Experimental Evaluation of Manual and Powered Wheelchairs Using Sled Impact Test

Shinwook Kwon; Hyung Wo Park; Yongwoo Lee

doi:10.22680/kasa2026.18.2.022

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2026 Vol.18, Issue 2 Preview Page Next Page

Experimental Evaluation of Manual and Powered Wheelchairs Using Sled Impact Test 수동 및 전동 휠체어의 충돌 모의 시험(Sled test) 평가 연구

30 June 2026. pp. 22-30

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Abstract

This study investigates the crashworthiness of commercially available manual and powered wheelchairs when used as vehicle seats. Sled impact tests were conducted in compliance with the ISO 7176-19 standard using three manual and three powered wheelchair models. A four-point tiedown system and a three-point occupant restraint belt were applied in each test to evaluate dynamic crash performance. The structural integrity of the wheelchairs and the injury criteria of the anthropomorphic test device (ATD)-including HIC, neck force, chest acceleration, and femur force were analyzed. Except for one model, the backrest structures of all wheelchairs failed to meet the ISO 7176-19 structural strength requirements, whereas the ATD injury metrics satisfied the KMVSS safety thresholds. Notably, the rear tiedown hooks of powered wheelchairs fractured during impact, indicating that the current ISO standard, which is based on a surrogate wheelchair configuration, may not adequately account for the increased mass and dynamic loads of powered models. The findings highlight the need to reassess and reinforce tiedown strength requirements and to develop supplementary safety criteria that reflect the structural and mass characteristics of powered wheelchairs.

Keywords

Wheelchair safety evaluation(휠체어 안전성 평가)

Sled test(슬레드 시험)

Crash safety(충돌 안전성)

ISO 7176-19 standard(ISO 7176-19 표준)

Manual and powered wheelchairs(수동 및 전동 휠체어)

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Information

Publisher :Korean Auto-vehicle Safety Association
Publisher(Ko) :한국자동차모빌리티안전학회
Journal Title :Journal of Auto-vehicle Safety Association
Journal Title(Ko) :자동차안전학회지
Volume : 18
No :2
Pages :22-30
Received Date : 2025-10-31
Revised Date : 2026-04-07
Accepted Date : 2026-04-17
DOI :https://doi.org/10.22680/kasa2026.18.2.022

Journal of Auto-vehicle Safety Association ISSN:2005-9396(Print) 자동차안전학회지

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