diff --git a/tests/shell-wheel-bridge.test.mjs b/tests/shell-wheel-bridge.test.mjs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..30fdef1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/shell-wheel-bridge.test.mjs
@@ -0,0 +1,111 @@
+import assert from 'node:assert/strict'
+import { describe, test } from 'node:test'
+import vm from 'node:vm'
+
+import {
+  buildHtmlArtifactShellDocument,
+  HTML_ARTIFACT_WHEEL_MESSAGE_TYPE,
+} from '../dist/sandbox.js'
+
+function readBridgeHeadScript() {
+  const html = buildHtmlArtifactShellDocument()
+  const match = html.match(/<script>([\s\S]*?)<\/script><\/head>/u)
+  assert.ok(match?.[1], 'expected HTML artifact bridge script in the document head')
+  return match[1]
+}
+
+function createWheelBridgeHarness({ embedded, rootScrollable = false }) {
+  const registrations = new Map()
+  const messages = []
+  const parentWindow = {
+    postMessage(message) {
+      messages.push(structuredClone(message))
+    },
+  }
+  const iframeWindow = {
+    addEventListener(type, listener, options) {
+      registrations.set(type, { listener, options })
+    },
+  }
+  iframeWindow.parent = embedded ? parentWindow : iframeWindow
+
+  vm.runInNewContext(readBridgeHeadScript(), {
+    document: {
+      documentElement: {
+        clientHeight: 240,
+        clientWidth: 320,
+        scrollHeight: rootScrollable ? 480 : 240,
+        scrollWidth: 320,
+      },
+    },
+    window: iframeWindow,
+  })
+
+  const registration = registrations.get('wheel')
+  assert.ok(registration, 'expected wheel bridge listener to be installed')
+  return { messages, registration }
+}
+
+describe('HTML artifact wheel bridge', () => {
+  test('gives an embedded host exclusive ownership of a forwarded wheel gesture', () => {
+    const { messages, registration } = createWheelBridgeHarness({ embedded: true })
+    let prevented = false
+
+    registration.listener({
+      cancelable: true,
+      deltaX: 4,
+      deltaY: 36,
+      preventDefault: () => {
+        prevented = true
+      },
+    })
+
+    assert.equal(prevented, true)
+    assert.equal(registration.options?.capture, true)
+    assert.equal(registration.options?.passive, false)
+    assert.deepEqual(messages, [
+      {
+        type: HTML_ARTIFACT_WHEEL_MESSAGE_TYPE,
+        deltaX: 4,
+        deltaY: 36,
+      },
+    ])
+  })
+
+  test('does not intercept wheel gestures in a standalone downloaded artifact', () => {
+    const { messages, registration } = createWheelBridgeHarness({ embedded: false })
+    let prevented = false
+
+    registration.listener({
+      cancelable: true,
+      deltaX: 0,
+      deltaY: 24,
+      preventDefault: () => {
+        prevented = true
+      },
+    })
+
+    assert.equal(prevented, false)
+    assert.deepEqual(messages, [])
+  })
+
+  test('keeps the iframe in control while its root document is scrollable', () => {
+    const { messages, registration } = createWheelBridgeHarness({
+      embedded: true,
+      rootScrollable: true,
+    })
+    let prevented = false
+
+    registration.listener({
+      cancelable: true,
+      deltaX: 0,
+      deltaY: 24,
+      preventDefault: () => {
+        prevented = true
+      },
+    })
+
+    assert.equal(prevented, false)
+    assert.deepEqual(messages, [])
+  })
+})