchair carriers that are not suitably braced when fitted to a vehicle may fail to retain a heavy powered wheelchair, should the vehicle be involved in a severe frontal impact.
It is not recommended to use a small motor vehicle to carry a heavy powered wheelchair as too much load is applied to the vehicle behind the rear wheels. This has the undesirable effect of reducing the load on the steer wheels.
Therefore careful consideration needs to be given to the type of vehicle selected for this task.
Rear Overhang
2. The rearward projection of the wheelchair carrier is not permitted to be greater than 60% of the wheel base of the motor vehicle eg vehicle wheel base 3 metres. 60% of 3 metres = 1.8 metres.
This means that the wheelchair and / or wheelchair carrier must not exceed past the centre of the rear wheel by more than 1.8 metres. This dimension will be dependant upon the make and model of a vehicle used.
Rearward Facing Lamps
3. When fitted, both the wheelchair carrier and / or wheelchair is not permitted to obscure any rearward facing lamp. The angle of visibility of the rear lamps must be capable of being viewed through an angle of 45 degrees inboard and 80 degrees outboard.
4. The rear number plate must not be obscured by the attachment (wheelchair assembly).
5. Projections - There must be no sharp or jagged edges projecting from the wheelchair assembly that are likely to increase the risk of bodily injury to a person, motorist, cyclist or motorcyclist, should they make contact.
Vehicle Ride Position
6. Where a wheelchair carrier, suitable for the carriage of a powered wheelchair is affixed to the rear of a small passenger vehicle, eg Suzuki Swift. There is a real concern that the load of the wheelchair and assembly may affect the road worthiness of the vehicle, particularly where the load applied at the rear causes the front wheels load to be considerably reduced. This situation would be undesirable and could be unsafe.
Contact
For further information concerning wheelchair carriers, contact Department of Transport.
Licence & Insurance Requirements
In Western Australia, Transport's Vehicle Examiners (Licensing Division) must approve modifications to vehicles, including installation of lifters and carriers. Providing the modifications meet all requirements, a modification permit will be issued and the cost of the permit may be waived for passengers and drivers with disabilities.
To ensure Insurance cover, the vehicle owner should advise their Insurance company of the approved vehicle modifications.
For further information telephone Transport 13 11 56, or Transport's Technical Section, Vehicle Safety, (08) 9351 1680.
Display Item On Loan From
Not on display
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
DEPARTMENT FOR PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE,
WELSHPOOL, WA
Additional /images
No additional /images apply to this item
First
Next
Last
