title: User evaluation of three wheelchair securement systems in large accessible transit vehicles.
abstract: Ease of use, comfort, security, and independent use of three types of wheelchair securement systems were evaluated in a large accessible transit vehicle by 20 wheelchair and scooter users. The securement systems included a 4-point tie-down system, a prototype autodocking system, and a prototype rear-facing wheelchair passenger (RF-WP) system. Study participants took a 15-minute city ride and completed a survey. Participants responded positively to the autodocking and RF-WP systems that were quicker and easier to use and allowed more independent use than the 4-point tie-down system (p < 0.001). There was concern regarding the RF-WP system that rear-facing travel made it more difficult to see upcoming stops and was less comfortable than a forward-facing ride and that the system may damage wheelchair wheels during use. The majority of participants preferred using an autodocking system because it allowed secure and independent forward-facing travel. Participants found it undesirable, however, that a wheelchair-mounted docking adaptor was needed to use the autodocking system. Study results indicate a need for improved securement systems for forward-facing use that do not require a wheelchair adaptation and can be easily and independently used by wheelchair and scooter users.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wheelchair Transportation Safety, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA. info@lincdesign.biz
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: van Roosmalen
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Karg
authors.forename: Douglas
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hobson
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Turkovich
authors.forename: Erik
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Porach
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018986:Motor Vehicles; D012449:Safety; D012622:Seat Belts; D014910:Wheelchairs; D055815:Young Adult