Wheelchair Passport Assessments
Supporting safer travel for wheelchair users
PACTO’s Wheelchair Passport Assessment Programme helps ensure that wheelchair users travel using wheelchairs that are suitable, safe and appropriately crash tested for vehicle transport.
The programme is designed to improve safety, consistency and confidence for wheelchair users, families, carers, drivers and transport providers, particularly where passengers remain seated in their wheelchair during journeys.
What is a Wheelchair Passport?
A Wheelchair Passport is a simple, practical document that records key information about:
- The wheelchair being used
- How it should be positioned and secured in a vehicle
- Any specific safety considerations for transport
It travels with the passenger and can be shared with drivers, passenger assistants, schools, health services and transport providers to support safe, consistent journeys.
Why is this important?
Not all wheelchairs are designed to be used as vehicle seats. Some:
- Have not been crash tested
- Are unsuitable for use with tie‑down systems
- May pose increased risks in emergency braking or collisions
The Wheelchair Passport Assessment Programme helps to:
- Reduce risk of injury during transport
- Ensure wheelchairs used in vehicles are crash‑tested or suitable for transport
- Provide clear guidance for safe loading, positioning and securing
- Support legal, insurance and safeguarding responsibilities
- Give reassurance to wheelchair users and their families
What does the assessment involve?
A MiDAS trained assessor will review the wheelchair and its use in transport, including:
- Wheelchair type and condition
- Whether the wheelchair is crash tested for use as a vehicle seat
- Compatibility with WTORS (Wheelchair Tie‑down and Occupant Restraint Systems)
- Seating position, posture and support during travel
- Any additional equipment or adaptations
- Individual transport needs of the wheelchair user
The assessment is carried out with the person, not just the equipment, and focuses on practical, real‑world transport situations.
What is crash testing and why does it matter?
Crash‑tested wheelchairs have been tested to recognised safety standards to confirm they can withstand forces experienced during vehicle collisions.
Using a crash‑tested wheelchair:
- Provides better protection in the event of an accident
- Works correctly with wheelchair tie‑down and restraint systems
- Reduces risk to the wheelchair user, other passengers and drivers
Where a wheelchair is not crash tested, the assessment will identify this and provide clear advice on:
- Safer alternatives
- Transfer options (where appropriate)
- Steps that can reduce risk during transport
What does the passport include?
The Wheelchair Passport typically records:
- Wheelchair make and model
- Confirmation of crash‑tested status (where applicable)
- Safe transport position
- Securing and restraint requirements
- Key handling or support notes for drivers and assistants
This helps ensure consistent, safe practice, even when different drivers or vehicles are used.
Who is the programme for?
The Wheelchair Passport Assessment Programme is suitable for:
- Wheelchair users of all ages
- Families and carers seeking reassurance about transport safety
- Community transport services
- Education, health and social care transport
- Local authorities and commissioning organisations
- Volunteer and paid drivers
How does this link to MiDAS and WAV driver assessments?
The programme complements:
- MiDAS Accessible training
- Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) driver assessments
- Good practice in the use of WTORS
Together, these help create a whole‑system approach to safer accessible transport.
Outcomes and benefits
- Improved safety for wheelchair users during journeys
- Clear guidance for drivers and passenger assistants
- Reduced uncertainty and risk
- Better information sharing between services
- Reassurance for families and referrers
Cost: £50 per Wheelchair Passport Assessment
Each £50 assessment includes the following:
- A structured, in‑person wheelchair passport assessment carried out by a trained assessor
- Review of the wheelchair’s suitability for vehicle transport, including confirmation of whether the wheelchair is crash tested for use as a vehicle seat
- Assessment of compatibility with WTORS (Wheelchair Tie‑down and Occupant Restraint Systems)
- Consideration of the individual’s transport needs, including posture, support and seating position during travel
- Practical guidance on safe positioning, securing and restraint for use in vehicles
- Completion of a Wheelchair Passport document, recording key safety and handling information
- Clear advice and recommendations where a wheelchair is not suitable for use in transport or where risks are identified
The assessment focuses on real‑world transport safety, supporting consistent and safer journeys across different drivers, vehicles and services.
What the assessment does not include
- Purchase or supply of equipment or wheelchairs
- Mechanical repairs or wheelchair adjustments
- Clinical or prescribing decisions
Where issues are identified, the assessor will provide clear signposting and advice on next steps.
Book a Wheelchair Passport Assessment
To find out more or to arrange an assessment, please contact:
Craig
📞 07535 921528
✉️ craig@pacto.org.uk