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WTORS

A teenager sitting in a wheelchair inside a van.

Wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint system

Safely securing user and wheelchair during transport.

A pair of Quattro Express wheelchair tie-downs.

Safety is everything

Safely transporting a wheelchair in a vehicle requires four tie-downs, two in the front and two in the rear. Additionally, any person seated in the wheelchair will need a 3 point seat belt. Anything less just isn't safe.

We firmly believe that everyone is entitled to equal safety. As a driving force in this industry since the early '60s, we're certainly not unfamiliar with breaking new ground and helping to usher in standards and regulations. In short, we have a deep understanding of the needs of safely transporting people and wheelchairs which is mirrored in our wide range.

Our product portfolio covers all sorts of wheelchair securement systems, from the floor fittings in the vehicle to the occupant belt. Making sure you can enjoy a safe ride. Naturally, our range of wheelchair tie-downs comply with or exceed the minimum requirements of ISO 10542.

Find the right product

To help you navigate our vast product range, we have collected the most common combinations for various applications into kits. If you need further assistance or are unable to find what you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact our sales team.

Show all standard kits

 

A complete set of wheelchair tie-downs including the three-point occupant restraint.

Popular combinations of tie-downs and occupant belts that suit most applications.

 

A diagram showing a WTROS and its various points of interest.

 

A brief introduction to WTORS
Wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint system

A wheelchair is secured by using four tie-downs. Two in the front and two in the back. These can be webbing straps or retractors. For the front tie-downs, you also have the option of electric reels.

Each tie-down (2) is then attached to the wheelchair using wheelchair fixing (3), either a strap with tongue and buckle, a hook or a karabiner.

Each tie-down (2) is also attached to the vehicle floor using a floor fitting (1), either via a solo anchor, in a rail or directly bolted to the floor.

The occupant belt (4) consists of a shoulder belt and a lap belt. The occupant belt can share the floor fitting with one of the rear tie-downs or have its own. A shoulder belt does, however, require the attachment of the upper anchorage (or 3rd point) in the vehicle, this is usually in the form of a piece of rail known as a cant rail.

Step 1: Floor attachment
How to attach restraints to the vehicle floor.

Step 2: Type of tie-down
Choose the type of tie-down.

Step 3: Wheelchair attachment
How to attach the tie-down to the wheelchair.

Step 4: Occupant belt
How to secure the passenger.

A complete guide to WTORS
If the task of choosing the correct wheelchair securement system seems daunting, you should visit our product guide. Here you will find out more about the individual parts and understand how different products are combined.

Product guide

A crash-test dummy in a wheelchair on a test sled.

Safety

At our two Safety Centers in Sweden and UK, our Design Engineers and our Test engineers work in close cooperation by constantly developing, testing and improving our products to make sure our products comply with wheelchair securement standards and regulations.  

Learn more   

"You need to have peace of mind that the products you are using will keep your passengers safe, and the BraunAbilitys range gives us precisely that."

Mathew Smith
Marketing Manager, GM Coachwork

More testimonials   

Question mark in a speech balloon.

FAQ

Equally important to having the right products is having the knowledge on how to use them. Our FAQ will answer the most common questions on how to safely secure any wheelchair and user.

Learn more   

Historic photo showing an early model of wheelchair tie-downs.

Our history

Our legacy in this field dates back to 1960 when Norman Unwin invented the world's first device to secure a wheelchair in a vehicle. Ever since then we've been championing everyone's right to equal safety.

Kits to help you choose 

With the industry's largest product portfolio we certainly have something for everyone. But, having much to choose from also increases complexity. To remedy this, we've put together a number of kits. A set of products that work for a particular type of use and vehicle.

Contact us today for sales inquiries and further information.

   BraunAbility

 

Classic range kits

These are our tried and tested workhorses for wheelchair and occupant securement. It's also our most complete range. The most significant difference from the Compact range is that the ends of the occupant restraints have a metal tongue. These tongues are then connected to a buckle on a stalk or webbing.

The contents of Kit 1

KIT 1
2 x adjustable strap with tongue & buckle
2 x static strap with tongue & buckle

(ROBT + RFT)

The contents of Kit 2

KIT 2
2 x adjustable strap with karabiner
2 x static strap with tongue & buckle

(ROBK + RFT)

The contents of Kit 3

KIT 3
1 x 3-point belt*
2 x adjustable strap with karabiner
2 x static strap with tongue & buckle

(DI + ROBK + RFT)
* to optimise safety, we recommend combining the 3-point belt with a 3rd point upper anchorage.

The contents of Kit 4

KIT 4
1 x upper anchorage (rail)
1 x 3-point belt
2 x adjustable strap with karabiner
2 x static strap with tongue & buckle

(3PTRN + DI + ROBK + RFT)

The contents of Kit 5

KIT 5
1 x upper anchorage (rail)
2 x adjustable strap with karabiner and 3-point belt
2 x static strap with tongue & buckle

(3PTRN + DI-ROBK + RFT) 

The contents of Kit 6-10

KIT 6
1 x upper anchorage (rail)
1 x 3-point belt
2 x retractor with karabiner
2 x static strap with tongue & buckle

(3PTRN + DI + RQPK + RFT)

The contents of Kit 7-10

KIT 7
1 x upper anchorage (rail)
1 x 3-point belt
4 x retractor with karabiner

(3PTRN + DI + 2 x RQPK)

The contents of Kit 8

KIT 8
1 x upper anchorage (rail)
2 x retractor with karabiner and 3-point belt
2 x static strap with tongue & buckle

(3PTRN + DI-SQMK + SFT)

The contents of Kit 9

KIT 9 (Titan)
6 x adjustable strap with karabiner
1 x upper anchorage (rail)
1 x 3-point belt

(OR03 + OF08 + 3PTRN + DI)

The contents of Kit 10

KIT 10 (Titan)
6 x adjustable strap with karabiner
2 x upper anchorage (bolt)
1 x 3-point belt

(OR03 + OF08 + 2 x 3PTFN + DI)

The contents of Kit 11

KIT 11 (Titan)
6 x adjustable strap with karabiner
1 x upper anchorage (bolt)
1 x 3-point belt

(OR03 + OF08 + 3PTFN + DI)

The contents of Kit 13-10

KIT 13
1 x 3-point belt with upper anchorage (rail)
2 x Express retractor with J-hook and stalk
2 x Express retractor with J-hook

(PSR-11470-A + SBT-07892-A + SBT-07893-A + K-RQE10MJ + RQE10MJ)

 

Compact range kits

A full kit in the Compact range is leaner than its counterpart from our Classic range. Instead of a stalk, all retractors come with a metal tongue and the buckle is located on the occupant restraint. This eliminates the need for a separate stalk and gives you a more compact system.

The contents of Kit 15

KIT 15
1 x WAV belt with bolts
4 x retractor with tongue & buckle

(T-WBB + 2 x T-RQ10PT)

The contents of Kit 16

KIT 16
1 x WAV belt for rail
4 x retractor with tongue & buckle

(T-WRR + 2 x T-RQ10PT)

The contents of Kit 17

KIT 17
1 x WAV belt with bolts
4 x Express retractor with tongue & buckle

(T-WBB + 2 x T-RQE10MT)

The contents of Kit 18

KIT 18
1 x WAV belt for rail
4 x Express retractor with tongue & buckle

(T-WRR + 2 x T-RQE10MT)

The contents of Kit 19

KIT 19
1 x WAV belt with bolts
4 x retractor with J-hook

(T-WBB + 2 x T-RQ10PJ)

The contents of Kit 20

KIT 20
1 x WAV belt for rail
4 x retractor with J-hook

(T-WRR + 2 x T-RQ10PJ)

The contents of Kit 21

KIT 21
1 x WAV belt with bolts
4 x Express retractor with J-hook

(T-WBB + 2 x T-RQE10MJ)

The contents of Kit 22

KIT 22
1 x WAV belt for rail
4 x Express retractor with J-hook

(T-WRR + 2 x T-RQE10MJ)

The contents of Kit 23

KIT 23
1 x WAV belt with bolts
4 x Express retractor with tongue & buckle

(T-WBB + 2 x T-SQE10MT)

The contents of Kit 24

KIT 24
1 x WAV belt with bolts
4 x retractor with J-hook

(T-WBB + 2 x T-SQ10PJ)

The contents of Kit 25

KIT 25
1 x WAV belt with bolts
4 x Express retractor with J-hook

(T-WBB + 2 x T-SQE10MJ)

 

DIN-compliant kits

This set of kits is based on the Compact range but was optimized and tested in accordance with the German DIN 75078 standard. These kits include different heavy-duty retractors, wheelchair attachments, and shoulder belt attachments.

The contents of DIN-Kit 1

DIN-KIT 1
1 x Static lap belt
1 x Shoulder belt with adjustable height (rail)
 2 x Express retractor with J-hook
 2 x Express HD retractor with karabiner

(T-LBS + T-SARR + T-RQE10MJ + RQE16MK)

The contents of DIN-Kit 2

DIN-KIT 2
1 x Static lap belt
1 x Shoulder belt with adjustable height (rail)
 2 x retractor with tongue & buckle
 2 x Express HD retractor with karabiner

(T-LBS + T-SARR + T-RQ10MT + RQE16MK)

The contents of DIN-Kit 3

DIN-KIT 3
1 x Static lap belt
1 x Shoulder belt with adjustable height (rail)
 2 x retractor with J-hook
 2 x Express HD retractor with karabiner

(T-LBS + T-SARR + T-RQ10MJ + RQE16MK)

The contents of DIN-Kit 4

DIN-KIT 4
1 x Static lap belt
1 x Shoulder belt with adjustable height (bolted)
 2 x Express retractor with J-hook
 2 x Express HD retractor with karabiner

(T-LBS + T-SABB + T-RQ10MJ + RQE16MK)

A guide to our WTORS range

Our range of wheelchair and occupant securement systems is most likely the widest range offered by any company today. This means you have the ability to tailor a system that suits your needs, down to the very smallest detail. An unfortunate side effect of this is that sometimes you don't know where to start.

To remedy this, we created this guide to help you understand our range and explain its various options. The guide breaks everything down into the smallest detail and explains the options you must decide upon before moving to the next step.

Contents

  1. Floor attachment
  2. Type of tie-down
  3. Wheelchair attachment
  4. Occupant belt

Contact us today for sales inquiries and further information.

   BraunAbility

 

Step 1: Floor attachment

There are three different ways to attach WTORS to the vehicle's floor: Solo floor anchors, rails or permanently bolted to the floor. 

Closeup of a solo anchor.

Solo floor anchor
When using this type of floor attachment the vehicle gets a dedicated wheelchair space. However, everything above the anchors can be removed thus making the space available for other uses. The static solo floor anchors protrude slightly from the floor while our spring-loaded solo floor anchors stay almost flush with the floor.     

Closeup of a rail.

Rail
While rails are the most invasive modification to the vehicle itself they offer unsurpassed flexibility in flooring layout. Seats can quickly be removed to make room for wheelchair users or vice versa. Rails can be installed as either individual tracks or as a full aluminium floor.

Closeup a bracket for bolt attachment.

Bolted
Bolting the tie-downs to the floor will permanently dedicate an area of the vehicle as a wheelchair space. This can in certain cases be a quicker solution as well as help eliminate uncertainties for the operator.  

 

Step 2: Type of tie-down 

The tie-down is the part that applies tension to the floor fitting and the wheelchair fixing. We supply four types of tie-downs: Over-centre buckle, Quattro, Quattro Express and Electric Reels.

Close up of an over-centre buckle.

Over-centre buckle
The simplest tie-down is named by their tensioning mechanism, over-centre buckle. These tie-downs are relatively light-weight but in comparison to our other tie-downs, they are time consuming to use. We do not recommend over-centre buckle in installations where space is tight as they require the operator to be able to move freely around the wheelchair.     

Two Quattro retractors, one black and one silver.

Quattro
Our Quattro tie-downs consists of a spool of webbing under a metal or plastic casing. Pressing the yellow release button will enable you to pull out webbing to the desired length. Tension is applied by turning the knobs on the side. 

Two Quattro Express retractors, one black and one silver.

Quattro Express
As opposed to the standard Quattro, the Express version has a self-tensioning webbing. In other words, the webbing will spool itself back into the retractor when not attached. The operator can apply final tension by turning the knobs on the side.

Two electric reels.

Electric reels (front only)
Electric reels can only be used as the two front tie-downs. However, they can be very beneficial in terms of space. Electric reels can be built into the vehicle and thereby making the dedicated wheelchair space substantially smaller. Electric Reels can also be used as an aid for the operator when loading the wheelchair.  

HD is for Heavy Duty
The standard weight capacity for wheelchair tie-downs required by ISO 10542 is 85 kg. We test all our tie-downs to 100 kg and up which means they are well within the ISO 10542 requirements.

In some cases, the wheelchair you need to transport weighs more than 85 kg. For those wheelchairs, we have our HD (heavy duty) retractors, capable of securing wheelchairs weighing up to 160 kg.

 

Step 3: Wheelchair attachment

The wheelchair attachment, or fixings, is what secures the wheelchair to the tie-down. Our range consists of four different fixings: Tongue & Buckle, Hook, J-Hook and Karabiner.

Closeup of tongue and buckle

Tongue & Buckle
Easy to use and versatile. The standard seat belt buckle mechanism makes this type of wheelchair fixing a familiar experience for any vehicle operator. Additionally, the webbing strap makes it possible to secure most wheelchair frames.    

Closeup of a hook.

Hook
Our hook is designed to be as safe as possible. The most visible part of this design is the "accidental release node”. This small bump at the tip of the hook helps keep the hook in place after the initial impact. Sort of like the barb on a fishing hook.

Closeup of a J-hook.

J-hook
This hook is our version of the no-frills standard hook. It has no left/right direction and the wide inner diameter fits most wheelchair frames, making securement fast and hassle-free. No wonder it's our most popular wheelchair fixing.

Closeup of a karabiner.

Karabiner
The karabiner is the safest way to attach a wheelchair to the tie-downs. A karabiner is simple to put on and take off and with a bit of practice, both actions can be performed one-handed.

 

Step 4: Occupant belt

While the wheelchair tie-down ensures that the wheelchair is properly secured it's only half the job. To provide a safe journey to the person seated in the wheelchair a 3-point occupant belt must be used.

What separates our Classic range from our Compact range is the way the occupant belt connects to the vehicle floor. In our Classic range, the belt connects to a stalk with a female connector. Whereas the Compact range uses retractors with integrated male connectors.

Occupant Belt Floor Connection

Various seat belt stalks.

Stalk - Classic Range
As the name suggests the seat belt buckle is placed on a stalk, or more accurately, a robust metal wire encased in rubber. A benefit of the long stalk is that it raises the buckle off the floor and makes it easier to reach. This is commonly found in vehicles where the buckle is not directly attached to the seat. A stalk is either stand-alone or attached to the wheelchair tie-downs. 

Closeup of the tongue on a Compact range retractor.

Tongue - Compact Range
By having the occupant seat belt attachment piggyback on the retractor you get a very compact tie-down solution. This is not only convenient for the operator in terms of fewer parts but also reduces the tripping hazard to a minimum.

Static occupant belts

A static 3-point belt.

Static 3-point belt
Includes both a lap belt and a shoulder belt. The static 3-point belt is manually adjustable in length and fits most users and wheelchairs.

A static lap belt.

Static lap belt
Includes only a lap belt. The static 2-point belt is manually adjustable in length and fits most users and wheelchairs.

A 2-point static harness.

2-point Static Harness
A 2-point lap belt with an integrated posture belt that provides stability for the upper body to achieve an upright sitting position.

Retractable occupant belts

A double inertia reel.

Double Inertia
A retractable lap belt and shoulder belt in one package. To make a complete 3-point belt the Double Inertia requires a stalk and a 3rd point upper anchorage.

A WAV belt.

WAV belt
A complete retractable 3-point seat belt. The Compact range version attaches directly to the retractors. The Classic range version requires two additional stalks to attach the belt to the vehicle's floor.

3rd point upper anchorages – Classic range

Two 3rd point upper anchorages.

Standard
3rd point upper anchorage webbing with female buckle. These anchorages are for use with our Classic range and available as bolted or rail fitting.

Shoulder Belts – Compact range

A fixed height shoulder belt.

Fixed height
A fixed height retractable shoulder belt. Makes a complete 3-point belt when combined with our Compact range lap belts.

An adjustable height shoulder belt.

Adjustable height
A height-adjustable retractable shoulder belt. Makes a complete 3-point belt when combined with our Compact range lap belts.

 

 

Testimonials

We could go on and on about our USPs, our great legacy and our safety features but it wouldn't mean anything if our customers didn't feel the same way. Here are a few words from companies that have been using our products for a long time. 

 

Back view of a person sitting in a wheelchair that is secured with tie-downs.

GM Coachwork

“When it comes to passenger safety we feel totally confident using BraunAbilitys restraints. In our position as a vehicle convertor you need to have peace of mind that the products you are using will keep your passengers safe, and the BraunAbilitys range gives us precisely that.”

Mathew Smith
Marketing Manager, GM Coachwork
UNITED KINGDOM

Side view of a man securing an elderly woman in a wheelchair for transport in a vehicle.

Brotherwood Automobility

“Brotherwood use BraunAbility wheelchair tie-downs and occupant restraints across our range of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles. For over 30 years their trusted products have provided peace of mind for our clients, ensuring that they can travel safely and securely in the knowledge that their vehicle and restraints has been tested to the highest possible standards for safety.

BraunAbility restraint systems are also incredibly easy to use; making the process of safely securing the wheelchair user within a Brotherwood vehicle fast and convenient. The range of options available ensures that we can provide a safe restraint system in each of our vehicles for wheelchairs of all sizes and weights.”

John Daniel
Managing Director, Brotherwood Automobility
UNITED KINGDOM

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Equally important to having the right products is having the knowledge on how to use them. Our FAQ will answer the most common questions on how to safely secure any wheelchair and user.

 

BraunAbility / Performance / Safety

Are your WTORS tested for safety?
Yes, all BraunAbility WTORS are tested to the regulation for wheelchair securement, ISO 10542. Some products are also tested to comply with DIN 75078.
How long is the webbing in a retractor?
For our wheelchair tie-downs there is approximately 1 metre of webbing depending which wheelchair fixation you wish to use.
How much does a tie-down weigh?
Between 3 to 4 kilograms per pair, depending on the type.
How do I know the weight the tie-downs will hold?
The minimum requirement for testing tie-downs is 85 kg. Our straps start at 100 kg and up. Keep in mind that the tie-downs only need to handle the weight of the wheelchair. The user’s weight is handled by the occupant restraint.
Does the weight capacity of the tie-down include the weight of the person seated in the wheelchair?
No, the weight of the tie-down is only for the wheelchair. The weight of the person is included in the lap and diagonal belt i.e. same as normal seat.
Are all wheelchairs safe for use in a vehicle?
No, not all of them. Look for the two karabiner symbols on the frame of the wheelchair. If you find these it means two things.

1. First of all, the wheelchair in question is tested for transportation.
2. Secondly, you only fit the karabiners/hooks/webbing in these locations. If there are no markings on the wheelchair refer to the wheelchair manufacturer’s manual to see if it is tested to ISO 7176.

Karabiner symbol on wheelchair frame.

 

Usage

If my wheelchair already has a belt, do I still need to use an occupant belt?
Yes, you must always use an occupant belt. A wheelchair belt is not the same thing and has not been tested to the same standards. WTORS are tested as a full set working together.
Can I use tie-downs from one brand with flooring tracks from another?
No, only use the same branded products together. WTORS are systems and as such they are designed and tested in combination.
Can I use tie-downs from one brand with occupant restraints from another?
No, only use the same branded products together. WTORS are systems and as such they are designed and tested in combination.
Can I cross the straps when securing a wheelchair for transport?
No, never! The tie-downs should all be in parallel with the wheelchair and must be located directly behind and in front on the track. Crossing the straps could cause the wheelchair to collapse.
If my vehicle is fitted with an upper 3rd point for the lap and shoulder belts, do I have to use it?
Yes – as required by law, this is also a requirement of ISO 10542 which applies to M1 vehicles.
Where on the wheelchair do I attach the karabiners, hooks or webbing?
Look for the karabiner symbols on the frame of the wheelchair, these symbols indicate where you should attach the tie-downs. If there are no symbols, refer to the wheelchair manufacturer’s manual.

Karabiner symbol on wheelchair frame.
Can I place my wheelchair over any track in the vehicle’s floor when securing it for transport?
No, use two tracks that go just in between the wheels, approximately 300-400mm width track.
How many tie-downs do I need to properly secure a wheelchair for transport?
At least four, two in the back and two in the front. For heavy duty tie-downs there might be different needs, check with the manufacturer.
How far away or close to the wheelchair do I need to place the tie-downs?
Place the tie-down so that the webbing attaches to the wheelchair at 45° angle from the floor of the vehicle.

Diagram showing the correct angles of wheelchair tie-downs.

 

General

How often should I replace a wheelchair tie-downs or restraint belts?
You should check your equipment regularly for wear and tear. Any sign of fraying means they should be replaced.
Can you travel in a taxi with a wheelchair with no tie-down points?
This depends on the transport regulations in your country and what type of vehicle you are travelling in.
What type of seat belts can you use with a wheelchair?
Always use 3-point occupant belts or a combination of a separate lap and shoulder belt.
What type of seat belt is required for a wheelchair occupant?
Use an occupant belt that has been tested to ISO 10542 and is of the same brand as your wheelchair tie-downs.
My vehicle has a wheelchair docking station, do I still need to use tie-downs for my wheelchair?
No.
What is ISO 10542?
It is a safety standard that specifies how to test Wheelchair Tie-downs and Occupant Restraint Systems (WTORS).

Learn more: https://www.iso.org/standard/60372.html

Contact us today for sales inquiries and further information.

   BraunAbility

     
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