Frequently Asked Questions: Bus Safety / WC19

Because there are no Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for wheelchairs used as seating in a motor vehicle, the SOWHAT* Committee, under the auspices of ANSI*/ RESNA* and ISO*, developed a voluntary industry standard. That industry standard is commonly known as "WC/19"*. WC/19 addresses issues of wheelchair design and performance related to its use as seating in a motor vehicle, such as a bus or van. WC/19's purpose is to improve the safety and security of wheelchair-seated occupants of motor vehicles during normal transportation, but especially in the event of a vehicle crash. Therefore, WC/19-compliant wheelchairs, or "transit" wheelchairs, are equipped with an array of features, such as anchor points for securing the wheelchair to the frame of the bus or van and an attachment point for occupant restraints to protect the safety of the wheelchair occupant. Labeling and documentation are also an important part of the WC/19 standard.

The designation "30 mph/20 g deceleration" refers to the change in vehicle speed during an accident, not to the speed of the vehicle prior to the accident. A crash test at 30 mph/20 g deceleration represents a crash severity in the 95th-percentile, that is, 95% of real-world accidents involving passenger cars, minivans, and sport utility vehicles. For buses, a 30 mph/20 g deceleration change in speed is even less likely, but WC/19 requires that products be tested for this worst-case scenario with the understanding that relatively few real-world accidents will be as severe. The analogy of the 30mph crash test is "like hitting a cement wall in an automobile head-on at 30mph without braking and the wall doesn't break or move".

It is safest for the wheelchair to be transported in an upright position. However, if for medical reasons your child must ride in a tilted position, he or she may do so provided that the seat back is within 30 of vertical. The seat back is designed to remain in a locked position during a motor vehicle accident. Convaid's tilt-in-space transit wheelchairs, the Safari and the Rodeo, have been successfully crash tested in a tilted position.

Convaid will retrofit any Convaid standard model wheelchair (excepting those models for which the transit option is not available), with the necessary transit equipment for up to one year after purchase at the current retrofit price. The wheelchair and original purchase documentation must be sent to Convaid for an authorized retrofit.

The seatbelts and other positioning devices that may be used on your wheelchair during non-transit use are not the same as the occupant restraints used to keep your child secure in the event of a motor vehicle accident. The bus or van driver must employ the 3-point occupant restraint system, which secures the occupant in the wheelchair, in order for your child to be safe. Wheelchair positioning belts and devices will not protect your child in the event of a motor vehicle accident.

The Sure-Lok integrated lap belt, an optional, SAE J2249- and WC19-compliant occupant restraint. It is intended to allow the caregiver the opportunity to secure the child in the wheelchair prior to being loaded onto the motor vehicle. It provides a safer ride on the bus lift and facilitates the securement process once loaded. The Sure-Lok lap belt then connects to the shoulder restraint utilized on the bus.

Although Convaid transit wheelchairs benefit from some of the design features of strollers, they are not strollers, but lightweight, compact-folding wheelchairs. Convaid transit wheelchairs have been dynamically crash tested and certified to meet or exceed the most stringent WC/19 standards. If you have any questions about Convaid transit wheelchairs or would like copies of crash-test results, please contact our toll-free Bus Info Line at (888) CONVAID, ext. 287.

Convaid's transit wheelchairs do not sacrifice any of the functions of standard models. The features that give the wheelchair improved dynamic strength are essentially invisible to the user, except for the four red anchor points located on the wheelchair's legs and used to tie down the wheelchair. Ordering a Convaid transit wheelchair means that you will not need to purchase an additional car seat for the bus or van.

No. In some cases, transit wheelchair models were dynamically tested with weights somewhat less than the standard model limit. To request a brochure detailing this information, please contact our Literature Request Line at (888)-CONVAID, ext. 203, or our toll-free Bus Info Line at ext. 287

Convaid-manufactured seat and back cushions have been dynamically crash tested and may be used on your Convaid transit wheelchair. Only seating systems that have been dynamically tested and therefore are WC19 compliant should be used. Please contact Customer Service at (888)-CONVAID for further information.

All Convaid transit wheelchairs have red anchors located on the frame of the wheelchair. Do not use your wheelchair as seating in a motor vehicle unless it is equipped with these anchors. (Please see question #5.)

Convaid's transit wheelchair anchor points are secured to the frame with "hardened bolts." Hardened bolts tightened with the proper torque are actually stronger than welded parts. Convaid's transit wheelchair anchor points have been attached properly and meet or exceed WC/19 minimums in dynamic testing. It is vital that the hardened bolts attaching the anchor points not be adjusted. Tightening or loosening the bolts may make them less secure. If you have any questions about Convaid transit wheelchairs or would like copies of crash-test results, please contact our toll-free Bus Info Line at (888) CONVAID, ext. 287.

Not necessarily. However, our technicians at Convaid will need to determine which parts, if any, need to be repaired or replaced after a transit wheelchair has been in a motor vehicle accident. Convaid's repair warranty will apply in case of accident provided that the wheelchair is shipped to Convaid by the original user accompanied by a copy of the police accident report documenting that the wheelchair was in a motor vehicle accident.

Any significant modifications to your transit wheelchair should be made by Convaid. Any modification to a transit wheelchair's frame, parts, or accessories renders Convaid's warranty null and void. If other than Convaid or Convaid-approved accessories are used or if the wheelchair is used in manner other than that for which it was intended, the warranty will be rendered null and void. Furthermore, any modification to a transit wheelchair's frame, parts, or accessories may place your child at risk of injury in the event of a motor vehicle accident.

No. Remove any wheelchair-mounted accessories, such as trays and respiratory equipment, and secure them elsewhere in the vehicle. Be sure that they are secured sufficiently that they will not break free and injure the wheelchair user or other motor vehicle occupants in the event of an accident.

We would be happy mail you a brochure for the Convaid product you are interested in. Please call our Literature Request Line at 1-888-CONVAID, Extension 203 and leave your name and mailing address. From outside the U.S., call 1-310-618-0111 and speak to one of our Customer Service Representatives. To request a brochure on-line please click here. Each brochure contains the complete specifications, including weight and dimensions, for each size chair of that model. To view a brochure immediately, click on “View/Print a Brochure” to download a PDF version of the required brochure.

After more than twenty years in the business, Convaid is very aware of the wide range of abilities and needs among our customers. Even though our Customer Service Representatives are familiar with all the Convaid products, they are not therapists. It is not possible for us to accurately determine which wheelchair would best fit your needs even when you tell us the age or height and weight of the person who will be using it. Please consult your therapist or dealer who can meet with your family, measure the customer, and select the most appropriate Convaid product. Please look at our Product Comparision page for more information.

"Cruiser: The Cruiser is our most popular lightweight wheelchair for children and young adults who have poor upper body control and who may need more involved positioning options. Maximum weight capacity for largest Cruiser (CX18) is 250 pounds. It currently comes in 5 sizes (10"" wide, 12"" wide, 14"" wide, 16"" wide, 18"" wide). The 30° fixed tilt ""cradles"" the person and allows gravity to assist in positioning. The person's weight will open the chair wider so that the heavier the person, the more taut and firm the fabric. This design eliminates ""buggy slump"". The Cruiser can be adjusted to fit and grow with the child. It looks like a traditional stroller, but has extensive positioning options.

CruisAire: The CruisAire is an ultra lightweight version of the Cruiser (11"" wide and 13"" wide). Ages 1 - 6. Maximum weight capacity for the largest CruisAire (CA13) is 80 pounds. All positioning options and accessories are available. No transit model is available.

Convertible: The Convertible is an upright (10° fixed tilt) folding wheelchair with quick release large rear wheels for children and adults who have the ability to self-propel and want the flexibility of going from a dependent to an independent chair. It comes in 4 sizes: CV12, CV14, CV16, and CV18 and is also available in a transit model. The weight capacity ranges from 66 pounds to 250 pounds. This chair comes standard with a two-point seat belt. A three-point seat belt (seat belt plus crotch strap) is available at no extra charge but must be ordered at the time the chair is made.

EZ Rider: An upright wheelchair (10° fixed tilt) for children and adults who have some upper body control. The EZ Riders come in four sizes from 12 inches wide to 18 inches wide. The EZ Rider 18 (EZ18) will hold up to 250 pounds. Positioning accessories for the upper body are available for those needing some help.

Metro: The Metro transport chair comes in three sizes (12"" wide, 14"" wide and 16"" wide) and is an economical transfer chair. Ages 2-14. Maximum weight capacity is 170 pounds. The chair comes in washable fabric and is also available in a transit model. No positioning options or accessories are available for this chair.

Safari Tilt: The Safari Tilt wheelchair has an adjustable tilt from 5° to 45° and it can be quickly and easily repositioned to the desired angle for eating, sleeping and comfort. For ages 2 - 14. Maximum weight capacity is 175 pounds. It currently comes in four sizes: 12"" wide, 14"" wide, 16"" and 18"" wide, and has a wide variety of positioning options and accessories. A recline feature is available as an option. The Safari Tilt comes standard with reinforced back upholstery and a flat planar seat. A crash tested transit model is also available.

Scout: This dynamic multi-terrain wheelchair was designed with built-in lumbar support and a 20-degree fixed tilt at shoulder level (anatomic back). It comes equipped with large, knobby wheels and hand-operated disc brakes (as used on high end bikes) for increased safety and control while going down inclines. Maximum weight capacity is 170 pounds. It currently comes in two sizes: 14"" wide and 16"" wide, and has a wide variety of positioning options and accessories.

Rodeo: The Rodeo tilt-in-space wheelchair has 10°- 45° of adjustable tilt. Key features include an ergonomic, height adjustable handle, angular adjustable footplate, elevating legrests and an optional tray located under the chair for storing medical necessities and auxiliary equipment. Maximum weight capacity is 170 pounds. It comes in 3 sizes: RD12, RD14 and RD16. Standard model includes: Adjustable flip-up armrests, 3 point positioning belt, calf panel, elevating legrest with one-piece footplate, 6"" front & 8"" rear pneumatic tires.

Mountee: The Mountee Seating System is a more aggressive system for a person who needs in-depth positioning for longer periods of sitting. The Mountee has a solid planar seat and back and attaches to the Safari Tilt Frame, so it offers a tilt adjustment of 5° to 45°. It offers a complete line of positioning options including adjustable firm lateral trunk supports. The Mountee comes in two sizes: MT12 and MT14, with weight capacities up to 100 pounds. It is also available in a Transit Model.

Cruiser Planar: The Cruiser Planar wheelchair is designed for a client with little upper body control and no potential for self-propulsion. It comes in six sizes, from 10-18. Attaching to our popular Cruiser model at a 30° fixed tilt, the Planar seating system is easily adjustable and removes for folding. It is equipped with a solid seat and back, firm lateral trunk supports and a contoured headrest. The Cruiser Planar Transit models have been successfully crash-tested with the positioning options in place.

Cruiser Profiler: The Cruiser Profiler wheelchair offers a custom fit with an adjustable contour back and seating system. It has an adjustable strap back system that readjusts for growth or postural changes. This chair is for clients with orthopedic conditions such as severe scoliosis or spinal deformity that require a customized back. It is on a 30° fixed tilt, and comes in two sizes, PR14 and PR16. Maximum capacity is 170 pounds. It is also available in Transit models."

The letter "T" denotes a WC19 compliant wheelchair. Transit Models come with 4 red metal anchors on the chair legs to use for tie downs on a van or bus. Most Transit Models also have a headrest extension and padded shoulder harness as standard equipment. All chairs can be ordered as Transit models except the CruisAire and Lite Rider.

"The warranty in the U.S. and Canada covers any part of a Convaid product that is found to be defective within the warranty period. Convaid will repair or replace these parts free of charge. Warranty service may be performed by an authorized service center or at the Convaid factory at Convaid's option. The warranty goes to the original retail purchaser of the Convaid product.

Warranty Period in the U.S. and Canada:
Frame and Cross-Braces: Lifetime of original retail buyer (except CruisAire, Lite Rider and Vivo)
Frame and Cross-Braces for CruisAire, Lite Rider and Vivo: 5 years
Other Components: One year
Fabric and webbing: One year
Sensiform Cushions: 2 years
Planar Seat and Back: 5 years hardware, 18 months for other components
Mountee Seating System: 5 years hardware, 18 months for other components
Occ-Flex Cushioned Headrest: 5 years hardware, 1 year for other components

The warranty on Convaid products may vary in other countries."