Accessibility

An example of Ratcliff Palfinger’s new RTP range

Making its debut at the Mobility Roadshow earlier this year was Ratcliff Palfinger’s new RTP range of tail lifts. There are three 350kg models in the range, including two horizontal folding platforms and a single piece platform. There are also 500kg capacities in two models, a vertical split variant and a single piece platform. All models in the series have high visibility automatic anti-burst bridge plate and stomp ramps. As an option, they can be activated via a remote control. There are a variety of sizes to fit differing vehicles. One of the defining features of these products is the folding, two piece lockable handrail. Previously, the handrail was a single component that stuck up vertically when the lift was folded, limiting how big it could be. Being foldable means it can now be as long as required without getting in the way.

Vapor Ricon’s newest addition to its S Series, the S2038 split platform lift

Vapor Ricon have also released a new passenger lift recently, the latest in its S Series. Like the rest of its range, the new S2038 split platform lift features the Ricon Safety zone front and rear roll-stops and handrails. The platform splits in half when folding away, giving the driver a clear view out the rear window. The bariatric lift is capable of taking weights of up to 500kg and is available with built in alarms and ski wheels. As an optional extra, the handrails can be covered in an anti-microbial coating.

Offering a range of ramps is Autoadapt, which provides a range of telescopic, foldable and kerb ramps that would be ideal for helping wheelchair users on and off board vehicles, as well as for gaining access elsewhere at their destinations. Its wheelchair ramps for vehicle installation have a surface treatment for improving the grip to make loading and unloading easier and safer. They are secured in the vehicle with its floor mounting plates and are designed to be mounted or removed in one step. Their perforations allow the driver to see through the folded ramp in the rear view mirror. The company also has a number of wheelchair lifts available for vehicle fitment.

One of the biggest developments at Autoadapt of late is its acquisition of a 50% equity stake in British wheelchair restraint company, Unwin Safety Systems. The strategic partnership aims to further strengthen Autoadapt’s role as an international supplier of vehicle adaptation products as well as opening up new potential market segments. For Unwin Safety Systems the goal is to increase the export sales to several new markets. Autoadapt cooperates with several leading bus manufacturers globally, a market segment Autoadapt’s Executive Vice President, Peter Wahlsten, expects to increase with the addition of the Unwin Safety Systems products.

Wheelchair restraints and fixings

Unwin’s new winch system, part of its recently launched Solar range

Mentioning Unwin Safety Systems takes us on to wheelchair restraint equipment and related accessories. Unwin was set up 50 years ago by Norman Unwin, who is said to have created the world’s first device to secure wheelchairs in vehicles. Having recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, the company has continued to grow, carrying out all manufacturing, design and testing facilities in its modern factory in Somerset. One of its latest products is its new 5m long motorised winch system, which includes a soft start system for wheelchair users’ comfort. It also has acceleration and speed control, very quiet customer friendly operation and a 300kg payload up to a gradient of 25%. The winch is part of its Solar range for wheelchair accessible vehicles, which have a black and silver contemporary design to better suit the interior colour schemes of these vehicles. According to its manufacturer, their strength is nearly 20% in excess of international standards, and they have quick release mechanisms and secure karabiners. Other community transport and minibus solutions it provides include seats and restraints.

Koller’s FAST range

Wheelchair restraints and fixings specialist, Koller Engineering, has had some great success recently. The family owned company has taken two new clients on board and a 40,000 plus product success in just two months. It has secured an ongoing contract with East Riding Council and 24×7 Ltd, to supply regular sets of its flagship FAST product solution. To fulfil the demand, the team has had to recruit a new machinist. It is providing a free training session for the council and their team members involved in the community transport operation. Koller believes in looking after its clients the ‘old fashioned way’; aiming to provide timely service and added value. According to the company, this particular order saved East Riding Council around £6,000 against Koller’s nearest competitor. 24×7 operates over 350 hire vehicles from two depots in Essex.

Koller’s FAST is a combined restraint designed to save space, featuring fast and simple to operate retractors all round. Each tie-down uses a fully adjustable retractor intended to accommodate any securing situation. The Universal TITUS harness is designed to provide maximum passenger comfort and safety. A three-point belt can be added at any time, which can be clipped into the extra tongue provided as standard on the harness. Throughout its range, its products are designed for comfort and safety for both the operator and wheelchair user.

When it comes to designing and producing wheelchair fitments, one of the most innovative companies involved is NMI, having received the Queens Award for Innovation. Amongst its products are Millennium seat fittings, which improve the flexibility of a minibus’s seating arrangements. The fixings are designed to allow users to easily and simply install and remove seats from floor tracking. It is not just smaller vehicles NMI focuses on, as it has a product for coaches too, the DDA compliant Magic seat system. This sees high back coach seats mounted on specialist fixings. To accommodate a wheelchair, the seat can be reconfigured to create a wheelchair bay. One of the seats contains a foot operated ratchet mechanism containing webbing belts to secure the wheelchair. Everything NMI produces is designed in house and patented. Each new piece of equipment it releases is a consequence of customer feedback. The company continues to develop its products, with a new one to be released in the New Year.

Quantum, the latest innovation from Q’Straint

Perhaps one of the most noteworthy developments in wheelchair passenger access to public transport in the last few months has been Q’Straint’s launch of Quantum. The new wheelchair/mobility scooter restraint product has been described as the transportation industry’s first fully automatic rear facing wheelchair securement station designed for virtually any bus. After wheelchair and scooter passengers have boarded and aligned their chairs with the device, a button is pushed to secure themselves in a stable and safe rear-facing position without driver assistance. The process takes under 25 seconds.

As well as ensuring safety and speeding up boarding times, Quantum also provides a more dignified journey for passengers. It negates the need for drivers to get needlessly close to wheelchair occupants to strap them in, as the chairs are secured automatically. The system’s arms automatically lock into place and continually adjusts grip as needed throughout the journey. Integration with existing vehicle electrical and interlock systems prevents accidental release of a secured wheelchair while the vehicle is in motion. Quantum has received much acclaim already, having won an Innovation award at Busworld Kortrijk.