Wheelchair Testing

HERL’s testing laboratory is set up to perform many of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and North American (ANSI/RESNA) standards tests for manual and powered wheelchairs as well as lower-limb prosthetics. These testing facilities, which include hydraulic material testing frames, an environmental test chamber, and wheelchair fatigue testing machines, allow HERL’s researchers to determine the safety and efficacy of their designs for mobility aids as well as test the quality of mobility products already on the market. Plainly put: HERL’s testing facilities lead directly to better wheelchairs.Furthermore, as one of the only independent wheelchair testing facilities in the country, HERL is frequently contacted by mobility device manufacturers to perform tests required by regulatory agencies on their products. Because of this well-equipped facility and extensive experience with standards testing for wheelchairs, HERL is one of the major contributors to the ongoing development of international and North American standards for wheelchairs in order to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to high quality devices.