Defect Investigation Detail

RICON / WHEELCHAIR LIFT / 9999

Components - Details
NHTSA Action Number: PE12015 Vehicale/Equipment Name: RICON
Vehicale/Equipment Model: WHEELCHAIR LIFT Vehicale/Equipment Year: 9999
Component Name: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY Manufacturer's Name: Ricon Corporation
Date Opened: Jun, 14 2012 Date Closed: Jan, 09 2013
Subject: Wheelchair restraint failure Summary: This investigation was opened based upon allegations made by the new york city transit authority (nycta) regarding the operation of a subject lift installed on one of itsmci motorcoaches.on march 6, 2012, an occupied powered wheelchair rolled off an elevated subject lift, injuring the occupant.while looking into this incident, odi found that nycta personnel had failed to utilize the original equipment wheel chair restraint (an interlocked safety belt in this case).normally, failing to use the belt would mean the lift could not be raised.this is because, to comply with fmvss 403, s6.4.7.1 and s7.7.2.2, the lift manufacturer's (ricon) wheel chair retention device incorporates an interlocked belt.with the required interlock, if the belt is not latched, the lift will not operate.however, nyct failed to use the belt and intentionally disabled the interlock.odi is unaware of any other incidents of wheelchair roll-away involving the subject lifts. given these facts, a defect trend related to the subject lifts wheel chair retention system has not been identified and this pe is closed.