Over 3 million Americans use a manual wheelchair or an electric wheelchair (mobility scooter) as their primary mode of transportation. If you are one of them and need to transport your scooter or wheelchair safely and securely, getting a scooter lift for an SUV is the best option.
For vehicle owners, investing on a good scooter lift can be life-changing. It will make a huge difference between a physically-limiting life to mobility freedom.
With the constantly increasing demand and the benefits that scooter lifts or wheelchair lifts provide, manufacturers have released various models that can fit most vehicles.
However, scooter lifts may be financially-challenging even for those who need one. That is why you have to assess different options in the market to get the best value for money and find the right mobility scooter lift for you or a loved one.
We’ve listed some of the most important factors to consider when in the market for an electric or wheelchair lift for your mobility device. Keep on reading to learn more about how to find the right vehicle lifts for your power chair.
Consider the Type of Car or SUV You Have
Before going to random places to look for power wheelchair lifts or hoist lifts, identify the type of car or SUV you own. Not all mobility scooter lifts are designed to be installed in all autos, especially when it comes to SUVs due to different dimensions and weights.
Make sure to get the exact measurements of your vehicle’s interior space, such as the vehicle’s cargo area, width between wheel arches, the height from the ground to the cargo area, and the length of your vehicle’s doorway. These measurements will help you create a list of potential lift models suitable for your car/SUV.
Think About The Weight Capacity of Scooter Lifts
Weight capacity is probably one of the most important factors when it comes to choosing a scooter lift or power chair lift for your vehicle. Yes, you can put your scooter inside your vehicle with its matching dimension but it’s important to consider if your vehicle lift can handle the weight of your mobility device.
Check to see if your scooter or manual wheelchair is within the capacity range of the vehicle lift you’re looking at, and make sure it has a higher capacity than what you need so that there won’t be any issues in the future.
Check The Installation Method of Wheelchair Lifts
Another factor to consider is the installation method of the scooter or wheelchair carrier you’re looking at. Most lifts for scooters and wheelchairs come with either a swing-away or an inside platform design.
Swing-away models require less interior space as they are mounted outside your car or SUV, while inside platform designs are mounted inside your vehicle more permanently.
Confirm Compatibility of Mobility Device
Most sellers will help you check your hitch class to help you determine if your vehicle is compatible with the lift you’re looking at or not.
Generally, Class I, II, and III hitch class are suitable for most scooter lifts or power chair lifts in the market today, however, make sure to double-check before purchasing your mobility equipment.
Consider the Price
While this should be the least of your concern, it is still important to ensure that you get the most worth out of your money. There are numerous options available in the market today from budget-friendly electric wheelchair lifts to more expensive power chair lifts with additional features that may be necessary for your particular needs. Browse different hoist lift stores and compare prices to get the best value for money.
Lastly, take some time to read customer reviews and feedback about a particular model you’re looking at. It will help you gain more insight into how it works and know its performance in different conditions.
Find a Professional To Help With Mobility Scooter Lift Installation
Now, after purchasing your lift to help put your mobility device inside your car, you need to find someone who can professionally install it. Installation of power wheelchair lifts should be done properly and securely for it to work as expected, so make sure to hire a qualified technician experienced with the installation of mobility device carriers.
Try to ask for recommendations from your family or friends. You can also ask the store where you purchased your lift if they offer installation services as well. It will ensure that the work is done correctly and safely.
The Bottom Line
To sum up, there are many things to consider when looking for power wheelchair lifts or hoist lifts – from the type of car or SUV you own, weight capacity, and installation method, price, among others.
A wheelchair carrier works best with bigger vehicles such as full size vans, mini vans, and SUVs. Regardless of the type of transport, investing on a right mobility product can make a difference in a physically-disabled person’s life.
Make sure to take your time when shopping and do your research carefully so you can find the right lift that fits your needs. Also, hire a professional technician to help with the installation process. With these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision about which mobility device hoist or scooter lift car is best for you.
For maintenance tips, read our article “How To Maintain Your Mobility Scooter Lift” and get the most out of your mobile device carrier.
