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Wheelchair requirements for Passenger Transport Operators

Wheelchair requirements for Passenger Transport Operators

Equipment, space, and maintenance standards to safely transport wheelchair passengers.

Find out what’s required when transporting wheelchair passengers. This includes information on facilities, positioning, space and maintenance.

Transport of wheelchair passengers

Certain requirements must be met to transport wheelchair passengers safely and comfortably.

Lift and ramp facilities

Vehicles must be equipped with either a passenger lift or ramp facility. These should be installed and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions. All wheelchair lifting equipment must conform to the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).

Tracking

The vehicle must be equipped with suitable tracking to secure wheelchairs or buggies. The operator must ensure that this tracking is always kept clean and secured.

Restraints & Tie-Downs

The operator must know the type of wheelchair or buggy to be transported. They are responsible for ensuring wheelchairs and occupants are restrained with a Wheelchair Tie-Down and Occupant Restraint System (WTORS) suitable for the individual wheelchair and passenger.

Positioning of wheelchairs

Wheelchairs should be positioned so they are not blocking emergency exits.

Space requirements

There should be enough room for wheelchair passengers to be properly restrained,. There must be enough room in front of wheelchairs to allow limb extension in the event of an accident.

Maintenance

Damaged equipment must not be used. Worn equipment must be replaced in line with the manufacturer's recommendations. The operator should carry out daily inspections to ensure equipment is fit for purpose. This includes:

  • seat belts and passenger lifts
  • ramps
  • wheelchair tie-down and restraints
  • tracking
  • other securing points