Wheelchair Seatbelts - Straps
The Equip Products Ankle, Leg, and Body Strap isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for many wheelchair users. From posture correction to fitness support, these versatile adaptive straps are a critical tool for safety, stability, and independence.
1. Supporting Upright Posture
For most able-bodied individuals, sitting upright is automatic. But for wheelchair users—especially those with paraplegia or neurological impairments—core control can be limited or nonexistent.
A chest or torso strap, snugly wrapped around the upper body and secured to the chair, helps users maintain an upright position and prevents falls. This is especially valuable for newly injured individuals still building stability.
2. Keeping Legs Together
Lack of muscle control in the legs can cause them to drift apart involuntarily. A leg strap wrapped around the thighs just above the knees helps keep the legs safely aligned. This prevents discomfort, improves posture, and avoids bumping into obstacles while navigating daily life in a wheelchair.
3. Securing Feet on the Footplate
Without control of their lower limbs, many users struggle to keep their feet positioned on the footrests. A strap around the lower legs—or even around the footplate itself—can help keep feet secure and reduce the need for constant repositioning.
4. Assisting with Leg Lifts and Transfers
Straps can act like handles to help users lift and reposition their legs. During bed transfers, getting in or out of a vehicle, or adjusting leg position in the chair, having a reliable strap makes a big difference. Occupational and Physical Therapists often teach this technique early in rehabilitation.
5. Supporting Adaptive Fitness Movements
Wheelchair athletes—whether in CrossFit, basketball, or rugby—use securement straps to enhance safety and performance during workouts. During pull-ups, muscle-ups, or ring exercises, the legs can move erratically without muscle control. A properly placed strap keeps legs in line and reduces injury risk.
Final Thoughts
Using a wheelchair strap is all about enhancing function, safety, and independence—but it must be done correctly. Never cinch straps too tight, especially for users with impaired circulation. Thin straps can also cause skin damage.
Equip Products straps are designed with user safety in mind. Made with seatbelt-strength outer webbing and padded with 3" neoprene and a soft backing, our straps prioritize comfort, skin protection, and durability.
Whether you’re securing for daily function or adaptive athletics, Equip’s Ankle, Leg, and Body Strap is trusted by users and professionals nationwide.