What is a 4-point wheelchair tie-down system?

A 4-point tie-down uses four retractors or straps — two at the front and two at the rear of the wheelchair — to secure the chair to the vehicle floor. When combined with a lap and shoulder belt for the occupant, it meets federal ADA and WC18 securement standards for paratransit, NEMT, and school bus transport.

Is wheelchair securement required by law?

Yes. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all public transit vehicles equipped to transport wheelchair users must have an approved securement system. NEMT providers, paratransit operators, and school bus fleets are all subject to federal and state securement regulations. Failure to comply can result in fines and significant liability in the event of an accident.

What does WC18 compliant mean?

WC18 is the RESNA/ANSI standard that defines performance requirements for wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint systems (WTORS). WC18-compliant products have been crash-tested to withstand higher load forces than previous standards, providing greater protection for wheelchair users in the event of a collision or sudden stop.

Which wheelchair securement brands do you carry?

We are an authorized dealer for Q'Straint, AMF Bruns, and Sure-Lok — the three leading manufacturers of wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint systems worldwide. All products meet or exceed WC18 compliance standards where applicable.

What is the difference between an L-track and a Slide N' Click system?

L-track is a recessed floor channel that accepts fittings at any point along its length, giving installers maximum flexibility in retractor placement. Slide N' Click is Q'Straint's proprietary system using pre-set anchor points that allow faster, tool-free securement — popular in high-volume paratransit operations where speed of securement matters.

What is the difference between a manual and retractable wheelchair strap?

Manual straps are fixed-length webbing straps with a hook or loop connection — simple, affordable, and reliable. Retractable systems use a spring-loaded mechanism to automatically take up slack, making securement faster and reducing trip hazards from loose webbing. Electric retractors add powered retraction, ideal for operators or drivers with limited hand strength or mobility.

Do you offer fleet pricing for multiple vehicles?

Yes. We offer fleet pricing for operators outfitting five or more vehicles. Submit your vehicle count, vehicle type, and preferred brand through our Fleet Quote form and a specialist will respond within one business day.

Do your products come with installation instructions?

Yes. All products ship with manufacturer installation guides. We also maintain a full library of installation and user guides on our website for Q'Straint, AMF Bruns, and Sure-Lok products. Our specialists are also available by phone at 800.884.6456 if you need installation support at no charge.

Optional Track D: Ambulance and Medical Transport Securement Training

Free Driver Training · Optional Track D

Ambulance and Medical Transport

Take this track if you work on an ambulance, stretcher van or medical transport unit. Your certificate will read Core plus Ambulance and Medical. State EMS rules, your service's protocols and the equipment makers' instructions come first. Reading time: about 6 minutes.

After this track you will be able to:

Use the right securement system for a cot, a wheelchair or other equipment.
Keep crew, patient and equipment secured.
Document the transport.

Different equipment, different systems

A stretcher or cot is secured with a system built for it, such as a cot fastener or docking system that locks into floor mounts. A wheelchair is secured with a wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint system. They are not interchangeable. If your unit carries seated wheelchair riders, it needs a wheelchair securement system with the right floor anchors, not only a cot mount. See the AMBULOK entry in the glossary for one example of a cot system.

Key pointMatch the system to the equipment, and use each one only as its maker directs.

Crew, patient and equipment

Everyone in the vehicle needs a belt appropriate to their seat, including crew and family members. Oxygen cylinders, monitors, pumps, bags and medical devices must be mounted or restrained so they cannot move in a crash. Patient care may take the crew away from belts at times, so follow your service's protocol for when to belt in and when to stop the vehicle.

Safety warningUnsecured equipment in the patient compartment can injure everyone in it. Mount it, strap it or stow it before the vehicle moves.

Weight and fit

Check the combined weight of the patient and the cot or chair against the ratings of the cot, mounts, lift and tie-downs. Use equipment rated for bariatric patients when needed. Never exceed a rating.

Cleaning and records

Clean and disinfect securement equipment, belts and surfaces after use, as your service and the maker direct. Keep your daily checks and equipment inspections up to date, and document each transport as your service requires. After a crash or heavy loading, take securement equipment out of service until it is inspected.

What the manufacturer saysThe cot maker, the mount maker and the wheelchair securement maker each publish their own instructions. Follow each one for its own equipment.

Need help?Not sure what your unit needs? Call 800.884.6456 or email info@wheelchairstrap.com. Our Wheelchair Securement Glossary explains any term in this track.

Track D knowledge check

10 questions. You need 9 correct to pass. You will see right away whether each answer is correct.

Track D sources: WheelchairStrap.com: AMBULOK Cot Securement, A Buyer's Guide for Ambulance Operators · WheelchairStrap.com: Ambulance Floor Securement Standards

Back to the Hub Take the Final Test

This training is general educational guidance from WheelchairStrap.com. It does not replace the instructions of your equipment manufacturers, your employer's policies, or applicable laws and regulations. Completing it is not an official certification. WheelchairStrap.com, 1015 N I-35E, Suite 218, Carrollton, TX 75019 · 800.884.6456 · info@wheelchairstrap.com