It is standard industry practice in complex rehabilitation to fit seating components from one manufacturer to a wheelchair base supplied by another. This includes backrests, cushions, headrests, lateral supports, and other postural accessories.

Under the TGA’s personalised medical devices framework, these modifications fall within the category of an adaptable medical device — a device that is modified, adapted, or assembled after supply to suit a specific individual. Where the modification does not change the intended purpose of the wheelchair, no additional TGA regulatory obligations arise.

Motion Wheelchairs routinely prescribes and fits aftermarket seating components as part of our clinical service. In all cases, our clinical team assesses that the modification does not compromise the structural integrity, function, or standards compliance of the wheelchair base. The original seating component manufacturer can provide component-level compliance documentation on request.

Supply and assembly of complex assistive technology to meet individual postural needs necessitates that Motion Wheelchairs selects products from a range of manufacturers. As such, it is not possible for all combinations to be transport tested and approved.

Where a wheelchair is intended for user occupied transit, Motion Wheelchairs confirms that modifications do not alter the base frame, securement points, tiedown geometry, or any structural components relevant to transit safety. The crash test certification of the base (to ISO 7176-19) and compatibility with occupant restraint systems (per ISO 10542) remain as originally tested by the base manufacturer.