subject: Finding the Right Wheelchair Lift [print this page] Finding the Right Wheelchair Lift Finding the Right Wheelchair Lift
The many options for assistance available to people with mobility challenges are helpful in providing the use of transportation. People with needs that require a wheelchair or mobility scooter will likely need the assistance of a wheelchair lift for entering a vehicle and transporting the equipment. Many different types of lifts are available for installation on vehicles. The variety makes it easy for many different needs to be met. It is helpful to know a little bit about the different types of lifts available to ensure that the most helpful equipment is used.
Swivel Lifts, or curbside lifts, are often used as they provide a lot of flexibility when loading and unloading the wheelchair. This lift resembles a crane, as it has an arm that extends and lowers a cable or other fastening device. A major advantage to this type of wheelchair lift is that it has the ability to retrieve and deposit a mobility device anywhere that it can swivel to. For instance, a swivel lift mounted on the back of an SUV could swivel outwards to connect or manipulate a mobility device on a nearby curb or at the back of the vehicle. These lifts are also available in models for internal or external mounting.
Rear vehicle lifts are mounted on the back of the vehicle. This type of wheelchair lift can assist in loading a mobility device into the back of a van, or it may store them externally, allowing the mobility equipment to "piggy-back" on the vehicle. They are available in models with specific construction designs to resist the outside elements that may be encountered.
A third type of lift is the platform lift. A platform lift generally requires a larger vehicle for installation, due to the greater size. Full-size vans, shuttles, and buses are good candidates for this type of wheelchair lift. A platform lift can support a considerable amount of weight. Some models can be upgraded to lift up to 800lbs, so if the weight of mobility equipment is a factor, the platform lift should be a consideration. Due to their larger size, the platform lift is usually mounted on the side of the vehicle. Some models may also be installed underneath the vehicle, but this may require the manipulation of the vehicles exhaust system and fuel tanks.
These are many of the wheelchair lifts that are available to assist in loading and unloading mobility devices such as wheelchairs and scooters. With so many options available, there are solutions to meet most needs for mobility assistance.
