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Home//News//Mobility Shop//Crash Tested Wheelchairs: 3 Key Facts Every Care Home Should Know

Crash Tested Wheelchairs: 3 Key Facts Every Care Home Should Know

Updated: June 2025

If your care home transports residents in wheelchairs, it’s essential to know the difference between standard wheelchairs and crash tested wheelchairs.

Many care providers don’t realise that not all wheelchairs are safe for use in vehicles. Using the wrong type can put both residents and staff at risk. In this short guide, we explain the key facts you need to know about crash tested wheelchairs — especially if you manage or work in a UK care home.

Fact 1: Not All Wheelchairs Are Crash Tested

Wheelchairs used for transport in ambulances or specially adapted vehicles must meet specific safety standards — in particular, the ISO 7176-19 crash test standard.

Chairs that meet this standard have been tested to remain stable and secure when properly tied down during vehicle transport. Non-crash-tested wheelchairs may not offer this protection, even if they look robust. If your care home transports residents regularly to hospital appointments, day centres, or external clinics, relying on non-crash-tested wheelchairs could compromise safety. It’s important to note that even NHS transport services often require wheelchairs to be ISO 7176-19 compliant before securing them with tie-down systems in vehicles.

You can request more detailed wheelchair compliance guidance through our partners – Able. Click here to contact them directly.

Fact 2: Look for ISO 7176-19 Markings

Crash tested wheelchairs usually include a visible label or marking confirming they meet ISO 7176-19 standards. You’ll also see four tie-down points, clearly labelled, on the frame of the chair. These are where the wheelchair should be secured during transport. Transport safety is one of the many areas that can reflect your care home’s commitment to resident wellbeing. In the event of an incident during vehicle transfer, having a crash tested wheelchair in use provides clear evidence of your adherence to safety standards. It’s also a factor that can be considered during CQC inspections under safe care and treatment.

If your current wheelchairs don’t show these markings, it may be time to review your equipment. Interested in reviewing some options? Visit Able’s product site to see their quality wheelchair selection.

Crash tested Wheelchairs from Able. Black and suitable for care homes.
Able has a wide range of crash tested wheelchairs.

Fact 3: Compliance Matters for Safety and Inspections

Using crash tested wheelchairs is not just about safety — it’s also an important compliance issue. CQC inspections may include checks on how residents are transported, and whether your procedures reflect current safety standards.

The right chair:

  • Reduces risk during transport

  • Supports your infection control and moving & handling policies

  • Helps ensure safer, more comfortable journeys for residents

Crash tested models are often slightly more expensive, but they are an investment in safety and compliance. There are options available for most care home budgets, including lightweight, folding models and more supportive transit chairs. Welcome to Able offers affordable crash tested wheelchairs designed with care home use in mind.

Looking for more information on iso7176-19? Learn more here. 

FAQs

What is a crash tested wheelchair?
A wheelchair designed and certified for safe use during vehicle transport, meeting ISO 7176-19 standards.

Are all wheelchairs crash tested?
No. Most basic wheelchairs are not crash tested unless stated. Always check for the ISO label.

How do I know if a wheelchair is crash tested?
Look for the ISO 7176-19 symbol and four clearly marked anchor points on the chair.

Can I crash test a wheelchair myself?
No — crash testing must be carried out by the manufacturer. If a chair isn’t certified, it shouldn’t be used for transport.

Final Tip for Care Homes

Crash tested wheelchairs aren’t just for hospitals — they’re essential for any care home transporting residents regularly. If you need help reviewing your equipment, or you’re unsure which chairs meet transport safety standards, visit Welcome to Able or book an appointment below for expert advice.

Are you interested in learning more about wheelchairs? Perhaps you’d like to assess your current equipment? Book an appointment with our partners at Able for free advice!


Wheelchair FAQ’s

Not all wheelchairs are designed or tested for transport. Only models marked as crash tested have been proven safe for use in cars, minibuses, or ambulances. Using a non-tested chair can put both the passenger and other occupants at risk.

ISO 7176-19 sets the international crash testing standard for wheelchairs. For care homes, ensuring residents’ chairs meet this standard reduces liability, improves safety, and helps with compliance during inspections.

Look for the manufacturer’s certification label or ask your supplier directly. Wheelchairs tested under ISO 7176-19 will clearly state their compliance. If you are unsure, it’s best to confirm before using the chair for vehicle transport.

Care homes can contact Able for expert guidance on wheelchair safety, LOLER testing, and equipment servicing. Booking a consultation ensures you meet both resident safety needs and compliance standards.

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We have always received excellent services from everyone at HCS at our 2 care homes, especially Lee, Jo and Phil. Always professional with a quick response time. Nothing ever seems too much trouble. Recently I had to use them personally for equipment to enable my mothers discharge from hospital. I had a response within the hour for prices and delivery came straight from the manufacturer to speed up delivery. Phil arrived at the same time to put the equipment together for us! I can’t thank them enough for putting our minds at ease and for the continued support from a personal and professional perspective. I’d recommend them to anyone requiring care equipment and its nice to support local businesses. Especially when they do such a good job!!

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I contacted HCSUK trying to find a hoist that could be operated unaided by the client. I had become very disheartened, no-one was really helpful until I spoke to Donna at HCSUK.

Donna was incredibly understanding, her professionalism raised my spirits again. Everything Donna said she would do she did, including arranging for me to speak to Andrew the salesman who like Donna was incredibly helpful, happy to bring two machines to demonstrate.

I can’t recommend them highly enough. They are good people.

Penelope C

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Christine G, Sheffield

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