Are your Vehicle Conversions Up to Australian Standards?

Various different changes and adaptations can be made to a car or van during a modification project, and it is necessary for the safety of the eventual user and other drivers on the road that the relevant Australian Standards are upheld throughout the process.

Many different Australian Standards hold relevance to specific methods of car adaptation and design features found in wheelchair vans and other modified cars. It can be useful to become acquainted with these standards so that you can be sure of the safety and integrity of your  conversion.

Many car modifications in Australia are focussed on swapping an imported car's steering operation from left to right hand drive to make it suitable for use on Australian roads. Various standards and a comprehensive code of practice are available to guide mechanics and other professionals on making the safest and most design conscious conversions possible.

The principles outlined in these standards can also apply to disability modifications, especially when driver adaptations and changes to the brake and steering systems are required.

There are also Australian Standards that specifically apply to the safe and secure transportation of wheelchair users and their mobility equipment. These vehicle conversion standards include AS 2942 “Wheelchair occupant restraint assemblies for motor vehicles” and ISO 7176 “Wheelchairs for use in vehicles.”

While these standards provide comprehensive guidelines and specifications, they are not considered legally binding for mechanics, so it is necessary that you research the information yourself to make sure of the safety of your wheelchair van.