Free Form Seating Passes WC-20 & ISO 16840-4 Crash Testing
- Marketing
- Jan 1, 2023
- 1 min read
Updated: May 19
OVERVIEW
Symmetric Designs' Free Form Back Support has successfully passed WC-20 and ISO 16840-4 crash testing, as of January 2023. This certification confirms that Free Form meets the internationally recognised safety standards for wheelchair seating systems used in motor vehicle transportation.
WHAT THE STANDARDS REQUIRE
WC-20 (ANSI/RESNA WC-20) is the North American standard for wheelchairs used as seats in motor vehicles. It establishes requirements for the wheelchair itself and for equipment mounted to it, including seating components, to withstand the forces experienced in a frontal vehicle collision without causing injury to the occupant or surrounding passengers.
ISO 16840-4 is the international equivalent, specifying test methods and performance requirements for wheelchair seating systems evaluated under crash conditions. Both standards require that the seating component remain attached and intact under significant deceleration forces, and that it does not create secondary hazards during an impact event.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Many wheelchair users travel in their chairs as vehicle seats, in adapted vans, accessible transit, or other motor vehicles. Until seating equipment carries crash test certification, its safety during transportation is unverified. The certification of Free Form Seating under both  WC-20 & ISO 16840-4 means clinicians, users, and caregivers can have documented confidence that the back support will perform safely in a vehicle collision when properly installed.
This certification is particularly relevant for clients who travel regularly in wheelchairs, and for institutions and transportation providers that require certified equipment.
DOCUMENTATION
For more information about Free Form, visit the Free Form Seating page.
The full crash test report is available as a PDF download below.
