Adapted Transportation
Helping your child travel safely
Every time your child rides in a vehicle, safety matters. Parents and caregivers are responsible for ensuring children are buckled correctly. In Alberta, children under 18 kg (40 lb.) must be in a car seat. Children over 18 kg (40 lb.) should be in a booster seat until they are big enough to use a seat belt. Learn more about car seat guidelines in Alberta.
If your child is unable to move or position themselves well, you may need to think about what your child needs for extra support when they’re in a vehicle.
Who needs adapted transportation
Your child will likely get enough support from their bucket-style infant car seat. Once they have outgrown the infant car seat, you may discover that your child needs more support when they’re riding in a car seat.
Children who need extra support may not be safe in a standard car seat or booster seat. There are many rear facing, forward facing, and booster seat options with different sizing and positioning. One of these may meet your child’s needs for extra support.
There are also adapted car seats. These car seats are designed for children who need additional support with sitting when riding in a vehicle. They can have laterals to support your child’s torso and different head supports. These help to position them safely.
Work with your child’s healthcare team to determine the best car seat for your child’s needs. It’s important to make sure that any adapted car seat meets the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS). You may need to contact the manufacturer for clarification. If your child needs a seat that doesn’t meet the CMVSS, it’s important to get a letter from your child’s healthcare provider explaining why that seat is necessary.
If your child uses a wheelchair
Your child should still use a car seat or booster seat, even if they use a wheelchair for mobility. As your child gets older, they may be able to sit in a regular seat and seat belt. They may need support to learn to transfer into and out of the vehicle. Work with your child’s healthcare team to find the safest way to transfer.
Some children are transported in their wheelchairs when:
- they can’t be positioned safely in a car seat or booster seat
- transfers into and out of the vehicle become unsafe
If you think being transported in their wheelchair is the safest option for your child, talk to their healthcare provider and a seating professional. They can help you make the safest possible selections when choosing a wheelchair and vehicle accessibility.
Wheelchair transportation
There are some things to consider to be sure your child is safe when being transported in their wheelchair. First, be sure the wheelchair frame is RESNA WC19 compliant.
Securing the wheelchair
- It should be secured using 4 crash tested tiedown points that meet the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards.
- It needs to be secured forward facing, upright, with the brakes on.
- Power wheelchairs should be turned off.
- Remove hard trays and other equipment and secure them somewhere in the vehicle.
Securing your child
- Secure the vehicle shoulder and lap belt over your child.
- Make sure all positioning belts and straps are fastened. This helps your child maintain an upright position so the vehicle seat belt is most effective.
As a parent or caregiver, make informed choices when transporting your child.
- Learn the risks and benefits of each option.
- Always follow the instructions for your vehicle and any equipment you use.
Talk with your child’s doctor or nurse practitioner, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or the equipment vendor. They can support you to find and learn about the safest way to transport your child.
To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_transport_safely_child_inst.
Related information
For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.
Current as of: March 11, 2026
Author: Pediatric Rehabilitation Services, Alberta Health Services
This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.
