Using Your Brotherwood® WAV: Easy Powered Loading with PAWRS

Brotherwood® Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) can be fitted with PAWRS, a Power Assisted Wheelchair Restraint System, for fast, effortless loading of wheelchair and passenger.

PAWRS is a remote-controlled – no pushing required, simply connect the wheelchair and for effortless loading of combined wheelchair and passenger weights up to 250kg at the press of a button.

This video demonstrates best practice when using your PAWRS device to quickly, easily and safely load your Brotherwood® WAV.

These instructions are intended to raise awareness of safe use, and do not constitute any guarantee. If you are in any doubt as to how to safely use your vehicle, please contact us immediately. This video features our Ford Tourneo Connect WAV conversion.

Step-by-Step Instructions

BEFORE YOU BEGIN – Ensure that you have at least 3 metres of space behind your vehicle, and that the vehicle is parked with the ignition OFF, and the handbrake ON, on a flat, level surface.

00:13 – Open the tailgate and deploy the access ramp. If the ramp is manual, it will be counterbalanced, making it light and easy to handle. Powered ramps can be operated by the remote control provided, or manually if necessary.

00:26 – Position the wheelchair user at the base of the ramp and apply the wheelchair brakes.

00:30 – Press the restraint release button inside the vehicle. The red light should be ON.

00:39 – Pull the front restraint belts from inside the vehicle and attach them to the designated anchor points at the front of the wheelchair.

00:54 – Press the restraint release button inside the vehicle. The red light should be OFF.

01:05 – Release the wheelchair brakes and hold the IN button on the remote control handset. The powered winch system will steadily pull the wheelchair user into the vehicle. The wheelchair can be loaded manually if required, for example should the remote control batteries need replacing.

01:37 – Fit the wheelchair occupant safety belt, ensuring it is safely and comfortably positioned. The safety belt should fit across the wheelchair user’s lap and torso as pictured. Ensure that the belt travels through the wheelchair where possible, and not over the wheelchair armrest.

01:45 – Attach the rear restraint belts to the designated anchor points at the rear of the wheelchair, ensuring they are firmly tensioned. The front and rear restraint belts should be secured at a recommended angle of 45 ^o on each corner of the wheelchair.