A Seamless Journey for Every Ride.
Uniting wheelchair users, industry leaders, transportation providers and policymakers to create safer, standardized transportation for all.
The Reality Today
The Problem with “Good Enough”
For millions of wheelchair users, transportation isn’t a simple choice—it’s a daily challenge. Outdated and inconsistent securement systems lead to preventable injuries, limit travel, and isolate wheelchair users. It’s time to move beyond the manual, four-strap system and embrace a modern solution for a modern world.
The Four-Strap System: A Step-by-Step Problem
The current standard, a cumbersome four-strap tie-down system, is not a solution built for independence. This method requires a driver or caregiver to manually secure the wheelchair by reaching behind and underneath it, a physically demanding process that is impossible for a wheelchair user to perform alone. The system is time-consuming, requires extensive training to be done correctly, and is frequently administered improperly, putting lives at risk.
Beyond the Four-Strap System
While some advanced docking systems exist, they often only work for a single, specific wheelchair in a single, dedicated vehicle. These proprietary solutions are not standardized, meaning a wheelchair user with such a system in their personal car cannot use it in a rideshare, on public transit, or in a different vehicle without a costly and inconvenient modification. This lack of interoperability severely limits travel options and prevents true, independent freedom.
Key Stats:
- 200+ seconds to secure a wheelchair with a four-strap system.
- 75% of wheelchair users report being improperly secured.
- Every day, millions of trips are limited by the lack of secure and independent transportation.
*Note: These statistics are from research on transportation challenges for people with disabilities, including studies by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) and reports from organizations like the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL).
Our Vision
The Future is Secure. The Future is Independent.
Imagine a world where a single, universal attachment feature on a wheelchair allows for seamless, independent travel across all transportation modes—from public transit and rideshares to rail and air. Our vision is to make this a reality, unlocking economic opportunity and personal freedom for wheelchair users everywhere.
SecureRide providing industry insight and technical expertise to modify UDIG standard.
About Us
The Reason We Are Here.
The SecureRide Coalition was formed out of a shared purpose: to advocate for a safe, affordable, and effective wheelchair securement standard across ground, rail, and air transportation. Our ultimate vision is simple—to make independent wheelchair securement a reality, enabling seamless travel across all modes.
The Coalition Driven by Shared Purpose.
We are a coalition of industry leaders, innovators, and advocates. From pioneers in wheelchair manufacturing to trailblazers in transportation, we’ve come together to achieve universal securement and empower travel for all.
Innovation for Independence
Imagine the Future: The Secure Ride Standard
The Secure Ride Coalition is advocating for a universal docking system standard that would create a new era of independent travel. This solution is simple yet transformative: it would establish a standardized interface on all wheelchairs—a single, universal docking point.
This universal design would allow a wheelchair to be used seamlessly across a variety of transportation modes, from buses and trains to rideshares and planes. Once inside a vehicle, the wheelchair user would simply align with a docking station—a process they can perform completely on their own—and the system would lock into place, providing a secure and reliable ride without the need for assistance from a driver or caregiver. This system would not only align with the safety standards of WC19 but would also eliminate the hassle and risk associated with outdated securement methods, making spontaneous, independent travel a reality.
A Win-Win-Win Solution
SecureRide Can Benefit Millions
- For Wheelchair Users: Independence, safety, peace of mind, and spontaneity.
- For Transportation Providers: Improved efficiency, reduced liability, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
- For Clinicians & Installers: Streamlined prescription, easier installation, consistent safety protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Secure Ride Coalition?
A: We are a diverse group of industry leaders, advocates, and innovators working to create a universal standard for wheelchair securement. Our goal is to make travel safer, more independent, and more accessible for everyone who uses a wheelchair.
Q: What is the main problem with current securement methods?
A: The most common method, the four-strap tie-down system, is manual, time-consuming, and difficult for wheelchair users to perform independently. While some private docking systems exist, they are not standardized and cannot be used across different vehicles or transportation modes, which severely limits a person’s freedom.
Q: How would a universal securement standard work?
A: Our vision is a simple, standardized docking point on all wheelchairs that would work with a corresponding docking station in any vehicle. This would allow a wheelchair user to secure themselves with ease, without assistance from a driver or caregiver, and seamlessly transfer between transportation options like rideshares, public transit, and even planes.
Q: Why is a universal standard important?
A: A universal standard ensures safety by providing a reliable and consistent method for securement. More importantly, it promotes independence and spontaneity, allowing wheelchair users the freedom to travel when and where they want. This unlocks opportunities for employment, community engagement, and personal fulfillment.
Q: How can I get involved and help?
A: Your voice is essential to our mission. You can help by sharing your personal transportation story, signing our petition, advocating to your local and federal policymakers, or by simply following us on social media and sharing our campaign content.
Resources
- SecureRide Partner Description
- National Council on Disability’s Ground Transportation Report
- Watch SecureRide’s Presentation to the National Council on Disability
- Responses to DOT’s Request for AV Research Ideas:
Meet the Coalition
The Power of Our Mission Comes From Our Partners.
The Secure Ride Coalition is powered by a diverse group of wheelchair manufacturers, technology innovators, transportation companies, and advocates united for a shared purpose: to empower independent travel for all.
SecureRide Co-Chairs:
SecureRide Coalition Members:
SecureRide Coalition Partners:
