There are all sorts of vehicles where jump seats may be found and used. This type of seat is different from traditional bench-style or captain-style seating found in cars, trucks, RVs, buses, boats, or trains. Rather, it is a folding seat that can be opened and closed to create a seat for someone to sit, or to provide extra storage and cargo space.

A Brief History of the Jump Seat

The term “jump seat” was used prior to the invention of the automobile. The word can be traced back to the mid-1800s when people were using horse-drawn carriages for transportation. The jump seat was an important part of carriage designs. 

Stage Coach on Highway

A stage coach travels Outback Australia with dog riding on the back.

The primary use was when people traveled and wanted to bring along household staff. Since they were considered staff, they were not allowed to ride in the carriage with their employer. Instead, they had to sit in the jump seat on the rear of the carriage, so they could easily be available to open and close the carriage door and assist their employer in and out of the carriage. 

When automobiles were first invented, they were considered a luxury. The jump seat found its ways into automobile designs for the same reasons as carriages. Even after affordable vehicles came along, the jump seat continued to live on.

Today, you will still find jump seats in semi-trucks, buses, minivans, crossovers, RVs, boats, trains, and other such vehicles where extra seating may be occasionally required. For instance, on commercial buses, boats, and trains, jump seats are typically used in locations that can quickly be converted into wheelchair seating for passengers.

Wheelchair symbol in public transport

Wheelchair symbol in public transport 

Choosing the Right Jump Seat

When selecting a jump seat for your type of vehicle, you need to make sure it satisfies federal safety standards. For example, certain vehicles will require any jump seat to provide a seatbelt for the occupant. You will also want to make sure the overall dimensions of the seat will fit easily into the vehicle.

Please feel free to contact Suburban Seating & Safety at (844) SAS.SEAT (844-727-7328) for further help and assistance in finding the right jump seat for your vehicle today!

Jump seats