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For mobility-impaired people, a wheelchair offers them a great way to move around extensively. They are the perfect devices to move in and outside your home, going to the local store and moving around the neighborhood.
If you are a wheelchair user or help transport someone in a wheelchair, you will be aware of the stress and difficulty of lifting and storing the wheelchair in your car. A wheelchair hoist allows easy loading, unloading, transporting, and storing your wheelchair in your car. When choosing a hoist or lift to transport your wheelchair, it is essential to check if your chosen model is very portable.
Many people with disabilities can maintain their independence while using the right equipment. As a wheelchair user, a car lift is a lifeline for you. Therefore, you must select the correct device that suits your wheelchair and vehicle.
We know that it can be difficult for you to choose a suitable hoist because of the various wheelchairs and vehicles available today. We have reviewed and evaluated the best wheelchair hoists for all sorts of vehicles and cars, so you can make use of this guide to find the right one for your needs.
Best Wheelchair Hoist & Carrier For Cars Compared
The TKMD wheelchair cargo carrier is the most durable steel wheelchair carrier on the market today. with a 500-pound weight capacity, it will hold the heaviest wheelchairs or mobility scooters available. the added security lip around the edge of the carrier for added protection when loading and unloading. this carrier also comes with a security system lock to prevent theft and keep your mobility device safe.
This unique carrier from Steady Carriers is specially designed to transport not only motorized wheelchairs but also scooters, bicycles, power chairs, and Drive Nitro rollators. The SRC-31 can be mounted on the rear of most vehicles. A hitch and wiring harness are included, as well as a protective carrier cover and a ramp to facilitate loading your wheelchair onto the carrier.
New Mobility Hitch Carrier For Wheelchair is an excellent addition to any vehicle. The mobility carrier & ramp will allow you to easily transport your wheelchair, power scooter, and hitch rack. Designed in such a way that it will not interfere with your rearview visibility when backing up. Simultaneously load or unload 2 devices with its unique 2-way built-in ramp system.
Silver Spring’s SC500-V3 Folding Steel Scooter and Wheelchair Carrier with Ramp is an economical option for personal mobility. It features sturdy steel construction with a weight capacity of 500 lbs. This scooter and wheelchair carrier includes a 60″ long x 29″ wide ramp which extends out from the rear of the carrier, making it easy to load.
KUAFU Folding Power Chair and Scooter Carrier are ideal for carrying power chairs or scooters with you on your RV or truck. With this Power Chair and Scooter Carrier, you can now transport your mobility device with ease. The carrier features steel construction, so it can accommodate most types of mobility transport It’s designed for both two and four-inch square trailer hitches.
Load your wheelchair or scooter into your SUV, minivan, pickup truck, or van safely and easily with the Silver Spring Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier Utility Basket with Loading Ramp. The lightweight aluminum carrier is easy to install and includes a loading ramp that makes loading simple from the back of your vehicle. Aside from that, this product is also compatible with most of the vehicles in the market since it is already a universal fit item, so you don’t have to worry about its compatibility as well.
The Ultra-Tow Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier with Ramp is a versatile carrier that is ideal for loading wheelchairs, lawnmowers, snowblowers, and more into the back of an SUV, van, or truck bed. It has a 500-lb. load capacity on a 60in. x 30in. platform with 3 tie-down points to secure cargo. Two foldable 53in. ramp deploys manually, providing easy access to cargo.
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What are Wheelchair Hoists?
Wheelchair hoists are secured platforms that help raise or lift wheelchairs, scooters, or people in mobility devices to and from a vehicle. Hoists can also lift an occupied wheelchair or the wheelchair itself over the stairs. Wheelchair hoists can be used both inside and outside the home.
For example, an outdoor wheelchair lift can be used when a ramp becomes too steep or rugged for the person in a wheelchair to navigate. In addition, wheelchair hoists can be installed in cars, offices, or homes; they conveniently move a wheelchair from the front porch to the driveway or from the parking lot to the car.
Can Wheelchair Hoists Work In Cars?
A wheelchair hoist can help transfer your wheelchair, scooter, or mobility equipment into your vehicle. Additionally, power scooter lifts can help you in boarding your vehicle.
Why Do You Need a Wheelchair Lift?
Life in a wheelchair becomes complicated when you cannot get to some areas of your home. The ability to take your wheelchair to and from different locations comfortably will simplify your life.
A carrier can help you take your mobile device anywhere you want to go. With a carrier, you can take your wheelchair along with you to the gym, a restaurant, visit family and old friends, move around town. With this platform, you won’t feel restricted to your activities.
Can I Install Wheelchair Lifts On My Car By Myself?
You can’t install your wheelchair lift on your vehicle by yourself. Wheelchair and scooter lifts for cars require specialized tools and knowledge for safe installation. In addition, the lift installation involves drilling into the trunk or storage area of your vehicle and wiring the unit to your car battery. Therefore, a novice or non-professional should not install a mobility lift for safety reasons.
How Are Wheelchair Car Lifts Installed?
Several exterior lifts (manual and electric inclusive) are installed with a Universal Class III, IV, or IV hitch receiver at the back of the car. Generally, hitches are bought separately from lifts, but some come with adapters.
If the lift is powered, it will have to be connected to a power source. Most electric-powered lifts are usually connected directly to the car battery for operation. However, some lifts, especially the advanced hybrid lifts, require drilling into the cargo space or trunk. The installation of wheelchair lifts is an easy job for someone with a high level of experience in mechanics, automobiles, and electricity.
It is good to hire a professional to install powered lifts to your vehicle. Auto shops offer wheelchair lift installation services and can assist you if called upon.
Best Wheelchair Hoist And Carrier For Cars
If you’re disabled and wondering which wheelchair hoist and carrier is the best option for your car, or probably wonder if you should purchase a wheelchair hoist that comes with a lift or one that you would have to install.
This guide will help shed some light on which wheelchair carrier to buy. We’ve reviewed and compared some of the best wheelchair carriers and hoist for cars right now, to help you make an easy decision.
1. Silver Spring SC500-V3 Folding Steel Wheelchair Carrier
The Silver Spring Folding Steel Scooter is built to provide mobility aids of up to 500 pounds. It comes with an extra-long 59-inch long ramp to fold up front for travel and easy storage. This lift can be used in different locations and vehicles, even with higher trucks. In addition, this device can be folded down for better visibility or folded up against the car for more accessible parking when not in use.
The Silver Spring SC500-V3 can carry both wheelchairs and scooters. This facility eases the movement of individuals with disabilities and makes mobility less difficult for them. In addition, it is compatible with any car with class III or IV 2-inch hitches from 11 to 18 inches from the ground.
To release the ramp, the user pulls down the ergonomically designed handle of this lift. The wheelchair ramp can be folded down or stowed upfront when not used. However, it makes more sense to be folded up against the car for easy storage in tight spaces.
This product comes with a 5/8-inch hitch pin and an anti-rattle device that reduces noise and the risk of wear and tear. The Silver Spring SC500-V3 with Ramp is made out of powder-coated skill. The heavy-duty construction of the device provides support and ensures the long-time durability of the product. In addition, it includes ten integrated tie-down points, which give you various options to secure the wheelchair to the carrier.
It may be too heavy for one person to lift this carrier like all manual lifts. Individuals with less strength, arthritis and other health conditions may struggle to lift it. The ramp on its part is sturdy and lightweight. If you are faced with limited strength, perhaps, getting an electric lift will be a better option. Overall, this gadget is an excellent mobility device to get. The built-in features and price will surely appeal to most individuals.
2. Harmar Mobility AL100 Universal Scooter Lift
The Harmar Mobility AL100 happens to be one of the world’s most common lifts for scooters today. It doesn’t require any effort from the user as it is fully automated. Aside from its easy-to-use operation, it includes a free vinyl weather cover and a swing-away arm that allows for quick access to the vehicle’s trunk.
The AL100 Universal Scooter Lift offers a tremendous 350-pound lifting capacity, and it accommodates scooters of up to 42-inch wheelbase. In addition, this lift will work on almost all scooters – thanks to its arm hold-down feature. Although it won’t work with most power chairs, tie-downs can be purchased separately by the user to secure a power wheelchair if the need arises.
This lift is fully automated, and it requires less or no effort from the user. The caregiver or senior using the lift will only perform minimal roles like navigating the scooter into the platform, inserting & turning the activation key, walking from the lift to board the car.
This lift comes with a hardwire kit connected directly to the vehicle’s battery. Also, there is a license plate mount and a manual crank back up if it loses power. This battery-powered car scooter lift works nicely and is relatively easy to operate. This lift includes a Class III 2-inch hitch receiver standard. However, a Class II hitch is also available (optional). If the hitch’s height is above 18 inches, a hitch drop adapter (sold separately) will be required.
The company behind this product, Harmar, has an impressive track record and reputation, having built excellent customer service over the years. Before finalizing your purchase, verify the model of your scooter, car, and hitch type. They do this to ensure that the lift is suitable for your needs.
3. MAXXHAUL 70275 Aluminum Cargo Carrier
The Maxxhaul 70275 is excellent for hauling wheelchairs, scooters, garden equipment, and small wheeled devices. It is constructed from lightweight aluminum so that it won’t wear away or rust. The powder-coated heavy-duty steel reinforcements under the basket further increase its strength. The sturdy construction of the basket adds to its durability.
For several years, Maxxhaul has been consistently impressing seniors due to its products’ robust construction and durability. The MaxxHaul 70275 Aluminum Cargo Carrier with Ramp remains an excellent choice for seniors with sedans. It features a wide carrier bed that supports your mobility device, whether a scooter or wheelchair. In addition, many sedans will be able to pull modest loads on this cargo carrier because the device itself is lightweight.
The open-floor platform design makes it easy for users to clean and maintain this carrier. The 60-inch folding ramp is lengthy enough to reach most curbs, and there are built-in reflectors to improve road safety. It also comes with closely spaced rungs that can accommodate equipment with small wheels.
The carrier’s basket is made with 8-inch tall sides for better stability. The design ensures unlimited tie-down options coupled with its dedicated anchor points. In addition, its design makes it easy for mobility devices to be well-secured, irrespective of their size and shape.
Many seniors will appreciate the sturdiness, lightweight and rust, and corrosion-resistant design of this carrier. The simplicity and easiness in raising and lowering the ramp are features we like about this carrier. We would have loved it if the manufacturer included tie-downs to this carrier. However, the affordable price and lightweight design make it a good pick.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Wheelchair Carrier For Your Car
Now that you have decided to get a hoist for your wheelchair, it is essential to consider choosing the right platform for your needs. But how do you know the suitable model for your needs?
We have provided you with three easy steps in choosing the right wheelchair lift:
1. Identify and Access Your Needs
You are probably wondering what kinds of things you should consider when planning to purchase a wheelchair carrier for your car. Well, the first thing is to identify your needs and then access them. You need to know what exactly you expect from the wheelchair carrier.
When accessing your general needs, it is pertinent to look out for the following:
First, are you the person who would be using the lift? Secondly, will you be able to operate the type of lift you want? Just as mentioned, you will need a power lift or a lift with power features if you have limited agility and strength.
You also need to consider how often you are going to use the wheelchair carrier because it will determine whether or not you buy the one that is made of heavy-duty material or the one that is made of lightweight material.
2. Wheelchair Model
First and foremost, you need to consider what kind of chair you will be using with the carrier. If you have an electric chair, then you will likely need a larger carrier than if you have a standard manual wheelchair. This is because the latter can be folded up and placed in a smaller carrier. Again, this depends entirely on what kind of chair you use.
3. Product Options and Features
Wheelchair carriers are the perfect solution for transporting a disabled person and their wheelchair. The carriers can be purchased in a variety of sizes and styles to suit different needs. The most popular options are hitch-mounted carriers, which allow for easy loading and unloading, along with a smooth ride.
Hitch mounted wheelchair lift carriers come with various options and features including ramp storage style, ramp holding style, tilting trays, manual tilting ramps, and even lift loading style. Some features can make this process easier for those who have limited strength or mobility.
4. Evaluation and Decision
Every model of wheelchair lift has its pros and cons, so there is nothing like a perfect choice out there. Just think about it like you are purchasing a new vehicle for your needs. You may consider factors like seating, fuel economy, speed, maintenance costs, efficiency, etc.
When purchasing a lift for your mobility device, you need to evaluate your needs before deciding which brand or model to get. Please don’t get a lift simply because of its design or cost.
Do you need a lightweight or heavy-duty material? Do you want a platform with a significant weight capacity? Do you need a device that is easy and simple to use? At this point, evaluate your needs carefully, and this will help you decide what will work for you.
5. Types of Mobility Lifts
There are different types of mobility lifts in the market. The three main types of mobility lifts include; power, manual and hybrid lifts. Each of these lifts has a unique selling point and can be beneficial depending on your needs.
A power lift is mounted on the outside of a car or vehicle. These lifts are the perfect choice for scooter and wheelchair users with limited space. They automatically fold against the vehicle when they are not in use.
Most models are designed with a swing-away feature for trunk access. This lift type allows passengers and users to operate the vehicle without obstruction. Power lifts can either be connected to the car battery or operated via the battery pack. Power lifts are an ideal choice for people who lack strength or skill.
Manuel vehicle lifts remain a prevalent option in the market. They are budget-friendly and provide the most economical option for people. Manual lifts are affordable because the user does the work. Typically, manual lifts require some effort to release the ramp, and this is why they may not be suitable for someone with limited strength. Also, they do not swing out of the away for trunk access.
A hybrid wheelchair hoist for cars is built to have a chair loaded outside the vehicle. Then, the chair is carried inside the vehicle. The type of lift is a good option for those worried about the effects of highway hazards or weather on their wheelchair/mobility equipment.
Wheelchair car hoists can be a great gift to a senior or an individual who is disabled. Instead of being grounded and confined to a wheelchair all day, a wheelchair lift can help them maintain self-sufficiency by making them move around and do certain things on their own.
Whatever your needs are, have it in mind that there are varieties of options that meet those needs.