subject: Comparing Inside and Outside Wheelchair Lifts [print this page] Comparing Inside and Outside Wheelchair Lifts
When you are buying wheelchair lifts for your van, you will have several options. You can choose to buy an outside lift or an inside lift. Each of these has their own advantages and disadvantages, and you will want to consider each before you buy one.
The outside wheelchair lifts keep your wheelchair or scooter on the outside of the vehicle, just as the name suggests. It is carried on the rear of the vehicle on a lift. One of the benefits of this type of lift is that you don't have to do any expensive modifications to the vehicle. They often attach right to the trailer hitch on the back of the van. The installation shouldn't take too long, but you need to make sure that you install it properly. If you don't know how to do it, have someone who is handy install the lift. After all, you want your chair to be safe. In addition to being easy to install, you will still have all of the room inside your vehicle to carry passengers and belongings.
One of the major disadvantages of this type of lift is that your chair is going to be out in the elements. Whenever it rains or snows, your scooter or chair will be exposed. If you have an electric mobility device, this is not going to be doing any favors for it! Other things, such as debris on the road can damage the chair. It can also be difficult to find parking that is going to accommodate the vehicle and the lift.
An inside lift brings the mobility device into the van. They can lift the chair or scooter and bring it right inside the van. When your device is inside, you don't have to worry about the weather or damage when you are on the road. You won't have as much trouble finding a place to park either. These are more expensive and you will need to have a professional install them. However, most people think that they are well worth the cost.
The only real disadvantage from the inside wheelchair lifts is that it is going to take up space inside the vehicle, and that means that you will not be able to carry as many passengers or belongings.
When you visit your local dealer, check out the different wheelchair lifts available and see which one seems to be the best fit for you.
