What tilt and recline angles are acceptable in motor-vehicle transportation and what are the potential negative consequences of reclining an occupant too much?
First of all, it should be noted that WC19 does not place any requirements on the backrest recline or seat tilt angles used to transport persons in wheelchairs. WC19 only places requirements on tilt and recline angles provided for in the wheelchair design, and on preferred and recommended tilt and recline angles that must be specified in the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings to the user . The only design requirement that WC19 places on the wheelchair is that the backrest frame is capable of being tilted to within 30 degrees of vertical and that the seat frame can be positioned within 30 degrees of horizontal. That is, WC19 requires that the wheelchair allow the wheelchair user to attain a seated posture. Stretchers, beds, and other devices that might be used with some disabled persons will therefore not comply with WC19. WC19 also requires manufacturers of wheelchairs designed for use in transportation to provide instructions and warnings in the wheelchair literature that the wh
