There are key legal and best practice requirements that organisations must follow when providing support mobility vehicles such as wheelchair-accessible vans. Ensuring your staff are properly trained and your operations comply with all relevant regulations isn’t just best practice — it’s essential for safety, compliance, and client confidence.
- Legal Framework: Health & Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA)
Under the Health & Safety at Work Act 2015, vehicles used for work — including mobility vehicles — are considered part of the “workplace.”
This means employers and persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must ensure the health and safety of both workers and those impacted by their operations.
You must identify and manage risks associated with mobility vehicle use, such as:
- Securing wheelchairs correctly
- Safe ramp and lift operation
- Preventing slips, trips, and falls
- Regular vehicle and equipment maintenance
Training, supervision, inspection routines, and documented procedures are all critical parts of compliance. Failing to train staff or operating with unsafe practices can expose your organisation to serious liability, penalties, or — most importantly — harm to passengers and staff.
- NZQA / Unit standards: Accredited training for mobility vehicle use
Consistency and recognised competence are best achieved through NZQA-accredited training, which ensures your staff are qualified to safely operate mobility vehicles and support passengers with disabilities.
Key unit standards include:
- Unit Standard 15165: Transport passengers in wheelchairs using Total Mobility vehicles – covering legal, procedural, and practical requirements.
- Unit Standard 1748: Transport passengers with impairments or disabilities – focusing on communication, handling mobility aids, and passenger interaction.
At Auto Transform, we deliver comprehensive staff training programs that align with these NZQA standards — giving your team the confidence and capability to operate mobility vehicles safely and professionally.
Our programs combine theory with hands-on practice, ensuring staff are fully equipped to meet compliance expectations and provide the highest level of passenger care.
- Technical & operational requirements
Effective training must also cover the technical and operational safety aspects of mobility vehicle use, including:
- Ramp and lift operation: Safe gradients, non-slip surfaces, edge protection, and manual overrides.
- Wheelchair securement: Correct use of four-point tie-down systems, forward-facing positioning, and compliant restraints (AS/NZS 10542).
- Vehicle modifications & certification: Any modified mobility vehicle (e.g. lowered floor, installed lift) must meet LVV certification under NZTA guidelines.
- Warrant of Fitness & inspections: Ongoing roadworthiness and compliance with modification standards.
- Passenger safety: Adequate headroom, strong seatbelt anchors, caregiver access, and safe movement within the vehicle.
Training should always include both theory (legislation, policy, communication) and hands-on practice (real ramps, lifts, and emergency simulations).
- Auditing, record-keeping & continual improvement
Maintaining safety and compliance requires consistent follow-through:
- Keep detailed training records (dates, staff names, units completed).
- Schedule refresher courses regularly, especially after new equipment or regulation changes.
- Conduct risk reviews and investigate incidents to update your training content.
- Inspect ramps, lifts, tie-downs, and vehicles regularly — and log all findings and maintenance actions.
- Practical tips for organisations
- Tailor your training to your fleet and client profiles.
- Create clear, written procedures and checklists for all stages — from loading to emergencies.
- Engage frontline staff in health and safety planning; their input ensures real-world practicality.
Partner with us for complete compliance confidence
At Auto Transform, we’re proud to be New Zealand’s trusted partner in mobility vehicle safety, compliance, and staff training.
Our integrated approach ensures your team and fleet operate to the highest standards — every day.
We offer:
- Comprehensive maintenance packages designed for mobility and accessible vehicles.
- Tailored staff training programs aligned with NZQA unit standards and industry best practice.
- Fleet compliance audits and refresher support to help you meet ongoing HSWA obligations.
Whether you’re managing a single mobility van or a nationwide fleet, Auto Transform can help you maintain total confidence in your safety, compliance, and passenger care.
Get in touch today to learn more about our Maintenance and Staff Training Packages — and keep your team and passengers safe, every trip.
