When considering accessibility for someone who uses a wheelchair or scooter, vehicle lifts shouldn't be forgotten. These lifts can be a big help in getting chairs or scooters into vans and other vehicles. Fortunately, there are lots of options available if you're shopping for a scooter or wheelchair lifts, depending on the use you'll need the lift for and the type you're looking for.
Lifts come in two varieties: platform and rotary. Platform lifts are available in solid and folding varieties, and can be operated either by hand, or automatically. Manual platform lifts are the least expensive. Rotary lifts are also called swing lifts, and move the wheelchair or scooter by swinging the platform inside or outside of the van, as well as moving it up and down. These lifts are not available in a manual version.
The above two kinds of wheelchair lifts are known as internal lifts. For those who wish to mount a scooter or wheelchair securely to the outside of a vehicle, external, or hitch mounted lifts are available. These are best used when there's no room on the inside of the vehicle for the chair or scooter. These lifts are usually manually operated, and can be less expensive than an internal wheelchair lift. External lifts are best suited for people who are not doing a lot of traveling. If you expect to be on the go a lot, consider an internal lift, instead.
A minivan, van, or SUV is usually required to mount a wheelchair lift, whether internal or external. This is because smaller vehicles may not have the space needed to accommodate the wheelchair or scooter. When shopping for wheelchair lifts to provide accessibility, you'll need to know a few things. First, the brand and dimensions of your wheelchair or scooter are important. Depending on the lift, special docking devices may be required to place mobility devices in your vehicle. Also, note down the exact make, model, and year of the vehicle you'll be installing the lift on. Depending on what vehicle you drive, some lifts may not fit. If you're shopping for an external lift, remember that your vehicle needs to have a Class II or Class III trailer hitch installed. The exact hitch required depends on the weight capacity you'll need. In general, the combined weight of your lift and wheelchair or scooter should be at least ten percent less than the hitch capacity.
Most wheelchair lifts are purchased online, due to the amount of customization required to fit lifts to many different kinds of vehicles. However, buying your lift online also allows you to comparison shop easily. Even if you buy from a brick and mortar store, you'll probably have to order a lift, so buying straight from a distributor makes excellent sense. When you buy a wheelchair lift, be sure that you purchase a warranty along with it. Pay close attention to the terms of that warranty, and be sure that you're covered by the manufacturer, not just the dealer.
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