A system includes straps for retaining items on the lap of a user, or on the seat in front of a user, of a wheelchair or other mobility chair. The straps are retractable and may be extended and secured to retain one or more items positioned on the user’s lap or on the seat in front of the user. The straps mabe self-retracting. The straps may be self-locking. The user is free to propel and/or control the mobility chair while items are retained by the system.