subject: Handicap Lifts for Scooters and Wheelchairs [print this page] Handicap Lifts for Scooters and Wheelchairs
There are several kinds of handicap lifts available for vehicles that fit most needs. These must be designed individually based on the vehicle that is being retrofitted. There are platform lifts, hoist lifts, seat lifts, and wheelchair lifts, and you may have more than one option available for your situation.
A hoist lift is typically mounted inside the vehicle and has a crane type boom that swings out to pickup or drop off the wheelchair or scooter. These will work with most vans, SUVs, and pickup trucks. They may be a little tricky for the operator because there is more to moving the chair than just up and down controls.
There are a few different styles to handicap lifts that feature platforms. A scooter lift may be attached to the rear hitch receiver and be completely external. This makes it simple to remove and reattach if you trade vehicles. Most of these are very simple to operate, and the scooter can be pulled onto the lift from either side.
Most exterior handicap lifts lock the scooter or chair in automatically when it is raised, saving the owner the difficult task of having to do it by hand each time the scooter is loaded. Some designs feature a fold up platform that keeps it out of the way when the scooter is not being used.
If you own a van that has a rear hatch that completely lifts up, a more sophisticated lift can be mounted inside the vehicle in the cargo area. This features a mechanical retractable arm that carries the scooter from the ground back into the vehicle so it is out of the weather. This is a more expensive lift than the one that mounts to the outside and presents more difficulty in changing from one vehicle to another.
Handicap lifts for wheelchairs are very similar to scooter lifts. Inside the van, lifts can be installed either on the passenger side or in the rear cargo area. Some of these are mounted on the outside and underneath the van to provide accessibility for passengers when the wheelchair is not inside.
Lifts usually have optional power door controls so the entire operation can be handled by a couple of buttons. Some designs allow the handicap driver to move from the car seat to the wheelchair before opening the door so no assistance is needed from the passenger.
Other lift options may be available to you, check with your local mobility specialist to see.
