Federal Register Regulations for Wheelchair Vans and Buses

The American With Disabilities Act requires adequate accessibility, maneuvering space and safety restraints for wheelchair-bound people on all public buses and vans. Several proposed changes to the regulation are currently under review to clarify specific requirements.

Ramps

• Wheelchair ramps onto public buses and vans should have a nominal ramp ratio of 1 to 4, meaning the length of the ramp should be four times as long as the height of the bus. Newer vehicles with a lift gate can be used instead of a ramp.

Doorway Clearance and Maneuverability

• Regulations require bus and van doorways to accommodate wheelchairs that are up to 30 inches wide and 48 inches long. The doorways must also provide sufficient room to maneuver from the door to a wheelchair space within the vehicle.

Securing System

• Buses and vans are required to provide systems to secure wheelchairs with the passenger facing forward or backward. A wheelchair-bound passenger cannot face sideways. Security systems must be designed to withstand 4,000 pounds of force.