subject: Understanding How Mobility Lifts Work [print this page] Understanding How Mobility Lifts Work Understanding How Mobility Lifts Work
If you are considering having a lift installed in your vehicle you may want to first understand how mobility lifts actually work. If you intend to have an existing or new van converted, it may require a lot of work depending on what you intend to do with it. Understanding mobility lifts will aid you in your decision.
There are two main types of mobility lifts, platform and arm; some store the wheelchair while others allow the wheelchair to act as the seat during transportation. Each type of lift works differently as each has a different purpose. There are even different types of lifts within each of the two main groups.
Platform Lifts
The platform type of mobility lifts allows the wheelchair to be rolled upon it and then it lifts the chair into the vehicle. This can be done in the back or the side of a vehicle depending on the type of vehicle. Whether the handicapped person is going to remain in the wheelchair during operation also must be considered when deciding on the type of mobility lift to purchase. Platform lifts are often seen on public transportation. If the platform lift is designed for personal use it is often smaller.
In short, the platform lift is installed in the side or back of a vehicle, or attached to the back of a vehicle. The wheelchair is either rolled or driven onto the platform and secured. Most of these platforms are electric and lift the wheelchair into the van or other vehicle, or simply lift them to be carried outside the vehicle. When intended to be occupied, the wheelchair may remain on the platform for transport or simply used to lift the wheelchair into the vehicle.
Arm Lifts
These mobility lifts are designed to place your wheelchair inside the vehicle to transport it. These are not used when the wheelchair will be occupied. These may be installed inside trunks of cars as well as SUVs and vans. The arm swings out and is attached to the wheelchair and then manually or electrically lifted. The arm swings the wheelchair inside the vehicle for storage. These are usually installed inside the vehicle.
Not all mobility lifts are designed for all handicapped vehicles. When deciding on the type of lift desired, you should be sure it will work with your type of vehicle or the one you intent to purchase for use with it.
