Abstract: The present invention is a device for securing a wheelchair to the floor of a vehicle such as a van or other floor surface. The wheelchair lock-down device includes a locking mechanism mounted on a base plate that, in turn, is mounted to the floor surface. The locking mechanism is made of a stationary locking structure that has a slot, and a moveable locking arm that pivots from a first (open) position to a second (closed) position to confine the bar within the slot. Contact of the wheelchair bar against the locking arm forces the locking arm to pivot upward to the second (closed) position. With that movement, a slidable locking structure slides forward and engages the locking arm to maintain it around the wheelchair bar until a release mechanism is activated. The device includes both manual- and electronically-activated release mechanisms.